Rory Gallagher
Deuce 50th Anniversary four CD Box Set
UMC
★★★★★

THE second multi-format reissue from Rory’s catalogue and archive, curated by his brother Donal, this second solo album was originally released on November 28 1971.
 
By 1971 Rory was Britain’s leading guitar slinger and a major attraction on the European and US live circuit.

Deuce wasn’t a massive hit but his fans (including a young Johnny Marr) stuck with it. The album remains one of his most popular sets featuring showstoppers like Used To Be and Crest Of A Wave.

Alongside a new mix of original album there 30 alternate takes, a live set from Radio Breman, a BBC John Peel Sunday Concert, and four BBC radio session tracks.

Issued in multi formats including 2CD, 4CD, a CD set with a DVD, vinyl and download, with 64-page book and poster, an absolute must for Rory’s legion of fans.

Man
Life On The Road: On Air 1972-1983, six CD set
Esoteric
★★★★★

FORMED in 1968 Man established a solid following on the live circuit playing extended guitar led jams based on US west coast bands — notably the Grateful Dead and Quicksilver Messenger Service.

Signed to United Artists, with a seemingly fluid line up, Man toured the UK and Europe extensively — becoming part of the Greasy Truckers troupe of bands with Hawkwind and Brinsley Schwarz in 1972.

Live tracks are from BBC broadcasts including In Concert, Sounds Of The Seventies, John Peel and Bob Harris shows, Radio Trent and a live broadcast from the 1983 Reading Festival all featuring fan favourites including Bananas, Romain, Spunk Rock and A Night In Dad’s Bag are featured throughout.

There are also  two DVDs of rare BBC footage and their farewell concert in 1976. Now that’s what I call a great band.

Hugh Cornwell
Moment Of Madness
His Records (tba)
★★★★

THE head Strangler’s tenth solo album. Cornwell plays all the instruments and produced what is his most significant solo set yet.

Regarded as the poet laureate of punk with a deserved reputation as an accomplished wordsmith Cornwell taps into rock music history with songs reminiscent of Lou Reed and especially The Doors‘ Jim Morrison on the atmospheric Looking for You.

He is reflective on the semi-autobiographical When I Was A Young Man reflecting upon the loss of family and friends and he has an ecological message on Too Much Trash hitting out at  the thoughtless consumer society.

Matters of the heart are laid bare on Beware Of The Doll and the title track is a reggae/dub number, reminiscent of The Clash.

Cornwell will tour the album November so expect full houses as it gets promoted.