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Album Review: Prince – (1) Art Official Age and (2) Plectrumelectrum

6th January 2015

When Prince was in London in 2007 for his record breaking run at the O2 Arena he must have been subconsciously influenced by the red buses. Why? We have waited 4 years for a new Prince album and now 2 new ones come along at once.

Manic Street Preachers - Futurology - Album Cover

Album Review: Manic Street Preachers – Futurology

3rd September 2014

Out now is Futurology, the much anticipated follow up to last year's Rewind The Film. Whereas that album was almost entirely acoustic here we return to the Manics usual electric indie rock style. And what a return to style it is!

Album Review: Kasabian – 48:13

28th July 2014

The Leicester lads have issued their 5th studio album called 48:13, which is its total running time. Judged in isolation it is a good enough affair. But how does it fit in with the preceding 4 albums and Kasabian's career since the band's first release in 2004?

Album Review: Coldplay – Ghost Stories

1st July 2014

Could it be true? Do Coldplay read BIGLiveActs reviews? We ask because this 6th studio album, Ghost Stories, answers many of the complaints that we had about the recording quality of Mylo Xyloto. As for the content, it could hardly be more different.

Classic Album Review: XTC - Nonsuch

16th May 2014

This review of the 1992 album Nonsuch by XTC is triggered by its recent re-release in a remixed and expanded edition under the banner “The Surround Sound Series”. It is believed that all of the XTC albums will gradually be re-released, the next in line possibly being Drums and Wires.

Album Review: John Newman - Tribute (Deluxe Edition)

8th April 2014

A few months ago John Newman was heard everywhere thanks to 2 hugely successful No. 1 singles. His much anticipated first album followed and was widely praised by the music buying public although it received a mixed reaction from the critics.

Album Review: Paul McCartney - New (Deluxe Edition)

17th March 2014

At 71 years of age, and with a 50 year recording career under his belt, Paul McCartney could rightly retire with a job well done. But no, he has recently released his latest album of all new compositions, and it is called New.

Manic Street Preachers - Rewind The Film - Album Cover

Album Review: Manic Street Preachers - Rewind The Film

16th December 2013

For their 11th studio album, Rewind The Film, Welsh rockers the Manic Street Preachers have chosen to go acoustic, with barely an electric guitar in sight. Do not despair, the result is a melodic and haunting album up there with the best.

Stereophonics - Graffiti On The Train - Album Cover

Album Review: Stereophonics - Graffiti On The Train

24th June 2013

Welsh rockers Stereophonics have followed up their somewhat disappointing last album, Keep Calm And Carry On, with this latest studio production, now on their own Stylus label. Called Graffiti On The Train it is a distinct improvement and, along with the new label, seems to herald a renewed recording energy.

Album Review: Bon Jovi - What About Now

16th May 2013

This year Bon Jovi celebrate 30 years together and have released their 12th studio album, What About Now. The group remains hugely successful: in 2011 Bon Jovi grossed over £192M from live appearances, being eclipsed only by U2. Therefore we expected great things from the new album.

Jeff Wayne's - The War Of The Worlds - The New Generation - Album Cover

Album Review: Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds, The New Generation

29th January 2013

Following our Classic Album Review of the original 1978 version of War Of The Worlds we have now considered Jeff Wayne's newly updated release. Rightly or wrongly this new version is bound to be compared to the original. Is it found wanting? Read on...

Album Review: Calvin Harris - 18 Months

6th December 2012

18 Months is Scottish DJ, singer and producer Calvin Harris's third album and follows his two UK Gold selling albums, I Created Disco in 2007 and Ready For The Weekend in 2009. It hardly sounds new as six of the tracks are already familiar, having been released as singles and become hits.

Album Review: Ellie Goulding - Halcyon

26th November 2012

Ellie Goulding has certainly had a very successful time over the last 3 years. He début album Lights (later re-issued as Bright Lights) went straight to No.1 in the UK album chart. She won awards, sang a song for a John Lewis advert and has recently released her second album, Halcyon, which has just missed the top spot.

Album Review: Fun - Some Nights

15th November 2012

Fun is an American 3 piece indie pop boy band. The first album, Aim and Ignite in 2009, failed to dent the UK chart but the second, Some Nights, has been a breakthrough for the band this year. Having played it a few times it is clear that here is a case of Fun by name and fun by music.

Album Review: Leona Lewis - Glassheart

1st November 2012

Leona Lewis's second album, Echo, was released in November 2009. After a gap of almost three years her third, Glassheart, has now appeared. If time spent equals quality achieved then Glassheart should be a winner. But is it?

Album Review: Muse - The 2nd Law

8th October 2012

Warn the neighbours. Put the pets out. Remove delicate items. Keep ear defenders handy. Strap yourself into your chair. Pump up the volume. Muse are back!

Album Review: The Killers - Battle Born

3rd October 2012

The Killers have had an amazingly successful run since the band was formed in 2001. The first 3 studio albums went to No. 1 in the UK album charts. Now after a 4 year gap the latest album Battle Born has been released and has gone straight to the top in its first week. Four in a row is impressive.

Spector - Enjoy It While It Lasts - Album Cover

Album Review: Spector - Enjoy It While It Lasts

1st October 2012

Here is the debut album from London indie rock band Spector. The five piece outfit was formed in 2010 by 24 year old vocalist and guitarist Fred Macpherson, a cocksure frontman who certainly divides opinion. Enjoy It While It Lasts was never going to live up to his hype, but is it any good?

Aiden Grimshaw - Misty Eye - Album Cover

Album Review: Aiden Grimshaw - Misty Eye

24th September 2012

Wow! Again Wow! Nay, thrice Wow! Who would have expected an X Factor contestant to break the mould and release an album that was anything other than typical production line pop. Step forward Aiden Grimshaw who, with his album Misty Eye, has given us an outstandingly individual and different debut.

The Vaccines - Come Of Age - Album Cover

Album Review: The Vaccines - Come of Age

20th September 2012

London indie rock band The Vaccines broke into the big time with their first album What Do You Expect From The Vaccines? It was the best selling band debut album of 2011. Now the four piece have issued their second album in double quick time and it has gone straight to the top of the charts.

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