A fantastically free session from the Japanese scene of the late 60s – a set that really points the way towards some of the more dramatic, dynamic guitar-based expression to come in later decades! The group's a trio, with guitarist Masayuki Takayanagi very firmly in the lead – playing his instrument in a range of compelling ways – bowing the strings one minute, plucking with Derek Bailey-like complexity the next – sometimes with heavy drums and bass, other times standing out in very free solo space. The whole album's got a very freely improvised feel, and stands as an early link between free jazz and experimental rock modes - with tracks that include "Piranha", "Herdsman's Pipe Of Spain", "The Galactic System", "Sick Sick Sickness My Aunt", and "Study No 3 Up & Down". (Jazz, Rock) LP, Vinyl record album

Fierce work from Flashmen – an Italian group who started out in the beat group generation of the 60s, but who turned out to have plenty to offer once the prog years rolled in – including an especially strong use of organ work that really gives this album a surprisingly lofty vibe! The basslines are wonderful too – never overstated, and usually spare but strong enough to really emphasize some darker currents in the music – as lyrics sometimes have a raspy quality that sounds a lot more urgent than the usual lyrics in a prog rock set! Titles include "Ingresso", "Maria", "Amo Mia Madre", "Un Pugno Di Mosche", "Sortita", "Nella Tua Mente", "Fortuna E Ragione", and "Qualcosa Per Sognare". LP, Vinyl record album

The singing debut of Moana Pozzi – a figure known equally well on the Italian scene for her role in pornography and politics! The style here is as slinky and sexy as you might guess from the cover – more laidback than 70s disco with a female porno singer in the lead, with plenty of 80s keyboards, beats, and basslines – all of which are handled by Jay Horus for the set! The grooves do plenty, so Moana doesn't have to add much – just some light, slinky vocals over rhythms that are mostly in a midtempo sort of groove! Titles include "Supermacho", "Rocky", "Gate One", "Auto Stop", "Amore Tossico", "Ultima Notte", and "La Gabbia". (Soul, Rock) LP, Vinyl record album