A hell of a package – two key albums from Gang Of Four, plus lots of other rare material from these crucial years! At the core of the package is the classic album Entertainment – one of the greatest debut albums of all time – a record that hit the world like a comet when it was released, and which will continue to burn brightly for many decades to come! There's few groups who get things so right as Gang Of Four on this set – balancing the sharp edges of UK punk with a deeper political sense – but one that puts its message across in these short, sharp, shocks that are often given an extra punch by some surprisingly strong basslines! The mix of rawness, message, and surprising groove really sets this one apart from the pack – and that includes the work by legions of groups who've tried to imitate it over the years. Tracks include "Ether", "Natural's Not In It", "Not Great Men", "Damaged Goods", "Return The Gift", "Guns Before Butter", "Glass", and "Contract". Solid Gold is a stunning second set from the mighty Gang Of Four – and a record that's got all the power and politics of their famous Entertainment debut! The set's got some wonderfully heavy basslines amidst the scratchy guitar that makes the group so great – but nothing's too polished, certainly not as in their crossover club modes to come – and the call/response vocal style of Andy Gill and Jon King is tremendous – a very fresh way to deliver the message, and one that's still never been matched all these many years later. Titles include "Paralyzed", "What We All Want", "Why Theory", "If I Could Keep It For Myself", "Cheeseburger", "The Republic", "Outside The Trains Don't Run On Time", "In The Ditch", "A Hole In The Wallet", and "He'd Send In The Army". Next, you get an exclusive Singles album – the first-ever LP collection of all the early singles and b-sides – including tracks from the EP releases Yellow, Damaged Goods, and Another Day Another Dollar. Next is an another exclusive vinyl release – the 2LP set recorded Live At The American Indian Center 1980. Plus, the box features a 100 page full-color, hardcover book – with rare photos, contributions from group members, original artwork, and rare posters – plus essays from Greil Marcus, Michael Stipe, Jon Langford, and others. Also includes posters, flyers, and ephemera! CD

Excellent later work from this legnedary hard-rocking trio – recorded when TS McPhee was still going strong on vocals and guitar! LP, Vinyl record album

A really beautiful little record from John Martyn – a set in which he's really perfected his talents, and found a way to stand out from just about anyone else in the pack – including the best of his British folk rock contemporaries! Martyn plays acoustic guitar, but the record's hardly folk at this point – because his vocals have all these jazzy changes, maybe a bit like Joni Mitchell was hitting at the same point in her career – more sophisticated, but very organic and never forced – with this quality that makes just about every word that comes from Martyn's voice resonate with a really fantastic quality. His guitar playing is as wonderful as ever – and again, filled with jazzy phrasing without ever being jazz at all – and the whole thing is maybe a record to proudly put Martyn in the company of Nick Drake on his few classics for Island. Titles include "Solid Air", "Over The Hill", "I'd Rather Be The Devil", "The Easy Blues", "The Man In The Station", "Dreams By The Sea", and "Don't Want To Know". CD

... LP, Vinyl record album

Tremendous work from this groundbreaking electro pop trio – a group who seem to compress all the best electric energy on both sides of the planet at the time – creating a leaner, catchier take on some of the hippest German modes, mixing them with their own quirky energy, and paving the way for a huge amount of global acts to follow! The songs here are still better than so much that came later – a fantastic late 70s statement from the trio of Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahasi – who here seem even more confident than on their debut, with even enough gumption to remake The Beatles' "Day Tripper" as an electro theme. Other tracks include "Rydeen", "Technopolis", "Insomnia", "Solid State Survivor", and "Absolute Ego Dance". LP, Vinyl record album

... LP, Vinyl record album

Live recording from the Hammersmith Odeon. LP, Vinyl record album

Music from Andy Summers, Ralph Towner, Vernon Reid, Laurence Juber, David Cullen, Pierre Bensusan, Alex de Grassi, Bill Frisell, Henry Kaiser, Gary Lucas, Michael Manring, Tony McManus, Arlen Roth, David Russell and more. CD

