New releases last eight weeks: Rock

Review: The Beatles' EP From Us To You #3 captures a 1964 BBC session that encapsulates the band's early charm and infectious energy. Featuring a whopping ten tracks, it was recorded in the BBC's Paris Studios in Regent Street, London and fact fans will note that 'Honey Don't which was later included on the album Beatles For Sale and sung by Ringo, here features John on the vocals. Elsewhere the EP captures the band's irresistible melodies and tight harmonies with three of the tunes originally penned by the band's favourite rockabilly star Carl Perkins. Each song is a testament to The Beatles' enduring influence on popular music and overall serves as a timeless reminder of the band's unmatched creativity which continues to this day with new AI-produced singles that the much talked about one earlier in the year.

Review: If you want blood... well, we all know what comes next. AC/DC are among the most marmite of stadium-sized rock bands, their consistency over the past six decades seen by some as relentless homogeneity. In reality, it's an auteur signature. We know, within three chords of school uniform-clad Angus Young's iconic Gibson, whose song, it is yet to the trained ear there are huge differentiations at play. From drawly blues through to seismic main stage energy. Highway To Hell is one of the group's seminal early outings, and any self-respecting fan should own it already. Although perhaps not in this stunning gold edition, released to celebrate the LP's 50th anniversary. Newcomers can expect an insight into the barrooms filled with sweat and spilt drinks from which this mega group came out of and a clue as to why Bon Scott, the lead singer who tragically died as they really hit fifth gear, will always have a place in our hearts.

Review: Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, self-described "Adventure Metal" outfit Mega Colossus appear to have little interest in using the metal genre to craft sonic aggression. Utilising melodious leads, powerful vocals and technically impressive flashes of prog brilliance, their fourth full-length Showdown offers up a form of triumphant positivity and anthemic fantasy, harking back to the classic era of illustrious prog and classic rock with subtle nods to the likes of Rainbow, Deep Purple, and Kansas. It might not be 1978 anymore, just don't tell the band that.

Review: Rhythm & Blues follows on from the success of its Mott The Hoople at the BBC 1970 release - well worth a look (or listen) - with another retrospective compilation that makes a convincing case for us all diving headfirst into the band's full back catalogue to marvel at what's there. A collection of broadcast tracks from Top Gear, Sounds of the Seventies, and The John Peel Sunday Concert are included, and all sound gritty, growly, raw and vital. Among the highlights are versions of Like A Rolling Stone and When My Mind's Gone, which the release notes argue are "rare-as-hens-teeth", and we're not in position to argue, while the take on 'What'd I Say' feels soaked in enough spilt whisky and blues you could probably get loaded on the fumes alone. Ultimately, though, there's no point picking individual parts here. Instead, think wall-to-wall reasons why the Hoople were such a rare breed.

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: Punctuation aside, The Rolling Stones set a precedent with Get Yer Ya Ya's Out. At the time, concert albums were still something of a novel ideal, but when the iconic British rock 'n' rollers unleashed this it proved to the industry just how much people wanted on-stage magic captured for posterity. The first live record to hit number one in the UK charts, it was recorded at shows in New York City and Baltimore in 1969, just ahead of the landmark Let It Bleed LP arriving. It also proves the power of a bootleg, with an unofficial record, Live'r Then You'll Ever Be, reportedly persuading the band's then-label, Decca, to cash in on the clear demand for the group's exceptional live show, on vinyl. Captured on their first tour with Mick Taylor, Brian Jones having left, it presents the outfit as they sounded at the very top of their game - energetic, rule breaking, and packed with the soul of blues six stringers.

Review: Gaucho was the seventh studio album from soft-pop-rock-jazzists and yacht rock pioneers Steely Dan. Released in 1980, they would embark on a tour to mark the record's arrival, and then vanish for 20 years. Or at least go on extended hiatus. That's not surprising, given the back story here, with widespread creative disagreements and a three-way legal battle with MCA and Warner Bros ensuing. And an original budget blown by the sheer scope of 42 musicians contributing to the work. The Lost Gaucho is almost an unplugged version of all that. These are the alternative versions recorded in the early sessions that led to the final LP. Broadcast on radio as part of the promotional campaign, they've been compiled on this joyfully smooth and seductive package, which fans need in their lives.

Review: Tina Turner remains one of pop music's most towering figures and Simply The Best is a timeless compilation that truly lives up to its name. Showcasing Turner's unparalleled talent and electrifying energy, each track on this album is a testament to her incredible vocal range and emotive delivery, from the soulful 'What's Love Got to Do With It' to the empowering 'Proud Mary.' As well as that there are heart-wrenching ballads and upbeat anthems, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy from all across the long and remarkable career of Turner. This new pressing comes on gatefold blue vinyl so is a real collector's item.