INDISPENSABLE REISSUES & COLLECTIONS
March 2025
by Kristine England
David Bowie
Young Americans (Vinyl Reissue)
Bowie's classic soul album is widely known for its hits, the title tune and "Fame," co-written and featuring vocals from John Lennon. People often overlook the Luther Vandross collaboration "Fascination," which is a total banger (and a reworking of Vandross' "Funky Music (Is a Part of Me)." The reissue has been released on half-speed mastered vinyl edition (cut by John Webber at AIR Studios) and as a vinyl picture disc.
FEATURED TRACK: "Fame"
Paranoid (Vinyl Reissue)
Black Sabbath
Sabbath's second album remains one of the most best and influential metal albums of all time. Every track is solid. Released in 1970, it stands the test of time and has been reissued by Rhino as part of its High Fidelity Series. Cut from the original master tapes, the record has been released on 180-Gram Heavyweight Vinyl and is housed in a Heavyweight Glossy Gatefold Jacket. The reissue also features an exclusive insert with commentary by Engineer Tom Allom.
FEATURED TRACK: "War Pigs"
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones + 7
Abkco has released new editions of six early Stones classics released from '64 to '65 and Let It Bleed ('69), all remixed in Dolby Atmos. The new editions include the aforementioned Let It Bleed as well as The Rolling Stones EP, The Rolling Stones [UK], England’s Newest Hitmakers, Five By Five EP, 12 x 5, The Rolling Stones No. 2, and The Rolling Stones, Now!
FEATURED TRACK: "It's All Over Now"
The Rest of the Best (Vinyl Reissue)
The Pogues
The Anglo-Irish Celtic punk group was formed in 1982, fusing traditional Celtic music with punk rock. Led by the inimitable Shane MacGowan, the band began to make traction after a stint opening for the Clash and releasing Red Roses for Me. Follow-up releases like Rum, Sodomy and the Lash (produced by Elvis Costello), its first featuring original material. The Rest of the Best, released in 1992, was essentially a second volume of the Best of issue the prior year. Reissued on limited edition transparent green vinyl, the collection includes “If I Should Fall from Grace with God,” “Boys from the County Hell,” “Dark Streets of London” and a cover of the Stones' “Honky Tonk Women.”
FEATURED TRACK: "Dark Streets Of London"
Paul McCartney
Venus and Mars (Vinyl Reissue)
McCartney's fourth post-Beatles album (and first after departing Apple Records) was a worldwide hit, reaching number one of the charts in the US, UK and many other countries, ultimately selling four million copies. For the 50th Anniversary reissue, the album has been released on vinyl from half-speed mastered session cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road. There is also a digital-only version.
FEATURED TRACK: "Listen to What the Main Said"