The Allman Brothers at their best – and a key 70s set that may well have the group working at their peak! All their best southern roots are firmly tied together here – not just the country-touched approach to rock that was the group's calling card, but also their ties to some of the Georgia soul scene as well – an element that really surfaces in some of the album's piano lines and rhythms, which really help underscore the depth of the tunes – and give the group a solid footing that's stronger than some of their more cliched contemporaries. These tunes hold up wonderfully over the years – and have a visionary approach that almost sparkles even more strongly here in the 21st Century than when we first started digging their sounds on radio back in the 70s. Titles include "Southbound", "Jessica", "Pony Boy", "Wasted Words", "Ramblin Man", "Come & Go Blues", and "Jelly Jelly". LP, Vinyl record album

A really beautiful solo album from Jon Anderson – best known as the lead singer of Yes, stepping out here with a set that matches the solo projects of Chris Squire and Steve Howe from the same time! Yet unlike those efforts, this one is truly a solo recording – as Anderson not only sings, but handles all the instruments himself – keyboards, guitars, and everything else – folded together in a sound that's very faithful, thanks to work from Mike Dunne, who'd handled a lot of the sound for recordings by Yes! Given that Anderson's not an instrumental virtuoso, like some of his bandmates, the record is a nice change from some of the side-long power jams of mid 70s Yes – tunes that together tell a story, but which have a lyrical, personal vibe that also really suits the charms of Jon's vocals. The set feels nicely like a mid 70s side-chapter of Yes – in ways that are different than the solo records by Howe and Squire – and titles include "Ocean Song", "To The Runner", "Flight Of The Moorglade", "Solid Space", "Dance Of Rampart/Olias", and "Meeting/Sound Out The Galleon". LP, Vinyl record album

An essential collection of Chuck Berry material for Chess Records – 71 songs in all, including some unreleased numbers! (Soul, Rock) CD

The one where The Black Crowes really started expanding their creative reach beyond being a hell of a solid torch carrier of the swaggery soul rock sound of The Faces and Stones! They're still not reinventing the wheel (nor trying to), but they do begin to jettison the classic rock radio approach of earlier records for a hard grooving, album-oriented sound that's a LOT stronger than we credited them for back in the day! They wear their influences on their sleeves as proudly as ever, but there's so many of them, and it all sounds so good...damn! Respect long overdue, and proudly paid. Titles include "Gone", "A Conspiracy", "She Gave Good Sunflower", "Ballad In Urgency", "Wiser Time", "Descending" and more. (Cassettes, Rock) Cassette

The one where The Black Crowes really started expanding their creative reach beyond being a hell of a solid torch carrier of the swaggery soul rock sound of The Faces and Stones! They're still not reinventing the wheel (nor trying to), but they do begin to jettison the classic rock radio approach of earlier records for a hard grooving, album-oriented sound that's a LOT stronger than we credited them for back in the day! They wear their influences on their sleeves as proudly as ever, but there's so many of them, and it all sounds so good...damn! Respect long overdue, and proudly paid. Titles include "Gone", "A Conspiracy", "She Gave Good Sunflower", "Ballad In Urgency", "Wiser Time", "Descending" and more. CD

Solid grooves that range from a bluesy rock rumble to more of an easygoing style from Blackstone – with gritty, emotive vocals, guitars and drums that drive the sound along – with some sweet organ and keys sweetening it up! The blues & soul influences are right out front, but the group has a walloping sound of its own. Titles include "Qualified", "Mountain", "Change Is Gonna Come", "Back Door Man", "Ain't Gonna Let It Go", "Oopoopadoo", "Aint Nobodys Business", "Likakowpi (Look-A-Ky-Py)", "Gonna Getcha" and more. CD

