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Glen Hansard Announces Full-Band 2025 European Tour Kicking Off in Paris

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Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has announced a full-band European tour for 2025, featuring 16 dates across the continent and the UK. The tour begins April 30 at Olympia in Paris and concludes with a special hometown performance at Trinity College in Dublin on July 2.

Fans on Hansard’s official mailing list will get exclusive first access to tickets during a special pre-sale starting Wednesday, November 5 at 10 a.m. GMT. Subscribers will receive an email with all the pre-sale links prior to the on-sale time. The tour promises to showcase Hansard’s soul-stirring songwriting and powerful live energy in some of Europe’s most iconic venues.

Tour Dates:
30 April — Olympia, Paris, France
2 May — TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, Netherlands
3 May — TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, Netherlands
6 May — E-Werk, Cologne, Germany
8 May — Columbiahalle, Berlin, Germany
9 May — Lucerna Velky Sal, Prague, Czech Republic
11 May — Gasometer, Vienna, Austria
13 May — Tonhalle, Munich, Germany
14 May — Volkshaus, Zurich, Switzerland
16 May — De Roma, Antwerp, Belgium
17 May — Stadtpark Open Air, Hamburg, Germany
19 May — Bristol Beacon, Bristol, UK
20 May — Barrowland, Glasgow, UK
22 May — Albert Hall, Manchester, UK
23 May — Roundhouse, London, UK
2 July — Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

European Metal Powerhouse Stellvris Announce Debut EP ‘Shatter & Bloom’ and Unleash Explosive New Single ‘Silence After Violence’

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European metallers Stellvris are turning up the intensity once again with their new single “Silence After Violence,” out September 19, 2025. The track arrives ahead of their highly anticipated debut EP Shatter & Bloom, set for release on November 7, 2025, and captures the band’s unflinching look at a world in turmoil.

“‘Silence After Violence’ reflects on a growing wave of frustration and aggression in society, which we now see taking root at younger and younger ages,” the band shared. “It’s both a warning and a cry for awareness, channelling raw energy into a song that mirrors the state of the world around us.”

Produced in collaboration with Christoph Wieczorek of Sawdust Recordings, Shatter & Bloom promises to be a defining moment for Stellvris. “Lyrically, the EP is deeply emotional and unflinchingly honest, confronting themes of brokenness, anger, betrayal, and healing,” the band explained. “Musically, it pushes our sound further than ever — blending modern metalcore and nu-metal influences with electronic textures, massive choruses, and bone-crushing breakdowns. Each song carries its own unique flavor, but together, Shatter & Bloom is about destruction, rebirth, and the power of transformation.”

‘Shatter & Bloom’ Tracklist:

  1. Shatter & Bloom
  2. Silence After Violence
  3. Monster
  4. Time’s Up
  5. Starships

Since forming in 2019, Stellvris have built a reputation as one of Europe’s most electrifying new metal forces, turning pain into power with their raw honesty and sonic ferocity. Their previous releases “Upside Down” (2022) and “Persistence” (2023) introduced their unique sound — a crushing fusion of heaviness and melody that speaks to those battling anxiety, toxic relationships, and personal demons.

Their live shows are a full-body experience, uniting fans across Europe and the UK. Stellvris have shared stages with legends like Megadeth, Jinjer, The Black Dahlia Murder, and The Ghost Inside, and have brought their sound to major festivals including Summer Breeze, Fallen Fortress, Brutal Assault, Basinfirefest, Kave Fest, and Fajtfest. Their breakout single “Monster” even premiered exclusively via REVOLVER Magazine, solidifying their rise as one of Europe’s most powerful emerging metal acts.

For Stellvris, Shatter & Bloom isn’t just a debut — it’s a manifesto. It’s about finding strength in chaos, light in darkness, and turning silence into a roar that demands to be heard.

Rising Irish Folk Collective Madra Salach Announce Debut EP ‘It’s a Hell of an Age’ and Share Expansive New Single ‘I Was Just A Boy’

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Ireland’s most talked-about new alternative folk group, Madra Salach, have announced their debut EP It’s a Hell of an Age, set for release on January 23, and unveiled its sprawling, heartfelt second single “I Was Just A Boy.” The track follows their acclaimed debut “Blue & Gold,” which earned praise from The Line of Best Fit, So Young, The Independent, and others, while also landing spins on BBC 6 Music with Deb Grant.

