Two rainy bits: "Ultimate Thunderstorm" and "Gentle Rain in a Pine Forest". The sticker on the front says "Contains Synthetic Silence", whatever that is. As the notes say, play at any speed, for different psychological effects. (Sound Library, Now Sound) LP, Vinyl record album

Jackie Gleason's soundtrack for "that moment" of love, lust, whatever. Like a lot of his stuff from this period, not totally spot-on for the specified act (at least we'd never try to make "that moment" happen with this stuff), but it's still pretty great lush orchestral stuff, with big waves of romantic sound. Tracks include "Lilacs In The Rain", "On The Sentimental Side", "Why Was I Born", "I Thought About You", "That Sentimental Touch", "The End Of A Great Affair", and "A Cottage For Sale". LP, Vinyl record album

Is that barock or baroque? Whatever the case, the album's a pretty darn groovy affair – twin flutes from Sadao Watanabe and Akira Miyazawa – two of Japan's best reedmen at the end of the 60s – working here with some sweet arrangements that mix classical roots with mod instrumental modes! The approach is a bit like some of the best groovy European sessions of this type – and the production and instrumentation also carry occasional soundtrack echoes too – especially in the album's use of bossa rhythms, vibes, and wordless vocals at points – which make the whole thing feel like some lost Italian or French session from the time. Titles include "Orchestral Suite No 2", "Flute Sonata No 1", "Musical Offering", "Toccata & Fugue In D Minor", and "Invention In 6 Parts No 9". (Jazz, Now Sound) CD