A treasure trove of rare mid 60s garage rock from the state of Michigan – the complete anthology of local legends The Bossmen! MI was soon to become a breeding ground for some of the most revolutionary rock of the 60s – and while The Bossmen aren't best remembered rockers of the region all these decades later – they really helped lay the groundwork! There's a raw edge, but a melodic style here that's quintessential 60s rock, if you ask us. Guitarist Dick Wagner would go on to play with fellow Michigan rock trailblazer Alice Cooper and other legends, but this earlier work with The Bossmen is really solid, and sounds great all these years later. Comes with thick booklet of notes and photos, too! 18 tracks in all: "Take A Look", "It's A Shame", "Thanks To You'", "Help Me Baby", "Bad Girl", "Wait And See", "On The Road", "Rainy Day", "Sunshine", "Little Girl", "Easy Way Out", "I Cannot Stop You", "Listen My Girl" and more. CD

David Bowie's late career peak arrived just days before he left us! The preceding record The Next Day was a solid reminder of Bowie at his fuzz guitar-graced 70s best, while still standing firm in the here-and-now, yet we still sort of wished for more creatively daring work. Here it is! Once again, Bowie co-produces with Tony Visconti, but it's clear from the start that they're going for something deeper and more complex. Chilling bits of strings, keyboards and sputtering beats begin the epic title track, before Bowie's voice comes in like a spirtual guide – approaching Scott Walker territory here – augmented by sax and other cool touches. It's an amazing start to an unpredictable set of songs, each as hypnotic as the one before. The stranger vibe of the opener comes in and out as the album plays on, but there's some fuzzier and heavier bits, too – on songs that are enigmatic and anthemic, arty and accessible. Incredible! Other titles include '"Tis A Pity, She Was A Whore", "Lazarus", "Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime)", "Girl Loves Me", "Dollar Days" and "I Can't Give Everything Away". CD

A surprisingly wonderful solo album from Jack Bruce – one that's got a tighter approach to the songwriting, and done in a strange jazz-rock-folk style that at times recalls the early work of Roy Wood, or some of the later work of Tim Hardin. The album's got a strangely personal feel – as Bruce stretches himself a bit more on the lyrics, and goes for a few passages that are more intimate than one might expect from other work. The result is possibly his most cohesive album overall, and a real treat to anyone with ears for a solid jazz rock outing! Titles include "Folk Song", "Morning Story", "There's A Forest", "Can You Follow", "Victoria Sage", "Letter Of Thanks", and "Post War". LP, Vinyl record album

A mighty impressive box set of previously unreleased Can – incredible stuff captured throughout their groundbreaking run from the late 60s to mid 70s – culled from hours and hours of tapes of the sessions that could have just as easily wound up on any of their classic records of the period! We figured that this would almost certainly be a solid companion piece to their initial run of classic albums – but the best thing about it is that out stands up really well on its own. Can pretty famously let the tapes run while they worked things out and let the magic happen spontaneously, so it stands to reason a lot of brilliant stuff was left on those tapes! We're surprised it took so long to pour through it and assemble some of the best of the "lost" material, but better late than never! Since it covers the full late 60s & early 70s periods, it's got bits with Mooney and Suzuki, hypnotic live takes, slow-building tension, moody lulls and violent bursts of sound – it's Can, alright! 30 tracks sequenced brilliantly over 3CDs – and it comes a reel-to-reel style box with a 10-inch booklet. Titles include "Millionenspiel", "Waiting For The Street Car", "Evening All Day", "Deadly Doris", "Bubble Rap", "Your Friendly Neighborhood Whore", "Bilnd Mirror Sur", "Bubble Rap", "Godzilla Fragment", "Barnacles", "The Agreement", "The Loop", "A Swan Is Born" and more. CD

Heady work from Chango – a 70s combo with a style that's right in keeping with the Chicano Rock scene in LA! The group mix together a swirling blend of guitars, organ, and percussion – clearly inspired by Santana, but with rootsier touches, and a bit more energy to groove openly. Most tracks have vocals, but the real strength of the set is the instrumentation – especially on the keyboards, which get pretty out there on some of the best cuts! Titles include the extended jammer "Chango", plus "Mira Pa Ca", "Bembe", "Solid Karma", "Fire Over Water", "Walk On Hell", and "Caminando". (Latin, Rock) LP, Vinyl record album

