Back in stock: Blues

Review: Recorded in 1968 at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco, California; Live Wire/Blues Power is a timeless live album by the great blues guitarist Albert King. Known as one of the "three Kings of blues" alongside BB King and Freddie King, this courtly rally, mic'ed up to pristine clarity, hears the wisest of these three wise men proclaim the universally apprehensible power of the blues. Alongside standards from Herbie Hancock ('Watermelon Man') and B.B. ('Please Love Me'), 'Blues Power' is the most salient track here, sticking out among the bunch as a song exclusively performed for this unassailable live show and this unassailable live show alone. "Everybody understands the blues... everybody from one day to another has the blues... you take the lil' baby that's laying in the cradle, he can't get that milk bottle fast enough, he go to kickin' and cryin' and going on tearin' up the little baby bed... he got the blues! Can you dig it?!" Nobody escapes the blues, and that is its power. Now, *that* is a message we can get behind.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Genre-defying trio Little Barrie & Malcolm Catto - their bassist Lewis Wharton is the third one, if you're wondering - have created an album brimming with explosive energy and diverse influences fusing rock 'n roll, deep funk, jazz, and fuzzy atmospherics. Barrie Cadogan (guitar/vocals) has played with everyone from The The to Primal Scream, but this LP moves well away from indie templates, employing a freeform approach, experimenting with tempos, volumes and textures. Tracks like 'Spektator' and 'Sick 8' showcase their ability to build subtle momentum and then let it slip back, allowing space for intricate instrumentation and lots of vivid expression.

Review: Joanne Shaw Taylor's upcoming album, Heavy Soul, is a compelling fusion of contemporary soul-pop and traditional blues roots, as showcased in her latest single 'Change of Heart.' Collaborating with legendary songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman, Taylor delivers a poignant narrative exploring the vulnerability and courage of opening up to love. With expressive vocals and masterful guitar playing, Taylor infuses the track with warmth and authenticity, setting the stage for an album that bridges the gap between her previous work and her blues origins. In 'Devil In Me,' Taylor delves into darker realms of soul and blues, confronting personal struggles with raw energy and candid lyrics. Meanwhile, her reinterpretation of Van Morrison's classic 'Someone Like You' adds a fresh, blues-inflected spin to the timeless love song, showcasing Taylor's determination and soulful expression. Produced by Kevin Shirley and featuring an array of accomplished musicians, Heavy Soul is poised to be another landmark in Taylor's illustrious career. With each release, Taylor reaffirms her position as a rising star in the music world, blending contemporary sounds with traditional blues elements to create a soulful experience for listeners.