Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Originally bestowed upon fans and newcomers alike in 2007, Riot! is Paramore's second album and represented a real evolution in sound for the band at the time. While never straying from the emo-punk-pop blueprint that first garnered them love and attention, this iteration saw the troupe explore more experimental and abstract ideas, while still giving us all plenty to pogo-on-about.

Hence the high chart ranking, in the US at least, and multiple gold records from sales in global territories. Music aside, it may or may not have been at this point when many ears began to realise that - even in the most angsty and immature moments - Paramore's lyrics are well and truly a cut above most of the rest. The combination being an irrepressible power that can't help but go straight for the emotional heartstrings, whether that means creating positive energy or inward reflection.

Review: RECOMMENDED
The story behind No Code is one of resilience, rights, and division. First released in 1996, it arrived at a point in time when the band were still reeling from their troubled Vitalogy tour, in which they took a stand against Ticketmaster by boycotting the company, giving a sneak preview of the problematic relationship between bands, fans and ticketing platforms that would grow more visible in the following decade.

Once again, Pearl Jam struck it big here, with the record landing at number one in the Billboard 200 charts, making for the group's third consecutive number one album. However, the success was short-lived. Combining the alternative and grunge rock they were known for with elements of garage, experimental balladry and worldbeat, it's easily their most diverse, but that didn't suit everyone back then. Hit play today, though, and we're not sure anyone could argue against the depth and innovation at play.

Review: Arriving some twenty years after the last Pink Floyd album proper, 1994's The Division Bell, this new offering - which stands to be their last ever - apparently functions as both a swansong for their enormously influential outfit and a tribute to late keyboard player Rick Wright. Constructed partly from demos for the aforementioned album, as well as recordings from as far back as 1968, it somehow manages to showcase the closest the band has come to the classic Floydian sound in decades. Indeed, replete with Gilmour's soaring leads and ambient dreamscapes, it frequently recalls the heralded days of 'Wish You Were Here' amidst an atmosphere of beatific melancholy. If this is the moment that the rock giants choose to bow out, their legions of fans can rest assured they're doing so with both grace and style.

Review: A series of Prince albums are being reissued by Warner, including this one from 1994. By then the legendary funk artist's relationship with his label was hugely stringed and he had recently change his name, for the first of several times to [Love Symbol]. This album was one of a number that the Purple One wrote in a short space of time in order to free himself from his contract with the major label. Despite those circumstances, it is still a standout record that managed to get to Number One in the UK despite a lack of support from Prince himself upon release.

Review: Prince is a name that needs no introduction. The Vault ... Old Friends 4 Sale was originally released in 1999 , a full three years after being submitted to Warner Bros in 1996. Thus, it was recorded in 1994 and 1995 which in many fans' eyes, follows some of the best Prince work when he was known as the symbol. Stylistically, the album has Prince exploring more jazz elements while still remaining clearly a Prince album. Perhaps due to Prince not doing a world tour to support the album and lack of radio friendly singles, the album wasn't the chart success that the label hoped for but to fans it holds a special place in their Prince discography.

Review: Ace Records continue their series of compilations from Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs, tapping into unique niches of British music culture under titles like English Weather and The Tears Of Technology to arrive at this latest joint, Fell From The Sun. This is a specific trip into the downtempo, after hours sounds prevalent in 1990-1991, as the acid house wave broke and Balearic selector ethics seeped into studio practice. The selections are absolutely on point, from The Orb's majestic remix of Primal Scream's 'Higher Than The Sun' to Saint Etienne's own moody roller, 'Speedwell'. It's bouncy and boundlessly optimistic as well as being supremely chill, absolutely of its time but still ringing with an eternal charm that feels ready for a revival. Let this compilation be your guide.