After taking Ireland’s indie circuit by storm over the summer, the six-piece packed out their debut London show at The George, where word of mouth spread fast and audiences responded feverishly to their unreleased material. With Erin Barker from T-Time now managing the group and recent praise from Left of the Dial, Madra Salach are quickly becoming one of the most anticipated live acts heading into festival season, with slots at Live at Leeds, The Great Escape: First 50, and Eurosonic. The band has also shared stages with Kim Deal and will support Gurriers, Cliffords, and Brógeal later this year.

Madra Salach’s sound is steeped in the Irish folk tradition but driven by experimentation and emotional honesty. The band met through Dublin’s indie scene and began performing impromptu pub sessions inspired by the country’s rich musical canon. Their evolution from folk purists to genre-shifting storytellers reflects a modern take on Ireland’s cultural legacy, blending harmonium, synths, and mandolin with textured, electronic layers.

Frontman Paul Banks explains, “The song came from Adam, it was originally just the riff and I remember saying that it would work well as a brief instrumental track. We started playing around with it as a full band, and suddenly we had this 7 minute track on our hands. I centred the lyrics around my adolescence, the tumultuous nature of it. We had fun experimenting with pedals for some unique sounds on the outro, it’s a bit of a diversion from the more straightforward folk writing on our first single.”

With It’s a Hell of an Age, Madra Salach promise a bold introduction that captures both the tenderness and turbulence of youth, delivered with poetic heart and fearless innovation. “I Was Just A Boy” is out now on all streaming platforms.

Tour Dates:
27 October — Roisin Dubh, Galway, Ireland (Supporting Brógeal)
30 October — The Academy, Dublin, Ireland (Supporting Brógeal)
11 November — Ulster Sports Club, Belfast, Ireland (Supporting Cliffords)
13 November — Folklore, London, England (TGE: First 50)
15 November — Live at Leeds (In the City), Leeds, England
28 November — Other Voices, Dingle, Ireland
29 November — Other Voices, Dingle, Ireland
1 December — The Caves, Edinburgh, Scotland (Supporting Brógeal)
2 December — The Caves, Edinburgh, Scotland (Supporting Brógeal)
14 December — London Irish Centre, London, England (Sunday Seisiún Charity)
20 December — Button Factory, Dublin, Ireland (Supporting Gurriers)
31 December — Whelan’s, Dublin, Ireland (New Year’s Eve)
15 January — Eurosonic, Groningen, Netherlands

Alt-Rock Collective Puscifer Summon the Shadows on New Single ‘Pendulum’ from Upcoming Album ‘Normal Isn’t’

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Puscifer have unleashed “Pendulum,” the second track from their upcoming album Normal Isn’t, out Feb. 6. The new single arrives with a striking video that channels the eerie allure of the 1980s post-punk underground, introducing a new character to the ever-expanding Pusciverse: Bellendia Black, a ghostly vision of elegance and melancholy wrapped in black fabrics and moonlit mystery.

“The dramatic and romantic nature of this track induces a sonic sense memory that transports me back to the dark and moody dance floor of Club Iguana, Austin, TX, circa 1985,” says Maynard James Keenan. “I can almost smell the clove cigarettes.”

Mat Mitchell adds, “Featuring Fairlight and reverb-soaked vocals, ‘Pendulum’ is a nod to the ’80s dark underground,” while Carina Round calls it “gorgeous synths coiling around sweet, twisted melodies while the world burns.” The trio’s haunting chemistry turns the track into a surreal blend of beauty and unease, embodying Puscifer’s signature balance of humor, danger, and cinematic sound.

The band first previewed Normal Isn’t with “Self Evident,” praised by Revolver as “a dark-rumbled and fuzz-born missive,” by Stereogum as “gnarly,” and by Consequence as “an absolutely hypnotic song… instantly captivating.” The new record, written and recorded across Arizona, Los Angeles, and on the road during last year’s Sessanta tour, expands that vision with raw guitars and an unfiltered edge. “We got rid of the guard rails and made the music more aggressive,” says Mitchell.

