A massive return to form for Maxwell – his first album in many years, but definitely well worth the wait! The set's supposedly the start of a trilogy – but hell, we're more than happy to have it all on its own – a wonderful reminder of the deeply soulful sound that first made us fall in love with Maxwell's music many years back – at a time when few mainstream soul artists could hit such a classic vibe – equally amazing all these years later, as Maxwell's still doing it better than most! Tunes are beautifully-written – straightforward, without any gimmicks, and cascading in warm beats, laidback grooves, and those sweetly crackling vocals that make Maxwell a winner on both mellow and funky numbers. Titles include "Bad Habits", "Cold", "Pretty Wings", "Playing Possum", "Phoenix Rise", "Stop The World", and "Love You". CD

An overlooked third album from Down To The Bone – a set that maybe didn't take the world by storm as much as their first two, but which still has the group very much in fine formation! All the best previous elements are in place here – that strong mix of funky jazz instrumentation with contemporary rhythmic production – almost a blend of some of the funkier club styles of the time with more mainstream fusion, at a level that made these guys both a hit on the dancefloors and for kicking back at the crib! Titles include "The Backburner", "Righteous Reeds", "Sound As A Pound", "Bridgeport Boogie", "The Lowdown", and "Black Choice". CD