ALBUM OF THE WEEK

FRANK SINATRA - SINATRA: LONDON

Sinatra: London is a comprehensive three-CD set of Ol' Blue Eyes' work with an English theme. The first disc focuses on songs he recorded at CTS Studios in Bayswater back in 1962, with The Very Thought Of You, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, and London By Night as the highlights. The second CD primarily contains tracks from sessions for album, Great Songs Of Great Britain, also from 1962, with Sinatra again in superb voice - check out A Garden In The Rain and The Gypsy to hear a singer at the very top of his game. And f inally, CD three is a recording of Sinatra in concert at The Royal Albert Hall in September 1984. Admittedly the voice is not what it once was, but what a choice of songs from his extensive back catalogue! Who could possibly resist the likes of Fly Me To The Moon, The Lady Is A Tramp and, of course, My Way? Sinatra is one of the voices of 20th century contemporary music and this collection does him proud.

Rating: 9/10

(Review by Kim Mayo)

BEYONCE - PLATINUM EDITION

Fans of the 'bootylicious' singer have a treat on their hands with the Platinum Edition. This limited special two-disc and two-DVD deluxe package is packed full of tunes and remixes, including two brand new songs (7/11 and Ring Off) and four unreleased remixes with collaborations from Kanye West (Drunk In Love), Nicki Minaj (Flawless) and Pharrell Williams (Blow), a live DVD featuring ten live performances from the Mrs Carter Show world tour with commentary and photo booklet, as well as the original CD and DVD of her 2013 self-titled record. There's also an official 2015 mini calendar as a extra bonus. For those who already bought the album digitally, they can get the extras but this is a lovely gift for someone who doesn't already have the original - or simply for a fan who can't get enough of all things Beyonce.

Rating: 8/10

(Review by Shereen Low)

SOUNDGARDEN - ECHO OF MILES

It's exciting news any time a new Soundgarden album is in the pipeline, but it's even more momentous when they decide to release a box-set of 50 tracks. Echo Of Miles comprises original songs (some B-sides, some unreleased), covers (Everything from Beatles to the Ramones) and rarities. All three albums are incredible and every bit the eclectically perfect rock we have come to expect from the Grammy-winning band. The best of the box-set includes the timelessly brilliant Heretic, which originally featured on Chris Cornell and co's Loudest Love (EP), a live cover of The Stooges' Search And Destroy and a cover of the ironically iconic Big Bottom by faux rockers Spinal Tap. The Seattle rockers have really packed some punches in this collection: it is full to the brim of varied but brilliantly executed rock songs - live and recorded, released and unreleased. This time-transcending collection of good and honest rock will be a staple in any music fan's collection.

Rating: 9/10

(Review by Nicole Gallagher)

THE KINKS - THE ANTHOLOGY 1964-1971

Anyone who doubts The Kinks' enduring appeal should head to the West End to see fans flocking to a new show inspired by their career. But if you can't make the theatre, then this five-CD collection of hits and unknown rarities will do the trick. There are more than 100 tracks spread over the CDs to support the band's claim to membership of pop music's very top tier. Tracing their roots in rough and ready R'n'B with covers like Too Much Monkey Business, their distinctive sound soon emerges with a string of melancholy gems flowing from frontman Ray Davies. New fans will be delighted by the hits and their most dedicated followers will enjoy the bonus 7" single, photographs and the live tracks that prove the band could cut it on stage as well as in the studio. A fine tribute to a fine band.

Rating: 8/10

(Review by Robert Dex)

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - THE ALBUM COLLECTION VOL 1: 1973-1984

"I saw rock and roll future and its name is Bruce Springsteen," wrote music producer Jon Landau famously in 1974. He was right, which gives heart to music critics everywhere. The songs that inspired that commentary have now been re-released in a boxed set of the Boss's first seven albums (on either CD or vinyl, in recreations of the original packaging), from 1973's debut Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ to 1984's multi-million selling Born In The USA. All have been remastered from the original tapes (some for the first time), with a significant improvement in sound quality. A collection of classics from one of the true rock'n'roll greats.

Rating: 9/10

(Review by Maurice Buxton)

LISA STANSFIELD - THE COLLECTION 1989-2003

Manchester-born singer Lisa Stansfield returned with a new album earlier this year, her first for ten years and now her fans are being spoiled with this banquet of a box set. It contains her five albums for Arista, from her 1989 debut solo record Affection (which includes the massive hit All Around The World) to 2001's Face Up, tracing her progress from house diva to smooth soul singer. Each album comes with two CDs and a DVD, plus there's a three-CD set of remixes. For the more casual fan this may be better in small doses as there is a lot to get through here, but die-hard fans are in for a treat.

Rating: 7/10

(Review by Lisa Allen)

On The Road

:: The Cribs, who are releasing their sixth album in 2015, are embarking on a short run of shows in February. The brotherly trio - twins Gary and Ryan Jarman, along with their younger sibling Ross, will kick off the gigs at Nottingham's Rescue Rooms on February 11, before heading to Portsmouth, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow and Sheffield. Tickets are on sale now from www.gigsandtours.com and www.gigsinscotland.com

:: Glaswegian rock foursome Twin Atlantic have announced four special live shows in May. Sam McTrusty, Barry McKenna, Ross McNae and Craig Kneale will perform at Manchester's Albert Hall on May 5, before playing at London's O2 Academy Brixton, Birmingham's O2 Academy and a homecoming concert at Glasgow's SSE Hydro Arena. Tickets are available from 9am on Boxing Day from www.gigsandtours.com