Stereolab, Orbital, Skunk Anansie, Elton John & Brandi Carlile, Peter Doherty, Andy Bell, Sports Team, These New Puritans

Posted by Lee Conybeare on May 22, 2025

We have some fantastic new releases in store this week plus lots of great 2nd hand to dig through too...

'Originally released in 1993, Orbital's sophomore album (known as The Brown Album) marked a significant evolution in the band’s sound. Tracks such as ‘Halcyon + On + On’, ‘Impact (The Earth Is Burning)’ and ‘Lush 3-1’ and ‘Lush 3-2’ demonstrated new levels of scope and ambition, the album reaching new levels of emotional connection for electronic music and balancing rhythms with melodic flourishes.

The Brown Album was regarded as an instant classic, with NME awarding the album 9/10, and it was chosen as one of Mixmag’s Best Dance Albums of all time. Reissued on vinyl for the first time in a decade, The Brown Album has been cut at half speed, to ensure maximum audio fidelity for this landmark release. New liner notes by Andrew Harrison.'

Various formats to choose from - 4CD boxset, 4LP, standard 2LP and coloured 2LP

Anglo French indie pop band Stereolab formed in 1990 are a big fave of ours

'Instant Holograms On Metal Film is the first Stereolab album in 15 years, featuring 13 new studio recordings. Played by Laetitia Sadier, Tim Gane, Andy Ramsay, Joe Watson and Xavi Muñoz, with contributions from Cooper Crain and Rob Frye of Bitchin Bajas, Ben LaMar Gay (composer/jazz multi instrumentalist), Holger Zapf (Cavern of Anti Matter), Marie Merlet (Monade) and Molly Read among others. '

Clear 2LP and CD versions available

British rock band Skunk Anansie whose members include Skin (vocals), Cass (bass guitar), Ace (guitar), and Mark Richardson (drums). Released their hit album Stoosh in 1996 and over their career, the band has sold over five million records worldwide.

'Now, the band returns with their seventh studio album, The Painful Truth. Recorded in LA with renowned producer Dave Sitek (known for his work with Foals, Weezer, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs), this latest release sees the four-piece once again pushing creative boundaries and solidifying their place as modern pioneers in the music world.'

'Peter Doherty releases his fantastic new album, Felt Better Alive, through Strap Originals. The release is Peter’s first solo album in nine years. Felt Better Alive is Peter Doherty’s most confident solo collection yet, sprinkled with radiant playfulness, almost innocence at times, shot through with Peter Doherty’s signature melodic nous, quirky poetic realism and visual story-telling gifts.'

LP, CD and cassette versions available

'Who Believes In Angels?, Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s debut collaborative album project, co-written with Bernie Taupin and produced by Andrew Watt, includes 10 new and original songs. This is Elton John’s 33rd and Brandi Carlile’s 8th studio album, respectively.'

Neon Pink Transparent and Yellow Spiral Effect vinyl or CD versions available

'Crooked Wing is These New Puritans' long-awaited fifth album—their first in six years. Produced by Jack Barnett and Bark Psychosis pioneer Graham Sutton and executive produced by George Barnett, it features an unpredictable lineup of collaborators, from Caroline Polachek to veteran jazz bassist Chris Laurence.

The cult duo returns with one of 2025’s boldest and most immersive records, shifting from the brutal to the beautiful. Crooked Wing cements TNP’s status as visionaries—defying genre, rejecting convention, and delivering their most moving, powerful work yet.'

'Andy Bell (Erasure) releases a new solo album, Ten Crowns. The new album features 10 brand new tracks of dazzling, joyous pop, inspired by the dancefloor and gospel, which includes an incredible collaboration with Andy Bell's idol Debbie Harry. Ten Crowns was written with, and produced by, the Grammy-winning US producer, remixer and DJ, Dave Audé.'

'Hand-break off, London alt rock band Sports Team are back. With musical pedals to the metal and saxophones at full throttle, the Mercury-nominated six-piece bring us their third studio album, Boys These Days. After their first two, Top 3 records – the Mercury Prize-nominated Deep Down Happy (2020) and Gulp! (2022).

Think Prefab Sprout meets Roxy Music the band ally a seer-like lyrical insight with their most dynamic musical performances to date, Sports Team are piercing the content abyss. A “carousel of 21st-century sins”, this witty and insightful examination of modern life is both a critique and a celebration of its times.'

Pink vinyl and CD versions up for grabs

'Live at the Acropolis captures 90s formed Manchester band James' unforgettable live performance at the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an open-air amphitheater beneath the Acropolis in Athens. Recorded on the 10th of July, 2023, this album transports listeners to that magical night, where James along with along with a 22 piece orchestra conducted by Joe Duddell and an 8 piece choir, delivered a powerful set against the backdrop of ancient history.'

Get tickets to see the band live at Lincoln Castle on June 14th here: https://www.lincolncastle.com/events/event/91/live-at-lincoln-castle-james

BROWSE ALL THESE NEW TITLES HERE

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Local Events...

Tathwell Art and Craft Exhibition 2025 is on again this weekend centred around Tathwell Church. A 3 day event with a fantastic art and craft exhibition and sale of exhibits. Demonstrations of craft work, books for sale, cards and prints and to top it off a catering tent full of yummy homemade produce including cream teas.