The History Collection – 09 August 2021

Three CD set. Following on from our 2020 release Pink Fairies and Friends Volume 1, we bring you the second instalment, a collection courtesy of Paul Rudolph, and Andy Colquhoun who joined the Fairies on guitar and vocals for their 1987 album Kill 'Em And Eat 'Em. First off, we have a live recording of The Pink Fairies in Finland 1971 followed by Buried Treasure by Mick Farren & Andy Colquhoun of The Pink Fairies' forerunner The Deviants. And finally Andy Colquhoun's solo album String Theory. Though the whole Deviants/ Fairies ramshackle, often dysfunctional circus amounted to a mere footnote in the broader history of Brit rock and roll, it was an entertaining and frequently thrilling ride. This top value set righteously celebrates the Fairies and their Deviant family.

Judas Priest have announced they’re celebrating their 50th anniversary with a gargantuan limited-edition box set called ‘50 Heavy Metal Years of Music.’Released on Friday 15th October 2021 via Sony Music, the expansive collection boasts all 18 of Judas Priest’s studio albums to date, all the band’s live albums and 13 discs of unreleased music.
The veritable smorgasbord of heavy metal music contained within ‘50 Heavy Metal Years of Music’ was restored and mixed by Tom Allom at La Cucina W8 and mastered by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios.
Judas Priest Lead singer Rob Halford said: “Judas Priest’s curated box set representing 50 heavy metal years is the ultimate treasure trove defining the band’s unwavering commitment to keeping and defending the heavy metal faith.”
Guitarist Glenn Tipton adds: “If there’s one box set you should have in your Heavy Metal collection it should be this one – it’s immortal – proclaiming and truly representing Metal for over 50 years – Flying the Flag and proudly leading the way inspiring many bands throughout the years—-this 42 CD selection says it all——it’s a big part of Metal history and as such will live forever.Bassist and founding member Ian Hill succinctly comments: “AMAZING – 50 years of metal crammed into a small box…..!

This summer sees the Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Eric Clapton’s eponymous first solo album, originally released in August 1970. It is being issued on 4CD and 1LP (standard black) formats and will also be released digitally. The front cover artwork for the LP differs from the 4CD artwork illustrated above. The album will be launched on 9th June with the release of two tracks: After Midnight (Delaney Bramlett Mix) & Blues Power (Eric Clapton Mix) The album represents one of rock history’s most successful reinventions. After emerging as one of the seminal guitar heroes of the ’60s, the English superstar decisively re-established his musical priorities with Eric Clapton. It marked Clapton’s transition from flamboyant instrumental icon to well-rounded recording artist, downplaying sonic pyrotechnics in favour of a song-focused ensemble approach that would lay the groundwork for his massively successful solo career. For the occasion, he surrounded himself with a new cast of American musicians, tapping into a rootsy musical foundation that provided an inspired framework for his talents. This Anniversary Deluxe Edition presents Eric Clapton – Eric Clapton in three separate mixes: The Eric Clapton Mix, The Delaney Bramlett Mix and The Tom Dowd Mix (The UK Version). The Eric Clapton mix is being released in full for the first time. This anniversary collection also includes some singles, alternate versions and session outtakes.

As we enter the final quarter of 2021, Olivia Rodrigo leads the way with the UK's biggest album of the year so far, OfficialCharts.com can reveal.

New 3CD collection from the Godfather of Soul! Mr Dynamite! The Amazing Mr Please Please Please! The hardest Working Man in Showbusiness!

2011 four CD anthology from the Scottish Hard Rockers, the most comprehensive Nazareth retrospective ever produced. Contains 69 tracks, including all their hit singles, plus 29 previously unavailable recordings. Packaged in a sturdy and stylish box. 64-page booklet includes comprehensive essay by noted Rock author Joel McIver, plus many rare and previously unseen photographs.

"Release Me 2" is a compilation album of ten rare and previously unreleased recordings by American singer Barbra Streisand. Released on CD, vinyl and digital formats on August 6, 2021, it is a follow-up to her 2012 compilation "Release Me". The album debuted at #10 on the Rolling Stone Top 200 Albums Chart, selling 23,700 units (19.7k pure) in the United States and became the 3rd highest debut of the week. It also debuted at #15 on the Billboard 200 with 22,000 units sold and became the third top-selling album of the week (second by a female artist). Streisand also re-entered Billboard's Artist 100 at #15. On Billboard's Top Current Albums Sales, the album debuted at #2, while on Billboard's Vinyl Album Chart, the album debuted at #5. Sales of "Release Me 2" extended Streisand's successful chart history in the U.S., making her the only woman with a Top-20 album in each decade since the 1960s.

"Opus Magnum," released in 2020, is a comprehensive 2CD compilation by the Austrian band Opus, known for their blend of rock and pop music. The album features a collection of the band's greatest hits, including their iconic track "Live Is Life," which remains a beloved anthem. The compilation spans their career, showcasing their energetic sound and catchy melodies. It highlights both well-known singles and deeper cuts, providing fans with a rich overview of Opus's musical journey.