New releases for 1 February 2019

We lead off this week’s recommended new releases with The Specials, one of the most electrifying, influential and important bands of all time, who release Encore, their first new music for 37 years. 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of The Specials and the legendary Two-Tone label in Coventry in 1979, and also…

Pre-sale of the week: Andy Burrows & Matt Haig – Reasons To Stay Alive, out 1 February

Reasons To Stay Alive, its title boldly acknowledging the themes and influence of best-selling author Matt Haig’s 2015 autobiographical book, is a unique project: a rich, colourful suite of gutsy, classic songwriting. Full of shades of Elton John, Supertramp and Queen, and with an emotional undercurrent that could not be more relevant in today’s world.…