Paul Lester

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Paul Lester is the editor of Record Collector. He began freelancing for Melody Maker in the late 80s, and was later made Features Editor. He was a member of the team that launched Uncut Magazine, where he became Deputy Editor. In 2006 he went freelance again and has written for The Guardian, The Times, the Sunday Times, the Telegraph, Classic Rock, Q and the Jewish Chronicle. He has also written books on Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Bjork, The Verve, Gang Of Four, Wire, Lady Gaga, Robbie Williams, the Spice Girls, and Pink.

Latest articles by Paul Lester

Ryley Walker - Golden Sings That Have Been Sung album artwork

Ryley Walker - Golden Sings That Have Been Sung album review

By Paul Lester published 15 July 16

Not yet rated

Third album from acclaimed US jazz-folkie Ryley Walker.

Albums

Corbu - Crayon Soul album review

By Paul Lester published 14 July 16

Not yet rated

Corbu's electronic psych-pop produced by Dave Fridmann.

Albums

Fleetwood Mac - Mirage album review

By Paul Lester published 8 July 16

Expanded three-CD reissue of the band’s 13th album.

Albums

Jeff Beck (centre) with Rosie Bones and Carmen Vandenberg

He reinvented rock guitar, now Jeff Beck's back with a new album, group and tour

By Paul Lester published 7 July 16

New band. New album. New book. New tour. Musical chameleon Jeff Beck is back with new album Loud Hailer, and he's not showing any sign of letting up

Concerts & Shows

Ramones - Ramones album review

By Paul Lester published 5 July 16

Forty years on, the landmark of US punk minimalism gets the full-blown deluxe treatment.

Albums

The Monkees - Good Times! album review

By Paul Lester published 5 July 16

First album for 20 years from PreFab Four’s surviving trio.

Albums

Stone Free Festival 2016 – live review

By Paul Lester published 4 July 16

Not yet rated

Glam metal, southern rock, straitjackets and wizard capes – we bring you the highlights from Stone Free, the capital’s new (mud-free) festival

Music Festivals

Explosions In The Sky leaning against a blue wall

Outer Limits: How Prog are Explosions In The Sky?

By Paul Lester published 16 June 16

These Texan post-rockers have sold-out the Royal Albert Hall with their far-out sounds, their music has graced numerous soundtracks and they’ve been compared by many to Pink Floyd. But are th

Interviews

Yes performing at the Royal Albert Hall against an orange screen

Yes at the Royal Albert Hall live review

By Paul Lester published 16 June 16

Not yet rated

Yes honour Chris Squire and raise the roof at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall

Concerts & Shows

Spooky Tooth's Nomad Poets album artwork

Spooky Tooth: Nomad Poets – Live In Germany 2004 album review

By Paul Lester published 14 June 16

Not yet rated

Neglected 60s/70s rockers Spooky Tooth captured live during reunion tour.

Albums

The Many Faces Of Eric Clapton: ‘God’ speaks!

By Paul Lester published 10 June 16

Eric Clapton is one of rock’s most reclusive superstars. But in this candid Classic Rock interview, he opens up about the highs and lows of his six decade career

Interviews

Love/Hate - Black Out In The Red Room album review

By Paul Lester published 8 June 16

Commercial dud but critical fave of the hair-metal genus.

Albums

Steve Hackett The Charisma Years 1975-1983 album cover

Steve Hackett - The Charisma Years 1975-1983 album review

By Paul Lester published 7 June 16

Ten-LP vinyl box set of former Genesis guitarist’s work.

Albums

Giuda live review – London, Underworld

By Paul Lester published 7 June 16

Not yet rated

Punk-glam-boogie merchants Giuda drop in from Italy.

Concerts & Shows

John Foxx: 21st Century: A Man, A Woman And A City

By Paul Lester published 13 May 16

Compilation of the electronic pioneer’s work, 2000-2016.

Albums

Andy Partridge Fuzzy Warbles Volumes 1 to 3 album cover

Andy Partridge: Fuzzy Warbles Vols. 1-3, 4-6, 7, 8 & Hinges

By Paul Lester published 13 May 16

Three triple-CD sets of oddities from the XTC genius.

Albums

Various: C87

By Paul Lester published 13 May 16

Three-CD box set of late-80s indie rock.

Albums

Exclusive: ‘I’m lucky to be alive’ - Eric Clapton speaks

By Paul Lester published 11 May 16

The legendary guitar hero talks exclusively to Classic Rock about bringing back the blues, old friendships and emotional pain

Interviews

Anathema - Weather Systems/Universal Album Review

By Paul Lester published 6 May 16

Not yet rated

Liverpool’s prog finest reach new heights in the studio and onstage.

Albums

Tiny Giant - the new band from Pure Reason Revolution's Chloë Alper

By Paul Lester published 5 May 16

Dreamy pop prog duo tackling love, time, loss and regret.

Interviews

Lenny Henry’s five favourite blues albums

By Paul Lester published 3 May 16

“BB King? Genius-level playing” – comedy icon and born-again blues singer Lenny Henry rifles through his record collection for us.

Albums

Live review: Muse

By Paul Lester published 15 April 16

Not yet rated

Epic prog-pomp with visuals to match from Teignmouth’s unassuming mega-rockers.

Concerts & Shows

So What's Lenny Henry Got To Sing The Blues About?

By Paul Lester published 15 April 16

Comedian, actor, political activist, knight of the realm… bluesman?! Sir Len has gone and made a politically-charged blues album. And the best thing? It sounds nothing like Hugh Laurie.

Interviews