INDISPENSABLE REISSUES & COLLECTIONS
August 2026
by Kristine England
August 31, 2026
The Selecter
At The BBC: The Complete Recordings 1979-1981
The iconic ska group made its debut on Two Tone Records in 1979 and just six months later landed its first of many sessions on John Peel's legendary BBC program. The 30 tracks on this collection are the first time all of the Peel recordings have been released on one set. Released as either a 3 LP or 2 CD + Blu-ray set, each features liner notes by Simon Price.
FEATURED TRACK: "Three Minute Hero"
Marquee Moon
Television
Television was one of the most influential bands in the NYC punk scene in the mid-70s, credited with inspiring both punk and alt-rock bands for years after its initial run. The 1977 debut, Marquee Moon, was released to nearly universal acclaim and remains an important touchstone for the era. The first of three releases hits on August 29. First is a limited edition audiophile 2LP box set issued on 180 gram vinyl from Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab. A clear vinyl limited edition version and Rhino expanded CD edition will be released in October.
FEATURED TRACK: "Friction"
Queen
Live at Wembley Stadium
Between the historic Live Aid performance in 1985 and the two nights at Wembley Stadium in '86, it's safe to say that Queen ruled the concert stage in the mid-80s. Freddie Mercury's legendary rapport with audiences was on full display, and the band was in perfect form. I chose the featured track to demonstrate both that dynamic and for the fact that it's one of my favorite Queen songs and beautifully showcases both Brian May and Mercury to full effect. The 3 LP set was mastered at Abbey Road Studios using its half-speed mastering process and issued on 180-gram vinyl. The packaging includes a protective outer slipcase/box set structure with extensive liner notes and commemorative photos.
FEATURED TRACK: "Love of My Life"
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello's debut album was released on Stiff Records in 1977. Receiving widespread critical acclaim on both sides of the pond, My Aim Is True continues to be highly regarded as one of the greatest debuts in rock history. For its 49th anniversary, an expanded 5-CD box set features a total of 104 tracks, with 52 previously unreleased recordings, demos, outtakes, live performances, and interviews. A 72-page book features a liner essay by Costello, 1976 diary entries, handwritten lyrics, and previously unpublished photos, as well as contributions from Nick Lowe, Rosanne Cash, Jim James, Steve Nieve, and Pete Thomas.
FEATURED TRACK: "Alison"
Cymande
Second Time Round
Formed in 1971, Cymande is a British funk band that has incorporated African music, soul, rock, calypso, and reggae into its sound. Historically a large ensemble, the group has usually encompassed eight or nine members during its long career. Widely sampled by artists like Grandmaster Flash, De La Soul, The Fugees, and others, Cymande was a big influence on the British Rare Groove scene. Second Time Round is the group's second album, released in 1973. The reissue has been issued on black and colored vinyl by Partisan Records.
FEATURED TRACK: "Fug"