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A long-overdue follow-up to Ken's last Word Jazz album for Dot – done for Nordine's own Snail Records label nearly 20 years after the last one! The style here is less "jazz" and more atmospheric than before – very much in the mode of Nordine's Word Jazz syndicated radio show from the 80s and 90s. The vocal tricks and sense of humor's still nicely in place, and if anything the experimental style of the record is pushed even more than before. Backings include Howard Levy on keyboards and Paul Wertico on drums – and side one is a suite of tracks on "The Seasons", while side two features "Other Stuff". Individual titles include "The Swami", "Feet Of Clay", "Charlie Bingbang", "What's So Funny", "Summer Madness", "Getting Ready", and "Winter Sketch".

An overlooked gem from the mighty Piero Piccioni – scored for a 70s comedy with Alberto Sordi, and served up with some nice global touches in the music! The best tunes have a bouncy sound that's almost samba – but inflected with a lot of Italian soundtrack charm – which makes for a mixing of modes that's completely charming, and almost a warmer bossa take on a batucada style! Some tunes get even more stripped-down, with elements that show the orchestral work from Berto Pisano – and I Cantori Moderni lend chorus vocals to a few moments too. Titles include "Pic Nic Calypso", "West Africa", "Sketch Notturno", "Safari Esquisito", and "Eexperanca Em Lab Com Rugido Do Leao". Features 3 previously unreleased bonus tracks too!

A lavish book that documents the rich graphic legacy of McSweeney's – a press that makes books as beautiful to view as they are to read – thanks to work from some of the most forward-thinking graphic artists around! The huge volume features hundreds of images – from rough sketches to final publications – showing the full range of creative process that goes into each publication – not just the McSweeney's journal, individual books, and other projects as well! The book features contributions and commentary from a huge cast of folks – including Chris Ware, Michael Chabon, Charles Burns, Joyce Carol Oates, Dave Eggers, David Byrne, Tony Millionaire, and many others – and features loads of full-color images too. 262 pages, hardcover, and coffee table-sized!

One of Oliver Nelson's first politically conscious albums, and a classic set of larger orchestrations with a "Afro/American" orientation. The album works as one long suite, showcasing a number of different styles, and spanning a range of African American traditions. Players include Jerry Dodgion, Ray Barretto, Patti Brown, Melba Liston, and Nelson himself – who plays some nice solos on tenor and alto. Passages of the suite include "Disillusioned", "Freedom Dance", and "Jungleaire".