Keenan explains, “Normal Isn’t reflects this time we are living in. As storytellers and artists, our job is to observe, interpret, and report. We take in our environment and share what we see, and what we see around us does not appear normal. Not by a long shot.” With contributions from Greg Edwards, Gunnar Olsen, Sarah Jones, Tony Levin, Danny Carey, and Mr. Ian Ross, Normal Isn’t promises to be Puscifer’s boldest experiment yet—a haunting mirror of our strange modern world.

Country Pop Star Mitchell Tenpenny Drops Playfully Bitter New Single and Video ‘Therapy’

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Multi-platinum country pop artist Mitchell Tenpenny has unleashed his latest single and video, “Therapy,” a cheeky, upbeat anthem for anyone who’s ever needed a good breakup song to shout along to. Written by Tenpenny with Chris Destefano, Thomas Archer, and Andy Albert, the track is available now on all streaming platforms.

“Pretty cute,” wrote Bob Oermann in MusicRow. “He’s wishing nothing but bad for his ex. Mostly, he hopes she winds up in therapy because of the lousy way she’s treated him. A banger with smiles for miles.” That review sums up the song’s mix of humor and heartbreak perfectly—classic Tenpenny, who’s known for pairing catchy hooks with a wink of mischief.

For the music video, Tenpenny teamed up for the first time with director Ty Combs and producer Josh Berry. Shot just outside of Nashville, the video finds Mitchell playing an overly attentive executive assistant whose “too close for comfort” behavior turns darkly funny. The concept plays into the song’s playful tone—a mix of tongue-in-cheek storytelling and emotional release.

“My song ‘Therapy’ is not really about anyone specific,” says Tenpenny. “It’s more of a lighthearted, bitter song when somebody just does you wrong. You just want to have that anthem to scream out to make yourself feel better as you’re driving through the day. Just have fun with it, don’t take it too seriously, and I hope it helps you!”

Fresh off Jordan Davis’ Ain’t Enough Road Tour, which saw him perform at legendary venues including Radio City Music Hall, The Greek Theatre, and Red Rocks, Tenpenny shows no signs of slowing down. With “Therapy,” he adds another infectious anthem to his growing catalog—one that’s equal parts cathartic and irresistibly fun.

Metal Titans Trivium Unleash Ferocious New EP ‘Struck Dead’ and Announce Massive North American Tour

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GRAMMY-nominated heavyweights Trivium have returned with a vengeance. The band—vocalist and guitarist Matthew K. Heafy, guitarist Corey Beaulieu, and bassist Paolo Gregoletto—release their new three-song EP Struck Dead via longtime label Roadrunner Records. Recorded at the band’s self-built Hangar Studios in Orlando, Florida, the release captures Trivium’s signature blend of melodic mastery and unrelenting metal power.

“In August 2023, we set out to design and build our own studio at The Hangar — a place to create freely, on our own terms,” says Gregoletto. “Born from months of revisiting and performing Ascendancy in full, this EP channels that familiar power and spirit while pushing into new territory. We feel that Struck Dead stands as the first step into a bold new era for us and we’re happy to finally share it with all of you.”

Produced by the band and recorded with Mark Lewis, the EP features mixing and mastering by Josh Wilbur, ensuring every riff and scream hits with full force. Though brief, Struck Dead is packed with Trivium’s signature precision, combining razor-sharp guitars, thunderous rhythms, and the dynamic dual vocals that have defined their near three-decade career.

The Struck Dead EP includes “Bury Me With My Screams,” the crushing title track “Struck Dead,” and “Six Walls Surround Me.” Accompanying the release is a striking visual—an illustrated dragon and tiger locked in motion against a vivid orange background—reflecting the EP’s energy and balance between chaos and beauty.

To celebrate, Trivium are taking their sound on the road with The Struck Dead Tour, featuring special guests Jinjer and support from Heriot. The trek runs through December 14, closing with an epic hometown show in Orlando, Florida.

