Out this week
It's finally arrived: the release of the award-winning Les Misérables on blu-ray and DVD that does real justice to Cameron McIntosh's acclaimed stage musical. Directed by Tom Hooper of King's Speech fame, Hugh Jackman gives a towering performance as Valjean, leading an all-star cast that includes Anne Hathaway (Fantine), Russell Crowe (Javert), Amanda Seyfried (Cosette), Eddie Redmayne (Marius) and stage star Samantha Barks (Éponine).
It's also a great week for music, with fantastic new releases from the likes of Primal Scream, New York City indie rockers Vampire Weekend, and the much anticipated LP debut from singer/songwriter Gabrielle Aplin - English Rain, who scored a no.1 single in December with her memorable cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's The Power of Love.
If you're an Abba fan then you'll be hugely excited by the news that Agnetha Fältskog is back with a new solo album A - her first new material since 1987. Speaking of returning music legends, we have another in the shape of Rod Stewart. The Scottish rock star-come-crooner, who has sold the best part of 200m singles and albums in a career spanning over five decades releases his 28th studio album - Time.
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Based on the Victor Hugo classic, the film tells the epic story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who breaks his parole but eventually finds redemption as a successful factory owner and as the mayor of a small provincial French town. Valjean agrees to take care of Cosette, the illegitimate daughter of the dying Fantine - a former employee who has been wronged, but as a fugitive he must also evade the close attentions of his arch-nemesis - police inspector Javert, who will always see him as Prisoner 24601. The plot is set against the backdrop of political turmoil of the French Revolution and is given dramatic yet deeply moving expression by some wonderful vocal performances and a repertoire of songs that is now rightly regarded as being little short of iconic.
Also, while stocks last, if you purchase the film at HMV stores, the deluxe CD version of the soundtrack can be yours for just £9.99 (normally £13.99).
This is Rod Stewart's 28th album in a career which now spans five decades, and numerous hits across the world. The Scottish rocker-crooner returns after notable success with his American Songbook recordings, and treats us to an album where he looks back on his life, covering his early singing career and the places of his youth. Available in stores now, and featuring the singles It's Over and She Makes Me Happy.
The third album from Vampire Weekend sees a change in style as the youthful exuberance of the first two albums is replaced with a new musicality, and an album which challenges our perceptions of the band. Vampire Weekend has been a hit both sides of the Atlantic, and Modern Vampires of The City is sure to keep those fans and win a large number of new fans along the way. Available in store now.
