A real sound library treasure from the UK scene of the 70s – a set that features two of that genre's heaviest talents – back to back on a single record! You probably know Alan Hawkshaw for his famous work on keyboards – including his classic organ riff on "The Champ" by The Mohawks – but here, he combines his keys with larger orchestrations on side one – making a bunch of short, groovy tunes that have the feel of a hip 70s soundtrack – stepping strings at some points, gently funky basslines at others, and just the right use of soaring woodwinds. Alan Parker takes over on side two, which is even groovier – as it features Parker in a small combo – serving up tunes that mix funky, slinky, and more lyrical modes – often with a light woodwind current over the top. Titles include "Monochrome", "Blue Shadow", "No Return", "Choctaw", and "Black Pearl" by Parker – and "Sunny Monday", "Tryst", "Next Stop LA", "Oh Militia", "The Vamp", "Collect", and "Miraculous Dream" by Hawkshaw. LP, Vinyl record album

The great first entry in this overlooked series – a mix of sound library gems and other soulful delights from the European scene – most of which never got release over here on this side of the Atlantic! A good number of tracks are from the Sonoton label archives, and they're sprinkled here with a few other key cuts as well – all in a hip blend of funky fusion, electric jazz, and electronic numbers – most of which are quite different than the usual sound library bag! Titles include "The Camp" and "Don't Play That Game (part 2)" by Klaus Weiss, "Whistler On The Rocks" by Eric Vanell, "Asteroide" by Racines Synthetiques, "Integrate" by Sam Sklair, "Wall Paper Music 6" by Dave Sarkys, "Actual 39" by Georges Rodi, "Iron Wood" by Africna Voodoo, "Pop Boutique" by Fritz Maldener Trio, and "Light & Shadow" by George King Organ Sounds. (Funky Compilations, Sound Library) LP, Vinyl record album

Joe Harrison starts out this set with a reference to David Axelrod, and the set just keeps getting better and better after that – as Joe mixes together vibes, mellotron, guitar, organ, flute, and lots of other cool instrumentation – but all with a lean vibe that's definitely more on the hip hop instrumental side of the spectrum! A few other players add in bits too – pedal steel, violin, bass, and guitar – but Harrison keeps things lean throughout, and served up one of the more hip hop-inspired entries in this great series from Madlib Invazion – maybe one that's most in keeping with the production giant who lends his name to the label. Titles include "Shuggie", "Axelrod", "Five Point Palm", "Donuts", "Frodo", "Cochiloco", and "Mr Rogers". LP, Vinyl record album