To celebrate the 20th anniversary of our third studio album, we’re releasing ‘Muse Absolution XX Anniversary’.
Coming November 17th, the new edition of the album features remastered audio, never-before-released live versions, demos and photos as well as a new, in-depth interview… pic.twitter.com/QXmB9Nozeq

— muse (@muse) September 15, 2023

It may come as an astonishing surprise to those who grew up with Muse blaring out of their bedroom speakers, but Absolution turns twenty years old this month and the band are set to celebrate their seminal album with a massive new release. Absolution will be presented to fans as a deluxe boxset reissue that will feature a complete remastered edition of the record, plus bonus tracks and live recordings.

With Absolution, Muse were able to hit brand new heights, the likes of which the band had aspired to since their creation. Released on 15th September 2003, the album spawned four singles including “Stockholm Syndrome,” “Hysteria,” “Butterflies And Hurricanes,” and “Time Is Running Out.” The calibre of the songs, resonating with fans still to this day, also paved the ground for Muse to begin selling out arenas and included a headline slot at 2004’s Glastonbury festival.

The album was immediately praised by critics and fans alike, with most lauding the apocalyptic concept of the music and its finely polished sound credited to producer Rich Costey. Singer songwriter Matt Bellamy attributed at least part of the album’s success to the band’s conscience effort to take their time with the writing and recording process, instead of rushing it through as on previous efforts.

The album also became the first to break into the American market for the band, with the album eventually being certified gold in the United States. Importantly, the album signalled an evolution with the group that would continue to shape and define the sound that has made Muse a unique force within the genre and easily recognisable to their fans the world over.

The deluxe edition of Absolution will also feature demo recordings, photos, vinyl and CD versions and exclusive interviews with both the band and Costey. The boxset can be pre-ordered here.

Muse formed in Devon in 1994 and have maintained a consistent lineup throughout their history with Bellamy on guitar and lead vocals, Chris Wolstenholme on bass and Dominic Howard on drums. The band have won numerous awards over the nearly three decades that they have been active, including Grammy Awards, Brit Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards.

Muse will embark on a short run of UK and Ireland tour dates later this month. Tickets can be purchased here.

Muse UK and Ireland tour:

27/09/2023 – 3Arena – Dublin
29/09 – AO Arena – Manchester
01/10 – O2 Arena – London
02/10 – O2 Arena – London

The boxset entitled ‘The Roaring Forty | 1983-2023’ is set to be released on 27^th October this year and is available for pre-order now. Compiled by Bragg himself, fans can look forward to 3 formats of Bragg’s music.

The first format available is a single disc ‘primer’ of 13 songs on limited edition orange vinyl.

A 40-song, 3-album collection on three varying shades of green vinyl is also available to purchase, ‘to appeal to casual admirers and die-hard fans alike.’

Both limited edition colour vinyl formats are also available to purchase as a CD.

The third format is perfect for Bragg fanatics, allowing them the opportunity to own a 14-CD boxset containing over 300 songs. This limited edition ‘Super Deluxe’ boxset includes all 12 of Bragg’s studio albums, non-album singles and B-sides, as well as previously unreleased material and live recordings from throughout his career. With this edition, fans will also receive a large format book including images of 40 significant mementos from Bragg’s life, including the flyer to his first solo gig, his first NME cover, the Red Wedge Manifesto and much, much more.

When ordered from Bragg’s official shop, the first 1000 orders of any format will come with a signed A4 art print, as well as access to pre-sale tickets for an upcoming tour.

Known for his left-wing activism as much as his folk and punk rock music, Bragg has publicly tackled political issues throughout his career, using his platform to further the socialist agenda. Much of Bragg’s work incites its listeners to join activist causes, allowing Bragg to obtain a passionate and confronting fan base, many of whom have been with him since the 1980s.

Bragg tweeted, ‘In the early 80s, I realised if I wanted to hear music that said something about the state of the world, I’d have to make it myself.’ He has continued to act as a spokesperson for the left-wing and has compiled these ‘commemorative releases’ in honour of a career that hasn’t shied away from difficult conversations.

