Ken Kessler

Legendary sets, huge compilations and a previously unreleased rock 'n' roll masterclass... Ken Kessler leaves studio tricks behind to savour 20 new live albums on LP and disc

For some audiophiles, live albums are better than studio creations for challenging a system's realism. It's an actual event, with live rather than manipulated sound. Hard to dispute, but a live recording is only valid for hi-fi evaluation if one knows the venue.

This month we review: Genesis, Gabe Stillman, Paul McCartney, and The Stooges

This month we review: Squeeze, Hawkwind, Graham Nash, Stevie Nicks

What better excuse for a new collection or a deluxe reissue of a fan favourite album than an anniversary? Ken Kessler spins up 20 recent celebratory titles on vinyl and CD

Every industry loves an anniversary as a valid excuse for a celebration. And while some overdo it – one watch company seems to come up with a new anniversary model every five years – rock music has been around so long that we’re about to see 70th anniversary releases for early Elvis Presley [HFN Jun ’26], Bill Haley and Little Richard albums. Yes, rock exploded on the world scene in 1956, give or take, so there are seven decades’ worth of album birthdays to keep record labels buzzing with repackaging.