Trivium on Tour with Jinjer + Heriot:
11/2 — Montclair, NJ — The Wellmont Theater
11/4 — London, ON — Centennial Hall
11/6 — Québec, QC — Videotron Centre
11/7 — Wallingford, CT — Toyota Oakdale Theatre
11/8 — Portland, ME — Cross Insurance Arena
11/10 — Warren, OH — Packard Music Hall
11/11 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo River Works
11/12 — Lancaster, PA — Freedom Hall
11/14 — Gary, IN — Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana
11/15 — Milwaukee, WI — The Eagles Ballroom
11/16 — Cincinnati, OH — The Andrew J Brady Music Center
11/18 — Indianapolis, IN — The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
11/19 — Waukee, IA — Vibrant Music Hall
11/20 — Minneapolis, MN — Uptown Theater
11/22 — Winnipeg, MB — Burton Cummings Theatre
11/24 — Edmonton, AB — Midway Music Hall
11/25 — Calgary, AB — Grey Eagle Events Centre
11/26 — Missoula, MT — The Wilma
11/28 — Spokane, WA — The Podium
11/29 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House
12/1 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Union Event Center
12/3 — Riverside, CA — Riverside Municipal Auditorium
12/5 — Albuquerque, NM — Revel
12/6 — Oklahoma City, OK — The Criterion
12/7 — Fayetteville, AR — JJ’s Live
12/9 — Springfield, MO — Shrine Mosque
12/10 — Kansas City, MO — Uptown Theater
12/12 — New Orleans, LA — The Fillmore New Orleans
12/13 — Dothan, AL — The Plant
12/14 — Orlando, FL — Hard Rock Live

Vevo Launches New Indie Pop Series “Artist Portrait” with Conan Gray’s Seaside Short Film ‘Wishbone’

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Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, has unveiled its newest original content series, Artist Portrait, a cinematic showcase featuring exclusive commentary and live performances by artists in locations that mean the most to them. The debut installment stars indie pop phenomenon Conan Gray in his moving new short film, Wishbone, which follows the release of his live performances of “Actor” and “Nauseous.”

The partnership between Vevo and Conan Gray has been years in the making. From his early DSCVR Artists to Watch sessions of “Maniac” and “Comfort Crowd” in 2020, to Live from Vevo Studios performances of “Memories,” “Disaster,” “Alley Rose,” and “Never Ending Song,” and even his 2025 Vevo Footnotes feature for “This Song,” Vevo has been alongside Gray as he’s evolved from viral bedroom pop artist to chart-topping storyteller.

Artist Portrait aims to bring audiences closer to artists by taking them beyond the studio walls. Each episode captures an intimate, artist-led look into their creative life, filmed in locations that reflect who they are and how they see the world. For Wishbone, Gray invited Vevo to a secluded seaside writing cabin for two stripped-back performances and candid reflections on love, growth, and self-discovery. “I think there’s a lot of things that you subconsciously know about yourself…these kind of fatal flaws, or pivotal pieces of yourself that you know are there,” he shared. “If I had some kind of ache in my heart that no song out there could quite heal, then I had to tell myself that I was going to write it myself.”

JP Evangelista, Vevo’s SVP of Content, Programming & Marketing, said the series continues Vevo’s mission to create deeply personal and visually stunning artist experiences. “With Artist Portrait, we bring the set to the artist, wherever they are. Meanwhile, fans get to enjoy the very best of their favorite artists, live, from real-world locations that are special to them,” he said. “Having worked with Conan since the early days of his career, it is such a pleasure to see him flourish! In this series, fans will see Conan like never before, by the seaside: raw, authentic, and deeply personal.”

Executive Producer Chris Pereira added, “We meet each artist where they are—for quiet conversations and stripped-back performances that unfold with minimal setup, removing barriers between the viewer and the artist’s words and songs.” The result is an intimate window into the creative heart of one of pop’s most introspective young voices—and the beginning of a captivating new chapter in Vevo’s storytelling legacy.

Indie Folk Trio The Lone Bellow Illuminate Heartbreak and Hope on “Night Goes Black”

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Beloved indie folk trio The Lone Bellow return in stunning form with their new single “Night Goes Black,” a haunting, harmony-laden anthem that digs deep into love, loss, and change. The track arrives with a mesmerizing official video, already hailed by Holler as “mesmerizing, with the band’s signature harmonies and anthemic indie folk turned up full on the fittingly brooding ‘Night Goes Black.’”

