Nice Japanese release of John Lennon covers on the ukulele. CD

A great bit of Aloha Soul from Phase 7 – a Hawaiian group who are right on the money from the very first note, and continue throughout with a wonderfully warm sound! The record's a bit upbeat, but not really clubby – more in the kind of sunny free soul vibe that we love from some of the best island soul groups of the time – delivered with a style that's upfront and unadorned, maybe a more honest take on some of the Cali soul that was coming out of the bigger studios on the west coast in the late 70s. The album's rock-solid throughout – crafted more as a whole set than going for a few singles – and titles include "Could It Be Love", "Chotto Matte Kudasai", "Playtime", "Slip Away", "You & Me", "So Good To Be In Love", and "Love Lifted Me". CD

The 6th volume of American Recordings from Johnny Cash – recorded in the months between June's & Johnny's passing – produced by an increasingly reverent Rick Rubin and put together with care and consideration. Cash sounds justifiably weary on these late recordings, with songs chosen from the work of great friends, admirers and the Man In Black himself. Includes "Ain't No Grave", "Redemption Song", "For The Good Times", "Satisfied Mind", "I Corinthians 15:55", "I Don't Hurt Anymore", "Cool Water", "Last Night A Stranger Had A Dream" and "Aloha Oe". CD

A great lost slice of easy from Japan – sweet vocal tracks that are sort of a groovy take on the Hawaiian sound of the 60s! The tracks include a lot of Hawaiian standards, sung by the Living Voices in a mode that's occasionally gentle and dreamy, but which at other times has a surprising groove underneath – not the sleepy Hawaiian music records you'd know from the American scene of the 50s and 60s, but a groovier style that shows the way that the Japanese market continued to explore the genre,a nd really make something different! The set brings together titles from 1970 and 1974 albums, and titles include "Beyond The Reef", "To You Sweetheart Aloha", "Mapuana", "Blue Hawaii", "Lovely Hula Hands", and "Around The World". CD