BEATS & VIBES

The year ahead is a mix of finally realised promises pencilled in alongside some crazy experimental sounds and fabulous gigs. With an array of delayed and final reunion recordings hitting the shops early in the year it’s been a tough choice, but we’ve finally selected three of our own most eagerly anticipated releases. Enjoy! THE SPECIALS: ENCORE Release Date: 1st February 2019

A recording for the purists, British 2-Tone icons The Specials are set to release their first new material since their 1998 Guilty 'til Proven Innocent album. Encore also marks the return of original lead vocalist Terry Hall who last entered the studio with the band in 1981 to record the classic Ghost Town and looks set to rekindle the energetic blend of ska, reggae and rocksteady beats for which the band was famed.

THE O’JAYS: THE LAST WORD Release Date: 22nd February 2019

Formed in 1958, the legendary O'jays are back together for what they say will be their last recording. With a career spanning 60 years, the band's early classics include Back Stabbers and For the Love of Money. The Last Word will see them sign off with a bang and includes the single Above the Law, which was composed by Betty Wright and Angelo Morris and released in November with a highly emotive video.

WEEZER: THE BLACK ALBUM Release Date: 1st March 2019

One of the most delayed and yet eagerly anticipated releases of 2018, Weezer

(The Black Album) will finally be on sale this March. As a taster, the single Can't knock the Hustle was released in October followed by Zombie Bastards later in the year. Both are available on streaming services and to download. Produced by Dave Sitek, the Black Album is classic Weezer; fun, flirtatious and with a dose of unexpected introspection.