Written by Zach Williams, Kanene Pipkin, and Brian Elmquist, the song swells with emotion from the very first note. “Every thought and every notion is like a ship lost on the ocean,” they sing, capturing the ache of loving someone who’s drifted out of reach. It’s an unflinching meditation on heartbreak and the fragile beauty that lingers in its wake.

“‘Night Goes Black’ is about a friendship falling apart – the kind that shapes you,” says Williams. “When I left New York for Nashville about ten years ago, my best friend and I had already spent a decade living together, raising our kids side by side, and dreaming up an artistic community. Leaving that behind was heartbreaking. This was the song we wrote for each other on the drive down – a reflection on how love, grief, and change can all exist in the same breath.”

The new single follows “Common Folk” and “No Getting Over You,” marking a powerful creative resurgence for the band. “Common Folk” was celebrated by No Depression for its “harmony-rich” warmth and ode to everyday resilience, while MXDWN praised Kanene Pipkin’s breathtaking performance on “No Getting Over You,” calling it a “stunning balance of fragility and strength.”

The Lone Bellow recently partnered with OurVinyl for a series of live performances, with “Common Folk (Live)” available now and the full session set to arrive November 7. With this string of new releases, the trio continue to blend emotional honesty with sonic ambition, hinting at a bold new chapter in their journey—one that celebrates connection, catharsis, and the enduring power of song.

How Producer Fred Mollin Is Turning Your Bedroom Studio Into A Hit Factory

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If you’ve ever wondered how to make your recordings sound like they belong on the radio, this is your moment. On Thursday, December 4 at 2:00 PM EST, legendary producer Fred Mollin will share his studio secrets in a free masterclass that’s all about transforming your tracks from rough demos to professional gems.

Fred Mollin is no stranger to the art of timeless sound. With over 3 million albums sold and more than 250 million streams, he’s shaped records for icons like Jimmy Webb, Kris Kristofferson, America, and Johnny Mathis. His touch blends musical sensitivity with a sharp ear for sonic detail, helping artists craft performances that feel alive and unforgettable.

In this interactive session, Mollin will dive into what makes a great recording tick. From capturing the perfect vocal tone to creating depth and texture with smart layering and arrangement, he’ll walk you through the same techniques he uses in world-class studios. He’ll also share how to make your room sound more expensive and choose gear that delivers professional results without breaking your budget.

Whether you’re mixing in a home studio or tracking in a high-end facility, Mollin promises actionable insights that instantly level up your sound. Expect stories, strategies, and inspiration from a producer who knows what it takes to make music that moves people.

Presented by Entertainment Spotlight, this webinar is your ticket to recording with confidence. It’s free, fun, and designed for independent artists, producers, and anyone ready to make their sound stand out. Sign up now at www.entertainmentspotlight.biz/recording or register directly at meet.zohocloud.ca/hoyq-yfr-hbz.

20 Essential Albums for the Alternative ’80s

The 1980s weren’t just about neon lights and synthpop — they were about fearless creativity. Beneath the surface of the Top 40, a new generation of artists blended punk energy, experimental sound, and poetic honesty. These 20 albums captured that spirit and changed music forever.

Cocteau Twins – ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ (1990)
Dream-pop perfection. Elizabeth Fraser’s voice melts into Robin Guthrie’s lush guitars, creating a sound both angelic and surreal. Singles like “Iceblink Luck” and “Heaven or Las Vegas” defined a whole new sonic beauty.

Depeche Mode – ‘Music for the Masses’ (1987)
Dark, sleek, and perfectly titled, Music for the Masses turned Depeche Mode from synth-pop outsiders into stadium icons. Singles like “Never Let Me Down Again,” “Strangelove,” and “Behind the Wheel” combined industrial pulse with emotional depth, creating an album that felt both intimate and immense.

Dinosaur Jr. – ‘You’re Living All Over Me’ (1987)
Distorted guitars meet aching melodies as J Mascis turns fuzz into feeling. “Little Fury Things” and “Kracked” helped lay the groundwork for 1990s alternative rock’s emotional edge.

