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There’s nothing quite like taking home some fresh vinyl and putting it on the turntable for the first time. It’s a total experience. Each month we pull together a collection of reissues, JB-exclusives, or just straight-up classic long players to add to any burgeoning collection. Words Zoë Radas, Paul Jones

CHART Vinyl

THE ROLLING STONES HOT ROCKS 1964-71

Much like the Beatles, the Stones have enjoyed a media reconnection in 2023 off the back of their impressive latest album, Hackney Diamonds . For those taking their first plunge into Stones’ territory or for the fan keen to explore the evolution of material, Hot Rocks remains the definitive compilation of the band’s early career that not only catalogues the chart bangers but leans into album tracks too. The double album gatefold

THE BEATLES 1962-1966 3LP 180GM THE BEATLES 1967-1970 3LP 130GM ½ SPEED MASTERS Released in 1973 and unofficially known as the Red and Blue albums, the twin double LPs documented the rise and fall of the Fab Four across 54 of their biggest tracks, but the sound was notoriously poor. However, the albums have just been re-released, with extra songs and remastered with some sonic secret sauce. The ’73 track listing still exists over 2LPs per album, but a third record has been added to both the Red and Blue albums with 21 new tracks (including Now and Then ) that serve to tell a more cohesive story across a chronological physical playlist. Giles Martin, son of the great George, used cutting-edge technology to isolate the instruments and voices to create an outstanding stereo mix. Beatles’ fans will notice the difference immediately, particularly on the early ’60s mono tracks, where the bass, drums, vocals, and guitar parts are presented with incredible clarity, bringing a new, crisp, and vibrant lease of life to the songs. Each gatefold album features lyrics on the inner sleeve and a separate insert with sleeve notes documenting a brief history pertaining to the two album timelines. On top of the new stereo mixes, the 180gm albums have been cut at half speed, producing a glorious, rich, and detailed sound on good equipment. This is simply a must-have for Beatles fans. TOP TRACK: Yesterday FAST FACT: The original Beatles 1962-1966 album featured no songs from George Harrison. However, this has been corrected in the new release, including Taxman and If I Needed Someone .

reissue is pressed in sturdy 180gm black vinyl and is essentially a pair of records that deserve a place in any burgeoning collection of classics. TOP TRACK: Gimme Shelter FAST FACT: A 12x platinum seller, Hot Rocks was compiled by former manager Allen Klein after gaining control of the band’s early material. The Stones had no input at all.

1. TAYLOR SWIFT 1989 (Taylor’s Version) 2. TAYLOR SWIFT Midnights 3. THE ROLLING STONES Hackney Diamonds 4. TAYLOR SWIFT Lover 5. TAYLOR SWIFT Folklore (In the Trees Edition) 6. TAYLOR SWIFT Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) 7. CAROLINE POLACHEK Desire, I Want to Turn Into You 8. EVANESCENCE Fallen (20th Anniversary Edn.) 9. TAYLOR SWIFT evermore 10. COLD CHISEL Last Stand (40th Anniversary Edn.)

ROBBIE WILLIAMS XXV (2022)

The phrase ”Let me entertain you” came across as a manic plea on Robbie Williams’ debut solo album. But here – as the opener of a generous collection of orchestra- and-choir-augmented hits from the English superstar’s extensive catalogue, to celebrate 25 years in the biz – it’s more like a distinguished suggestion from the now mature (but still electric) artist. This track especially benefits from its new arrangement, with pops of fat brass and a breakbeat section of soulful female harmonies – but the entire album is alive with savvy details.

Candy makes the most of puffing, chugging sax and Supreme is turned into gorgeous lounge, the interpolated strings from Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive soaring with fresh drama. XXV is a genuine rediscovery, from the guy who’s all about reworking his material. Be sure to get the deluxe version, to hear all three new tracks. TOP TRACK: Supreme FAST FACT: Upon its release, XXV became Williams 14th UK number one album, which broke Elvis’s record for solo act with the most UK chart-topping long players.

FOO FIGHTERS THE ESSENTIAL FOO FIGHTERS (2022)

WHAM! THE SINGLES: ECHOES FROM THE EDGE OF HEAVEN (2023)

When a band opens their ’Essential’ hits with a crown jewel – in this case, Foos’ 1997 smash Everlong – one might assess the tracklist as having peaked as early as it’s possible to do – what a no-no! But from that perennial heart-shredder this collection pushes you out of the cargo hold and sends you freefalling through a string of songs that are not just essential Foo Fighters, but essential music for the soul. Early gems My Hero, Monkey Wrench and Learn to Fly glow next to mid-career hits Best of You, Times Like These and All My Life , as well as later, stadium-heaving monoliths The Sky Is a Neighbourhood and Waiting on a War . Tripping down this memory lane will have your cup spilleth over with that bittersweet ferocity Dave Grohl and his boys (including the late Taylor Hawkins) spit so effortlessly. All legendary, no lemons. TOP TRACK: Everlong (Acoustic Version) FAST FACT: The tinny ditty which Grohl hears in the elevator at the beginning of Monkey Wrench ’s clip is a muzak version of the band’s debut album track Big Me – which appears here on disc two.

Yes, this "Best of" really does span just five years – 1981 to 1986. How is it possible that two dudes from Hertfordshire managed to net the world’s hearts in only half a decade? Wham! die-hards and post disco aficionados will tell you it’s down to the rare musical chemistry between Andrew Ridgeley and the late George Michael, and the pair’s songwriting prowess really does sparkle anew throughout this massive compilation. Along with enduring bangers Club Tropicana, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Everything She Wants , we get a splash of remixes (including Last Christmas and Freedom ), and a stunning acapella version of 1985’s number one hit I’m Your Man . Ridgeley has said that the years represented here were ”almost exclusively a joyful and positive period in both our lives,” and you’ll feel the truth of his statement when you spin this pack of pop diamonds. TOP TRACK: Freedom (Long Mix) FAST FACT: This compilation was released two days after the Netflix film Wham! , which documents the band’s career from the moment Michael and Ridgeley met at Bushey Meads School in 1975, at 11 and 12 years old respectively.

32 DECEMBER 2023

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