A warm, wonderful set of Gene Clark recordings from the early 70s – material that probably should have been issued as a proper album in the States back in the day, as sounds pretty much as solid to us as some of his great work in preceding years – but was issued only in Europe at the time! Roadmaster was pulled together from 1972 sessions that were essentially abandoned, but it's truly top notch Cali country rock featuring Byrds and Burrito Brothers in the sessions. Titles include "She's The Kind Of Girl", "Full Circle Song", "Roadmaster", "In A Misty Morning", "She Don't Care About Time", "Shooting Star", "Rough And Rocky", "One In A Hundred", "I Remember The Railroad" and more. LP, Vinyl record album

Two classic albums from the great Gene Clark – back to back in a single set! First up is White Light – a key part of that scattered legacy that really helped cement his individual genius after leaving The Byrds! Much of the record is a spare and intimate affair – with Gene's warm vocals accompanied by his own gently picked acoustic guitar, along with producer Jesse Ed Davis (who does a masterful job in the booth on this one) also on guitar. The tunes are also sweetened by waltzy basslines, and Byrds-y keyboard riffs by Ben Sidran, but Gene's wonderful vocals and his amazingly strong songwriting are obviously the biggest draws – not standard country or roots rock, and instead delivered with a sense of sophistication that's almost a genre unto itself. Titles include the amazing "For A Spanish Guitar" – plus "The Virgin", "With Tomorrow", "White Light", "Where My Love Lies Asleep", "1975", and a great reading of The Band & Bob Dylan's "Tears Of Rage". Roadmaster is a warm, wonderful set of Gene Clark recordings from the early 70s – material that probably should have been issued as a proper album in the States back in the day, as sounds pretty much as solid to us as some of his great work in preceding years – but was issued only in Europe at the time! Roadmaster was pulled together from 1972 sessions that were essentially abandoned, but it's truly top notch Cali country rock featuring Byrds and Burrito Brothers in the sessions. Titles include "She's The Kind Of Girl", "Full Circle Song", "Roadmaster", "In A Misty Morning", "She Don't Care About Time", "Shooting Star", "Rough And Rocky", "One In A Hundred", "I Remember The Railroad" and more. CD

Fuzzy and genuinely well-crafted private press grooves from the Emerson brothers – with crazy good hooks, some surprisingly solid musicianship – and songs that range from straight-up catchy, though fuzz-drenched rock, to funk and soul! Donnie Emerson is the lead singer, guitarist and bass player, along with some synth – and on the best tunes, he's got a confident, laidback and warm style on vocals that truly doesn't feel the voice of a kid still in his teens – with brother Joe on drums and other friends on backing vocals here and there. Here's a record that profoundly transcends the private press novelty and the goofy jumpsuits they're rocking on the front cover! Includes "Good Time", "Give Me The Chance", "Baby", the instrumental groover "Feels Like The Sun", "Love Is", "Don't Go Lovin' Nobody Else", "Dream Full Of Dreams" and "My Heart". CD

Fuzzy and genuinely well-crafted private press grooves from the Emerson brothers – with crazy good hooks, some surprisingly solid musicianship – and songs that range from straight-up catchy, though fuzz-drenched rock, to funk and soul! Donnie Emerson is the lead singer, guitarist and bass player, along with some synth – and on the best tunes, he's got a confident, laidback and warm style on vocals that truly doesn't feel the voice of a kid still in his teens – with brother Joe on drums and other friends on backing vocals here and there. Here's a record that profoundly transcends the private press novelty and the goofy jumpsuits they're rocking on the front cover! Includes "Good Time", "Give Me The Chance", "Baby", the instrumental groover "Feels Like The Sun", "Love Is", "Don't Go Lovin' Nobody Else", "Dream Full Of Dreams" and "My Heart". LP, Vinyl record album