Hüsker Dü – ‘Zen Arcade’ (1984)
An ambitious double album about escape and self-discovery. “Pink Turns to Blue” and “Chartered Trips” showed punk could think, dream, and evolve.

Jane’s Addiction – ‘Nothing’s Shocking’ (1988)
A bold mix of art rock and alternative chaos. “Jane Says” and “Mountain Song” gave the late ’80s its dangerous glamour and became blueprints for the alt explosion ahead.

Meat Puppets – ‘Meat Puppets II’ (1984)
A blend of punk, country, and desert psychedelia. “Plateau” and “Lake of Fire” turned chaos into beauty — songs that would later echo through Nirvana’s Unplugged.

Pet Shop Boys – ‘Please’ (1986)
A sleek, synth-driven debut that made melancholy sound glamorous. Please introduced Pet Shop Boys’ signature blend of irony and emotion with singles like “West End Girls,” “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money),” “Love Comes Quickly,” and “Suburbia.”

Pixies – ‘Doolittle’ (1989)
Surreal lyrics, tension, and explosive release. With “Here Comes Your Man,” “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” and “Debaser,” Doolittle became the strange heart of alternative rock.

Prince – ‘Sign o’ the Times’ (1987)
A fearless double LP of funk, pop, and social commentary. Songs like “If I Was Your Girlfriend” and “U Got the Look” proved Prince could out-create entire genres in one album.

R.E.M. – ‘Life’s Rich Pageant’ (1986)
A jangle-pop breakthrough blending activism and melody. With “Fall on Me” and “Superman,” it showed college rock could also be stadium-worthy.

Sugarcubes – ‘Life’s Too Good’ (1988)
Iceland’s Sugarcubes unleashed surreal pop energy on “Birthday” and “Coldsweat,” blending punk weirdness with pure joy. Björk’s voice made every song its own world.

Sonic Youth – ‘Daydream Nation’ (1988)
Feedback, poetry, and freedom. “Teen Age Riot” and “Silver Rocket” turned noise rock into high art, cementing Sonic Youth’s place at the center of the underground.

Talk Talk – ‘The Colour of Spring’ (1986)
A lush, soulful evolution from synthpop to art rock. “Life’s What You Make It” and “Living in Another World” shimmered with depth, setting the stage for post-rock’s birth.

Tears for Fears – ‘Songs from the Big Chair’ (1985)
Emotional pop with a dark edge. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” “Shout,” and “Head Over Heels” brought alternative introspection to the mainstream.

The Cult – ‘Love’ (1985)
A thunderous mix of gothic atmosphere and rock swagger, Love marked The Cult’s rise from post-punk mystics to stadium firebrands. With singles like “She Sells Sanctuary,” “Rain,” and “Revolution,” the album fused psychedelia, mysticism, and pure power into a sound that was both romantic and electric.

The Cure – ‘The Head on the Door’ (1985)
Robert Smith’s band balanced shadow and sunlight on “In Between Days” and “Close to Me.” It’s goth with a pop heart — a perfect blend of melody and melancholy.

The Replacements – ‘Let It Be’ (1984)
Equal parts punk energy and messy soul-searching. “I Will Dare” and “Unsatisfied” captured the bittersweet chaos of growing up with guitars turned way up.

The Replacements – ‘Tim’ (1985)
Anthems for outsiders everywhere. “Bastards of Young” and “Left of the Dial” made The Replacements the scrappy, lovable heart of ’80s alternative.

The Smiths – ‘The Queen Is Dead’ (1986)
Poetic, emotional, and utterly British. “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “Bigmouth Strikes Again” made loneliness sound glorious.

The Stone Roses – ‘The Stone Roses’ (1989)
Where indie rock met dancefloor ecstasy. “I Wanna Be Adored” and “She Bangs the Drums” made Manchester the heartbeat of a new musical revolution.

U2 – ‘The Joshua Tree’ (1987)
A soaring, cinematic statement that turned U2 into global icons. The Joshua Tree blended spiritual longing with political fire, carried by the widescreen sound of The Edge’s guitar. Singles like “With or Without You,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” and “Where the Streets Have No Name” made it both a stadium anthem and a soul-searching journey across America.