In the early 80s, I realised if I wanted to hear music that said something about the state of the world, I’d have to make it myself. To mark my 40th anniversary, I’ve compiled a number of commemorative releases spanning my career since then. Pre-order: https://t.co/BuRCFT8RJS pic.twitter.com/Or2sN0JqVh

— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) February 28, 2023

To celebrate his 40 years in music, an upcoming UK and Ireland tour is also set to be announced soon. Bragg is also set to play a charity show at the O2 Academy Oxford on 19^th May 2023. Tickets are available from 5^th March and can be purchased here.

For nearly 20 years, @HOPEnothate have been in the front line combatting racism and fascism in the UK, and I’m proud to help raise funds so they can continue their important work. Tickets on general sale 11am Sunday 5th March: https://t.co/cW0OW2F0Xg Support: @tomasmithmusic pic.twitter.com/ibIqi4Z2Vy — Billy Bragg (@billybragg) March 3, 2023

‘The Roaring Forty | 1983-2023’ is available to pre-order now.

Stream Billy Bragg’s discography here.

See Bragg on tour:

19/05/2023 – 02 Academy Oxford – Oxford

27/05/2023 – Catton Hall – Walton-on-Trent

05/08/2023 – Curraghmore Estate – County Waterford

The album will be repackaged in a five LP or four-CD box set which will include remastered and alternate mixes of the album from producer Steven Wilson, as well as a host of outtakes and live versions.

It’s set for release on October 1st priced between £90 and £210. The tweet below showcases the package, which also includes a booklet, recreated tour programme and poster.

Take a peek at what’s inside Technical Ecstasy Deluxe Edition. Out on October 1st.⁰Featuring a newly remastered album, previously unreleased outtakes, alternative mixes and live tracks.⁰Order your copy here: https://t.co/5Tc7XL2oSi pic.twitter.com/ZyFwmBUvWJ

— BlackSabbath (@BlackSabbath) August 4, 2021

The original release was met with mixed reviews, but ‘Technical Ecstasy’ was a commercial success and was backed by a tour that included support from Aussie rockers AC/DC.

During the tour, the band experienced much friction and saw singer Ozzy Osbourne temporarily depart to be replaced by Savoy Brown’s Dave Walker. Although Osbourne would soon return for 1978’s ‘Never Say Die’, but was afterwards replaced permanently by Ronnie James Dio.

This ‘Super Deluxe’ version of ‘Technical Ecstasy’ is just the latest in a series of reissues from the well-renowned metal group. Earlier this year, they put out a reissue of their fourth album ‘Vol. 4’ containing 20 unreleased tracks.

In addition to this Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler also announced that he is working on his autobiography, in the hope that he can give his grandchildren the chance to look back at his illustrious career.

Elsewhere, original drummer Bill Ward is pushing for the band to reform and perhaps the possibility of recording a final album. Ward did leave the band in 2012 but has now stated “I’m not done with the Black Sabbath legacy. I haven’t been done. I was made done, but I’m not done. So, the others might be done, but I’m not.”

JUST ANNOUNCED!
Amy Winehouse – At The BBC: Triple Vinyl, Back To Black Slipmat & The Sound Of Vinyl Exclusive Hand-Numbered Litho Print

Pre-order Now >> https://t.co/lcixgIhjSr pic.twitter.com/SJCApC3L2T

— The Sound of Vinyl (@TheSoundofVinyl) March 24, 2021

The first CD/LP will feature audio-only formats of songs from ‘A Tribute To Amy Winehouse By Jools Holland’, the tribute is Holland’s celebration of all things Amy Winehouse and features performances  of songs including, ‘Stronger Than Me’, ‘Rehab’ and cover of ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’ featuring Paul Weller and Jools Holland. The tribute features other performances in which Holland has hand-picked to best celebrate his friend and colleague. Former Squeeze member Jools Holland has become a music institution with his BBC show ‘Later with Jools Holland’ providing authority over musical taste. Throughout her career Winehouse was of course a resident guest on the show, charming the host, other guests and audience members alike with her electrifying charisma and phenomenal talent.