Underrated later Airplane – issued at the time on their own Grunt label! Bark came out in '71, after the departure of co-founder Marty Balin, but despite that obviously important loss, there are some pretty cool positive changes in approach, even if it wasn't enough to keep the group flying for too much longer! For one, it's got some excellent violin by Papa John Creach on several tunes – and Slick and Kantor's vocals and songwriting are still in solid shape here. Titles include "When The Earth Moves Again", "Feel So Good", "Crazy Miranda", "Wild Turkey", "Law Man", "Think", "War Movie" and more. LP, Vinyl record album

An incredible treasure from the late 60s underground – the one and only album from the Jelly Bean Bandits, a group who really should have been huge! These guys are hardly the sweeter pop act you might expect from their name – and instead, they've got a rock-solid sound that's very heavy on the drums – then followed up by some very sinister organ and guitar! Lead vocals from Billy Donald are really great – with a nicely dark undercurrent that stands with the bigger names of his generation, but which never falls into any sort of overindulgence. Most tunes are somewhat short, but pack plenty of power from the bottom on up – and titles include "Happiness Girl", "Country Woman", "Poor Precious Dreams", "September Rain", "Goodtime Feeling", "Tapestries", and "Say Mann". LP, Vinyl record album

A landmark album from Kiss – the set that really broke them out of the hard rock underground and firmly put them on the rock and roll map – thanks to an all-great set list, and overall presentation of the group at their best! Maybe it's the cover image, but there's a rock-solid quality to the record that seems to make this set stand out just a bit more from the group's 70s classics – a balance between hard rockers, crossover cuts, and even the album's lone ballad, "Beth" which certainly won over a few fans who might have been holding out a bit – nestled alongside other tunes that include "Detroit Rock City", "King Of The Night Time World", "God Of Thunder", "Flaming Youth", "Shout It Out Loud", "Sweet Pain", and "Do You Love Me". LP, Vinyl record album

Two albums from the duo of Neil Larsen & Buzz Feiten – back to back in a single set! First up is the self-titled Larsen Feiten Band – a fantastic bit of AOR – served up here by two musicians with a background in jazz, and a great way of harmonizing their vocals together! Larsen is Neil Larsen, who plays keyboards and sings – and Feiten is Buzz Feiten – guitarist and musical partner who helps make Neil sound even tighter and groovier here than on his solo records! The duo work with a core quintet, plus some added horn arrangements – in a style that's definitely in the hipper side of the AOR spectrum, which yields up plenty of rewarding listening all these many years later. Titles include "She's Not In Love", "Aztec Legend", "Make It", "Morning Star", "Over", "Danger Zone", and "Who'll Be The Fool Tonight". On Full Moon, the duo of Neil Larsen and Buzz Feiten sound mighty nice – Buzz on guitars and vocals, Neil on keyboards – stepping out with some added horns, tight arrangements, and a groove that takes the 70s AOR ethos into great territory for the 80s! The record's almost more of the sort you'd expect to hear in 1977 – no tinny production, no shift to drum machines for the rhythms – just rock-solid instrumentation from a really great group, tight songwriting, and catchy tunes that include "Twilight Moon", "Little Cowboys", "Standing In Line", "Hero's Welcome", "The Visitor", and "Phantom Of The Footlights". CD

John Lennon revisits the rock and roll canon after years of emotionally charged solo material – a move that was partially imposed by legal necessity, but got even more messed up from there – culminating a solid, set of pure Rock N Roll in '75! Includes sessions produced by Lennon in fall of '74, plus the 4 tracks that survived the '73 sessions with Spector. Includes "Be-Bop-A-Lula", "Stand By Me", "Rip It Up/Ready Teddy", "Ain't That A Shame", "Sweet Little Sixteen", "Slippin' And Slidin'", "Peggy Sue", "Bony Moronie", "Just Because" and more. LP, Vinyl record album