A really massive package – one that features six full albums from Starpoint, plus 34 bonus tracks as well! The group began as a more conventional funk outfit, but by the time of these records, they'd really found a sound that was strongly their own – a way of taking older ensemble modes forward to the 80s generation, yet without losing any of the warmth and beating heart that made them so great in the first place! There's so many different elements that come into play that make these records great – including key lead vocal performances from Renee Diggs, and well-crafted production that kept things fresh from record to record. The package features loads of classics amidst the full albums within – including the cuts "It's So Delicious", "Don't Be So Serious", "Breakout", "Am I Still The One", "Let Go", "Restless", "Object Of My Desire", "He Wants My Body", "DYBO", "Another Night", "Touch Of Your Love", "Say You Will", "I Want You You Want Me", "Midnight Love", and "One Step Closer To Your Love" – and each album is expanded with bonus tracks that include all the rare single mixes issued at the time. CD

Starpoint's one of those groups that always seem to be working a notch or two above most of their 80s contemporaries – and even on this mid-decade set, they're still going strong – bouncing around in upbeat rhythms, catchy hooks, and well-balanced instrumentation. Renee Diggs' vocals still sound great on top of the grooves, and even though the overall sound is moving more towards the charts at the time, Starpoint still keep away from ever getting too commercial. Titles include "Emotions", "Object Of My Desire", "See The Light", "Till The End Of Time", "Don't Take Your Love Away", "Restless", and "What You Been Missing". LP, Vinyl record album

Macy's best album since The Id, the slept on second album that we must be all alone in thinking is far better than her smash hit debut – coming here with hooky, fun and anthemic pop soul framing Macy's distinctively gritty lead vocals and memorable hooks! Macy Gray has always mixed it up stylistically in a way you could call "taking risks", still with ultra catchy and commercial gloss, but we just think she's creatively restless and up for anything. Here she flirts with 70s bubblegum glam rock on "Kissed It", but for the most part the album layers pop and R&B influences from the past couple decades and we'll call it an appealing win for Ms Gray....even with the Auto-Tune, dammit. Includes "The Sellout", "The Comeback", "Lately", "Still Hurts" feat Romika, "Stalker", "Real Love" (with Bobby Brown!!!), "On & On" and more. (Neo Soul, Soul) CD

A really rare slice of work from the funky genius Janko Nilovic – not the sound library grooves which have gained him fame over the decades – but instead a batch of rare cuts from his own short-lived record label, which he formed in 1968 with soul singer Davy Jones! Nilovic and Jones wrote all the tunes on the set, and they're presented by a variety of different artists – but have a unified feel that certainly comes from the strong instrumentation provided by Janko! The tunes are in a mix of mod 60s styles – some soul, some Hammond-heavy groovers, and some with a more expansive vibe that's almost a psychedelic take on the spirit of French pop during the period. The set features every a and b-side of the six singles issued by the label – plus four more bonus remixes – and titles include "Voodoo Juju Obsession (parts 1 & 2)" by K Ptyacunthapuserectus, "Lover's Summer Song" and "Moon Man" by Bobby Cannon, "Restless Gringo" and "The Lost & The Lonely" by Spiritus M, "Groovy Kinda Samba" and "The Juju Is The Thing" by Abra K Dabra, "Treasure Lee" and "Voodoo Juju" by Killer Steen, and "Tinka Bell" and "There's A Little Old Lady" by Tinka Bell. (Sound Library, Soul) LP, Vinyl record album

The title says it all – as the set's a collection of rare group soul recordings from Chicago, either unreleased recordings by obscure groups, or a few alternate takes of more famous numbers (but we use that term loosely here, as the cuts are all pretty darn rare!) Obviously, the fidelity's not in the 24-bit remaster mode – since lots of these come from rare tapes or acetates – but the set's a wonderful treasure if you're into harmony soul, especially of the Chicago sort! Titles include "Dear Lord" by The Vondells, "I Love That Guy" by The Shel-Raes, "Too Late" by Henry Ford & The Gifts, "Meet Me Halway" by The Condors, "Can't Take It" by The Sheppards, "Everyday Of The Week" by The Springers, "You Ain't Right" by The Nobles, "Darling Don't" by The Medallionaires, "Mtyllt" by The Dream Kings, "Restless Nights" by The Uniques, and "Boy Meets Girl" by The Delprados. CD