New releases last four weeks: Rock

Review: Fresh from the first two successful singles of his solo career, Billy Idol was one of the most recognisable faces in the early 80s, with his popularity rising in tandem with the rise of the music video thanks to MTV. The follow up album to his eponymous debut, Rebel Yell would prove to be his most successful and the most critically acclaimed of his career, with hits coming out of its ears. 'Eyes Without A Face', 'Flesh For Fantasy', 'Catch My Fall' and the title track 'Rebel Yell' all helped to make one of the highest selling records of 1982, making Billy a household name. Musically, Rebel Yell is a new wave album with hard rock and other influences. Steve Stevens powerful guitar riffs that helped fuel Billy Idol's singing were a match made in heaven. Ironically, the album also broke barriers as being a rock album powered by a drum machine - setting a trend that ZZ Top, Iggy Pop and even Judas Priest would follow in subsequent years. This version, spread across two LPs, comes with the original album plus a a few demo versions as well as a remix to 'Eyes Without A Face'. Whether you have an original copy or not, this version is the ideal one to get.