Out This Week on 25 November 2016

Kate Bush / Before The Dawn 

A Kate Bush release is always special, but Before The Dawn is her first live album and gives Hammersmith Apollo non-attendees (most of her audience) the chance to pretend they were there on the night (if they closed their eyes). On 3CD and 4LP. 

Alison Moyet / Sony-era reissues

You wait 32-years for Alison Moyet‘s Alf to be reissued and her three other CBS albums come along at the same time. These two-CD deluxe editions (Raindancing, Hoodoo and Essex are the others) tick most of the boxes but don’t go the extra (money) mile and wander into ‘sublime’ territory. 

Prince / 4EVER 

Prince‘s untimely death turns what could have been just-another-hits-collection into something more. Sumptuous design, some rare single edits, a previously unreleased song and soundtrack-to-our-lives pathos conspire to make 4EVER a must-have purchase this holiday season. 

The Who / Live at Leeds (half-speed mastered)

The Who‘s classic 1970 live album is expanded to three vinyl LPs which have been half-speed mastered. This edition includes the full set list from the night. 

George Fame / Survival: A Career Anthology 1963-2015 (6CD)

Over a hundred tracks in this six-CD set, including 18 previously unreleased numbers. Survival takes in all of Georgie Fame‘s hit singles, notable B-sides, rarities and a wealth of key album cuts. 

Bob Dylan / The Real Royal Albert Hall Concert!

If the 36CD 1966 Live Recordings box is more live Robert Zimmerman than you can handle, then why not opt for just Bob Dylan‘s Royal Albert Hall concert of that same year. This is the actual London show, not the Manchester gig which was mislabelled for decades. It’s in the box of course, but this is the standalone release, available on 2CD and 2LP vinyl. 

Simple Minds / Acoustic  (2LP vinyl)

The CD of Simple Minds new Acoustic album was issued the week before last, but this vinyl edition is significant since it flips the usual practise on its head by including three bonus tracks NOT on the CD. 

Coldplay / A Head Full Of Dreams (Australian Tour Edition)

We’ve had the recent surround sound blu-ray audio, and now Coldplay‘s seventh album is being issued as a 2CD Australian & New Zealand Tour Edition which adds a bonus disc of remixes and live tracks.

• • UK Order: A Head Full Of Dreams (2CD Tour Edition)
• • USA Order: A Head Full Of Dreams (2CD Tour Edition)
• • GERMANY Order: A Head Full Of Dreams (2CD Tour Edition)

Christine and the Queens / Chaleur Humaine (CD+DVD)

I love reissues and box sets but it’s also a great feeling to become a slightly obsessed by a new album. Such is the case with Chaleur Humaine, which is a firm SDE favourite. Now Christine and the Queens’ fabulous debut is available as a deluxe edition with six bonus tracks and a DVD of a live show in Lille, France.

• • UK Order Christine and the Queens CD+DVD
• • USA Order Christine and the Queens CD+DVD
• • GERMANY Order: Christine and the Queens CD+DVD

Various Artists / The Christmas Album (vinyl only)

Now That’s Not What I Call A Great Christmas Album. Appropriately enough, they’ve made a pig’s ear of it. 

Yazz / Wanted (3CD)

Yazz‘s 1989 debut spawned three top ten hits including The Only Way Is Up, which reached the top spot. This reissue is a generous remix-tastic three-CD package. 

Various Artists / Classic Rock Anthems (3LP)

In a supermarket near you, Classic Rock Anthems does what is says on the tin. But do note that this 20-track collection is only available on vinyl. 

Marvin Gaye / What’s Going On (4LP box)

This four disc vinyl box effectively gathers up various bonus content issue over the last 15 years, including the so-called ‘Detroit Mix’ of Marvin Gaye‘s 1971 album. 

The Afghan Whigs / Black Love (2LP vinyl)

US rock band The Afghan Whigs‘ 1996 studio album Black Love is being reissued as a double CD deluxe edition and triple vinyl set, to celebrate its 20th anniversary.