How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean is the latest embellishment in a catalog that opened in 1972 with Whatever's For Us. That album launched the distinguished career that has led to MBE and CBE decorations, Ivor Novello and BASCA Gold Badge Awards for songwriting, BRIT and Grammy nominations, countless honorary degrees and far more. As usual in her recent history, the new record is a triumph of self-sufficiency, entirely written, produced, programed and engineered by Joan herself. The 12-track set will rapidly be recognized by Armatrading's legions of devotees and new fans alike as a songwriting and recording masterclass. On a bed of melodies and arrangements that are by turns immediate and subtle, it weaves a lyrical tapestry that touches on both individual and universal themes with her trademark dexterity and easy charm, not to mention two showstopping instrumentals.
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Recommended equipment and accessories
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Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
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Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
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Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
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Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
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Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
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The Mountain Goats Through This Fire Across from Peter Balkan [2xLP]
Cadmean Dawn
November 7, 2025 -
Elvis Presley That's The Way It Is (Red)
Music On Vinyl
October 10, 2025 -
Electric Guest 10K
Electric Guest
October 10, 2025 -
Softcult When A Flower Doesn't Grow
Easy Life Records Ltd
January 30, 2026 -
Behemoth Pandemonic Incantations [2xLP]
Metal Blade
September 26, 2025 -
Polygon Window Surfing On Sine Waves (Expanded Edition) [3xLP]
Warp Records
September 26, 2025 -
The Besnard Lakes The Besnard Lakes Are The Ghost Nation (Clear)
Full Time Hobby
October 10, 2025 -
Say She She Cut & Rewind
Drink Sum Wtr
October 3, 2025 -
Alexandra Kay Second Wind (Neon Pink)
Bmg
October 24, 2025 -
The Mountain Goats The Sunset Tree (20th Anniversary; Apricot)
4Ad
October 17, 2025 -
Newton Faulkner OCTOPUS (White)
Cooking Vinyl
September 19, 2025 -
Thin Lizzy Live And Dangerous (Metallic Silver) [2xLP]
Friday Music Two
October 31, 2025 -
Arthur Buck Arthur Buck 2
LONELY ASTRONAUT
October 3, 2025 -
Gomez In Our Gun (Blue) [2xLP]
Integral
October 17, 2025