Disc two/LP entitled ‘The BBC Sessions’ will chronicle Winehouse’s best-loved live performances from all eras of her career, ranging from 2004 to 2009. The second disc/LP features some live performances never heard before, including her 2004 performance of ‘Fuck Me Pumps’ at T in the Park and her 2006 performance of ‘To Know Him Is To Love Him’ on veteran BBC DJ Pete Mitchell’s BBC show in 2006. Mitchell, like Winehouse, also had a good relationship with the BBC. The broadcaster presented shows for BBC Radio 2 for 3 years and even produced and presented documentaries for the show. Last March, tragic news broke that Mitchell had died of a heart attack at the age of 61.

The second CD/LP also features many of Winehouse’s performances from new music’s fairy godmother, Jo Whiley, on her famed show, ‘Jo Whiley’s Live Lounge’. Including 2007’s live performance of ‘You Know I’m No Good’ and ‘Tears Dry On Their Own‘ from the same year. The final CD/LP contains Winehouse’s BBC One live sessions from Porchester Hall, an incredible one-off event from 2007. The concert saw 23-year-old Winehouse, straight off her win at the 2007 Brits where she was awarded Best British Female, blew everyone away with her performance. The concert included tracks from the singer’s 2007 final studio album ‘Back to Black’ and ‘Frank’ for which she was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize in 2003.

The track-listing opens with ‘Know You Now’ and contains some of her most popular tracks such as ‘Rehab’, her soul dripping semi- autobiographical single and arguably Winehouse’s most popular track. Also featured is ‘Valerie’, the 2007 cover of Indie band The Zuton’s track of the same name. The final disc/LP closes with Winehouse’s tribute to her love of soul music, ‘Me and Mrs Jones’, inspired by the Billy Paul original.

Winehouse was truly the rawest and most genuine talent in which to come from British music, her career paved the way for singers such as Adele to breakthrough. With her eclectic musical background and influences, the singer’s music was pure magic. And with a voice that could cut through your heart and soul, Winehouse will always remain a vital part of musical history and her fan’s lives.

This new collection will surely be the perfect tribute to a star who will forever shine.

Click here to pre-order the collection.

The albums were remastered by Sade and her bandmates – Stuart Matthewman, Andrew Hale and Paul Spencer Denman – at Abbey Road Studios. The remastering intended to produce exceptionally clean and detailed audio while faithfully maintaining the band’s sound.

Announcing Sade’s box set entitled ‘This Far’ will be released worldwide on October 9th 2020, featuring remastered versions of all Sade’s six studio albums to date, on pure 180-gram heavyweight black vinyl.

Pre-order here: https://t.co/wbB5KKpW0j pic.twitter.com/uqnhvs2OUb

— Sade (@SadeOfficial) September 2, 2020

Alongside the boxset’s title, a press release hinted that we could expect an expansion to Sade’s discography in the future, suggesting “that the band’s studio work may not yet be fully complete”.

Sade’s found immediate critical and commercial success with her debut album, ‘Diamond Life’, which became the best-selling debut by a British female vocalist. She’s maintained her stature as a successful female artist in the British music industry and beyond, with her most recent record, ‘Soldier of Love’ reaching number one in the US upon its release 10 years ago.

Since then, Sade and her band have been on hiatus, only contributing to a couple of film soundtracks. They released the song ‘Flower of the Universe’ as part of Disney’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ in 2018 and composed ‘The Big Unknown’ for the film ‘Widows’ that same year.

Speaking at the time, ‘Widows’ director Steve McQueen said: “it was an honor to work with such a legend. Sade is an incomparable talent and incredible artist who so rarely releases new material, but luckily the original series of Widows had deeply resonated with her.”