SOUND JUDGEMENT
THE LATEST ALBUM RELEASES RATED AND REVIEWED
FEARLESS
(TAYLOR’S VERSION) TAYLOR SWIFT
★★★★★
THIS re-release is a 26-track offering born out of bitter rivalry which marks the start of Taylor Swift’s journey to reclaim her back catalogue.
After her former label, Big Machine, was bought by music mogul Scooter Braun, her early work fell into the hands of private equity firm Shamrock Holdings without her prior knowledge. Now Swift has re-recorded her teenage material in order to outmanoeuvre those trying to profit at her expense.
First released in 2008, Fearless marked the beginning of a countrypop crossover that would propel the 11-time Grammy winner towards international stardom. Here, the original 19 tracks are accompanied by six previously unreleased recordings from that era, alongside Today Was A Fairytale.
It’s a labour of love that stays true to the original album in every way.
MCCARTNEY III IMAGINED
SIR PAUL McCARTNEY ★★★★
H FEW artists have the raw pulling power to bring together the kind of celebrity cabal present on McCartney III Imagined.
Damon Albarn, Beck, Josh Homme of Queens Of The Stone Age and Massive Attack’s 3D sit alongside talented newcomers Phoebe Bridgers, Blood Orange and worldly Texas rockers Khruangbin on what is essentially a remix album. But what a remix album. Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien and superproducer Paul Epworth produce a tough-as-nails rock and roll version of Slidin’, while US indie sensation Bridgers brings new meaning to the lyricism of Seize The Day.
Sir Paul McCartney shows off his talent for curation on this accomplished compilation.
IF YOU COULD HAVE IT ALL AGAIN
LOW ISLAND
★★★★
H THIS record has been a long time coming for Low Island, who have released their debut album after years of building up a sizable following with singles and EPs.
The Oxford quartet, who formed in 2016, have honed their electronic indie pop sound in a polished and assured new release, which displays a wide range of styles.
For the most part If You Could Have It All Again has a melancholy, reflective feel, however, What Do
You Stand For and Don’t Let The Light In show off the band’s livelier side with punchy tunes and danceable rhythms.
The overall effect looks sure to please their growing fanbase.