The First Now Spinning Magazine Album Review Show!
Hello everyone, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine, and welcome to the first episode of our brand-new Album Review Show—your monthly roundup of the latest releases, deluxe editions, box sets, and collector’s items that have landed on my desk.
If you want to get involved or have your music featured, don’t hesitate to contact me via the website at NowSpinning.co.uk.
In this debut episode, we’re covering a wide range of releases, including:
Yes – Close to the Edge (Definitive Edition)
Hawkwind – Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Steely Dan – Katy Lied (Vinyl Reissue)
Nektar – Journey to the Centre of the Eye (Deluxe 2CD)
David Lee Roth – The Warner Recordings 1985–1994 (5CD Box)
Man – God Walking Past (5DVD Box)
Mountain – Live in the UK (6CD Box)
1. Yes – Close to the Edge (Definitive Edition Box)
Format: 7-disc multi-format box (Vinyl, CDs, Blu-ray)
Key Features:
Steven Wilson mixes in Dolby Atmos, 5.1, and stereo
Original album remaster
Live concert from the Rainbow (December 16, 1972)
Rarities and instrumentals
Overview:
Yes fans are no strangers to “Definitive Editions,” but this time we get vinyl, CDs, and a Blu-ray all in one place. The Dolby Atmos mix is stunning, the vinyl pressing is top-notch, and the live show is a real treat—though some segments fade in/out for tape reasons. The packaging follows the style of the previous Yes Album and Fragile box sets: a fold-out design that isn’t everyone’s favorite. A bit more space and a larger book would have been perfect for such a landmark release. Still, if you want an all-in-one set with new mixes and that classic Roger Dean artwork, this is a fantastic (if pricey) option.
2. Hawkwind – Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Formats: Triple Vinyl or 3CD Box
Incredible modern live performance from one of space rock’s finest
CD version includes rehearsal recordings (Disc 3)
Gatefold sleeves on the vinyl version, clamshell box for CDs
Hawkwind’s recent studio albums have shown a band reborn, and this live set absolutely confirms it. The energy is infectious, and the triple vinyl edition (with poly-lined inners recommended) sounds brilliant. On the CD set, you get rehearsal tracks not found on vinyl—ideal for serious fans. Whether you’re a longtime space-rock traveler or just dipping your toes into the cosmic waters, this is one of Hawkwind’s best live releases in ages.
3. Steely Dan – Katy Lied (Reissue)
Format: Vinyl
Immaculately pressed and mastered
Classic 1975 album with hits like “Black Friday”
Iconic jazz-rock fusion from the band’s golden period
If you love that pristine Steely Dan sound, you won’t be disappointed. Katy Lied is filled with the band’s trademark sophistication—tight arrangements, clever lyrics, and jazz-inflected grooves. It’s an essential piece of the Steely Dan puzzle, and this reissue does it justice with a clean, warm pressing. If you’re missing Katy Lied in your collection (or only have it on CD), this is a no-brainer.
4. Nektar – Journey to the Centre of the Eye (Deluxe 2CD)
Format: 2CD, Digipack
Remastered original album
Bonus tracks & live Boston tapes from 1970
In-depth booklet with fresh commentary
This early 70s prog gem showcases Nektar’s boundary-pushing style, packed with Mellotron swells and guitar wizardry. The bonus live material adds a whole new perspective to their evolution. If you love British prog from the era where bands charted their own experimental paths, you’ll find Journey to the Centre of the Eye enthralling. Esoteric/Cherry Red has done a superb job again!
5. David Lee Roth – The Warner Recordings 1985–1994 (5CD Box)
Format: 5CD clamshell box
Albums Included:
Crazy from the Heat (EP)
Eat ’Em and Smile
Skyscraper
A Little Ain’t Enough
Your Filthy Little Mouth
If you’re a big Dave fan or a completist, this is a great set that scoops up all his Warner-era albums. Each album is presented in a mini-LP replica sleeve with the original artwork and lyric sheets (in teeny-tiny print!). There’s no booklet or extras, but the remasters sound crisp. Personal highlights include the timeless shred-fest of Eat ’Em and Smile, the catchy tunes on Skyscraper, and the underrated blues-rock vibe of Your Filthy Little Mouth. If you want the full Roth experience from the mid-80s to mid-90s in a handy box, here it is.
6. Man – God Walking Past (5DVD Box)
Format: 5DVD set, 9 hours of footage
Key Features:
Covers the band’s history from 1968–1976
13 different lineups featured
Rare interviews with band members who have since passed away
Man is one of Wales’ finest rock exports, weaving West Coast vibes with a quirky progressive spirit. This massive set is a deep dive into their evolving lineup and their storied back-catalog. It’s nine hours of concert footage, interviews, and rare gems—truly a labor of love. If you’re a fan of Man or simply enjoy discovering pivotal bands from the late 60s/70s, you’ll be in heaven here. Just clear your schedule: it’s a lot of content!
7. Mountain – Live in the UK (6CD Box)
Format: 6CD clamshell box
Live recordings from 2002–2005 in various UK venues
Showcases Leslie West’s unforgettable guitar tone and vocals
Foldout sheet with photos, but no detailed booklet
Leslie West was one of the greats, with a unique, soulful guitar tone and a powerful voice. This box includes multiple live shows with mostly similar setlists (and a few Cream covers), but West rarely played a song the same way twice, so each concert feels fresh. The sound quality is from soundboard recordings—solid but not shiny-studio perfect. Still, it’s a fantastic way to hear Mountain’s late-era magic in all its gritty glory.
Take care, and see you soon!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
