A weird idea for a collection, but a great one too – a set that brings together a batch of train-themed tunes from the 60s, and uses the transportation narrative as a way to unlock ideas of personal freedom and social change! The "train" here isn't just a gimmick – and instead focuses on the way that the mode of transportation helped open up new ideas and new vistas in the postwar years – a way of getting out, and getting past – served up here in a range of soul, blues, and other styles too! The set's got 25 tracks in all, put together with the usual top-shelf Ace Records approach – and titles include "Freedom Riders" by Harold Jackson, "Steam" by Caroline Day, "Number 9 Train" by Tarheel Slim, "Hurry Hurry Choo Choo" by Sharon Tandy, "Memphis Train" by Rufus Thomas, "Won't Be Long" by Dusty Springfield, "The Downbound Train" by Chuck Berry, "Train To Skaville" by The Ethiopians, "Go Go Train" by Jackie Pain, "Freedom Train" by James Carr, "This Train" by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, "Up The Line" by Little Walter, "Death Train Blues" by Daddy Long Legs, "Stop That Train" by Keith & Tex, "Country Line Special" by Cyril Davies, and "Big Train" by Bobby Wayne. (Soul, Rock) CD

Classics from the vaults of Sun Records – not just bit rock hits, but some more obscure blues and country as well! Titles include "Bear Cat" by Rufus Thomas, "Baker Shop Boogie" by Willie Nix, "Red Velvet" by The Kirby Sisters, "Oh Red" by Howlin Wolf, "Ooby Dooby" by Roy Orbison, "Drinkin Wine Spodee O Dee" by Malcolm Yelvington, "Call Me Anything But Call Me" by Big Memphis Ma Rainey, and "Feelin Good" by Little Junior's Blue Flames. LP, Vinyl record album

A now-classic update of the famous Christmas album format – one done for the 21st Century crowd, but with a nice mix of older and younger artists – all serving up a blend of original tunes and holiday classics in new modes! Titles include "Green Grows The Holly" by Calexico, "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" by The Civil Wars, "The Christmas Song" by Paul McCartney, "Wonderful Christmastime" by The Shins, "Sleigh Ride" by Fun, "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Rufus Wainwright & Sharon Van Etten, "It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas" by Fruit Bats, "Senor Santa" by Y La Bamba, "Auld Lang Syne" by Andrew Bird, "May Every Day Be Christmas" by Irma Thomas, "That's What I Want For Christmas" by Holly Golightly, "The Man With The Bag" by Black Prairie with Sallie Ford, "Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me" by Eleanor Friedberger, and "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" by The Head & The Heart. (Holiday Music, Rock) LP, Vinyl record album

With selections by Sonny Burgess, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Miller Sisters, Rosco Gordon, Little Milton, Roy Orbison, James Cotton, Rufus Thomas, Pinetop Perkins, Charlie Feathers, and Jerry Lee Lewis. LP, Vinyl record album