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One of those records that we remember dismissing at the time – but honestly, it really lives up to repeated listenings in later years! Sure, Michael Jackson's no longer working with Quincy Jones – and instead goes for Teddy Riley and some other (then) contemporary producers – but that all makes for a very solid 90s crossover vibe – perfect for radio play a the time, not to mention heavy video rotation too – and definitely still another jewel in the crown of the King of Pop! Titles include "Remember The Time", "Why You Wanna Trip On Me", "In The Closet", "Jam", "Dangerous", "Gone Too Soon", "Will You Be There", "Black Or White", "She Drives Me Wild", and "Can't Let Her Get Away". CD

An amazing tribute to the late Michael Jackson – a beautifully done package that brings together all of his early solo albums for Motown – plus some great bonus tracks as well – all wrapped up in a book-styled cover with lots of notes and vintage photos! The music here is tremendous – the first stand-alone utterings of the King Of Pop, done in a style very similar to the Jackson 5 material at Motown, but sometimes a bit more pointed and personal too – a very different version of Michael than you may know from later years. The set features the full albums Got To Be There, Ben, Music & Me, and Forever Michael – plus two more albums of material recorded in the 70s, but released later – Looking Back To Yesterday and Farewell My Summer Love. There's a whopping 71 tracks in all – and bonus tracks include original mixes of "Melodie", "To Make My Father Proud", "Twenty Five Miles", "Here I Am", "Girl You're So Together", "Call On Me", "Farewell My Summer Love", "Touch The One You Love", and "Don't Let It Get You Down". CD

The soundtrack to This Is It – the celebratory release of the King Of Pop's rehearsal footage from the days before his untimely death – which also serves as sort of a best of Michael's years at Epic/Sony! It does a fine job of touching on the each of the diverse styles Michael handled in his Epic years, the pioneering guitar accented pop soul magic to the more tender numbers, but, the boon for This Is It is the title track. It's a previously unreleased number with backing harmonies by the Jackson's, a fairly gentle and memorable tune, plus some disc 2 demos. Titles include "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", "Jam", "They Don't Care About Us", "Human Nature", "Smooth Criminal", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Beat It", "Black Or White", "Earth Song", "Billie Jean", "Man In The Mirror" and "This Is It" (main and orchestra version). Disc 2 includes demos for "She's Out Of My Life", "Wanna Be Startin Somethin" and a "poem" version of "Planet Earth". CD

One of those records that we remember dismissing at the time – but honestly, it really lives up to repeated listenings in later years! Sure, Michael Jackson's no longer working with Quincy Jones – and instead goes for Teddy Riley and some other (then) contemporary producers – but that all makes for a very solid 90s crossover vibe – perfect for radio play a the time, not to mention heavy video rotation too – and definitely still another jewel in the crown of the King of Pop! Titles include "Remember The Time", "Why You Wanna Trip On Me", "In The Closet", "Jam", "Dangerous", "Gone Too Soon", "Will You Be There", "Black Or White", "She Drives Me Wild", and "Can't Let Her Get Away". CD

Arguably the last true moment of genius in Michael Jackson's career – a record that sold a bazillion copies around the world – and for plenty good reason! Michael's still working here with Quincy Jones – in territory that steps nicely from the Off The Wall groove, into territory that's somewhat more poppy, but still quite soulful overall. And yes, the success of the album meant that cuts like "Billie Jean", "Thriller", and "Beat It" got plenty of play – thanks to both heavy radio and video rotation – but a few decades later, there's still a tremendous amount of depth here – on great cuts like "Human Nature", "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin", and "PYT" – which all hold up nicely! CD

One of those records that we remember dismissing at the time – but honestly, it really lives up to repeated listenings in later years! Sure, Michael Jackson's no longer working with Quincy Jones – and instead goes for Teddy Riley and some other (then) contemporary producers – but that all makes for a very solid 90s crossover vibe – perfect for radio play a the time, not to mention heavy video rotation too – and definitely still another jewel in the crown of the King of Pop! Titles include "Remember The Time", "Why You Wanna Trip On Me", "In The Closet", "Jam", "Dangerous", "Gone Too Soon", "Will You Be There", "Black Or White", "She Drives Me Wild", and "Can't Let Her Get Away". CD

Well, it's HIS story, actually – a bit overblown in concept, and probably execution – but a record that's got some nice nuggets underneath, if you know where to look. The first half is the backstory – gems from Michael's earlier years on Epic – including "Remember The Time", "The Girl Is Mine", "Bad", "Rock With You", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "She's Out Of My Life", "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough", and "Wanna Be Startin Something". The second half is "HIStory Continues" – newer material that might have made a decent album on its own, but which probably pales slightly in comparison with the classics. Tracks include the "Scream" duet with Janet – plus "You Are Not Alone", "Childhood", "2 Bad", "Tabloid Junkie", "This Time Around", "Come Together", and "They Don't Care About Us". CD

Well, it turned out that the man himself wasn't invincible – but his music has had surprising durability over the years – to a point where even later material like this sounds pretty darn great over the passing of time! The rhythms and production are more contemporary than some of Jackson's classics, but that also maybe gives the whole thing a crackle that keeps it interesting too – partly because so many of these songs were a bit under-discovered when the set was released. The song titles themselves give some idea of where Jackson's headspace was at during the creation of the album – and tracks include "Invincible", "Break Of Dawn", "Butterflies", "Threatened", "Heaven Can Wait", "2000 Watts", "Cry", "The Lost Children", "Unbreakable", "Heartbreaker", "Whatever Happens", "Privacy", and "Don't Walk Away". CD

Michael, if only you'd stayed at this level! This 1979 solo album by Michael is a killer batch of soul grooves – one of best moments ever, and a crowning cap to a stellar 70s run – both as a younger solo act, and with the whole Jackson family! Quincy Jones produced, and the album's got a funky undercurrent that's really stunning – clubby, yet plenty darn soulful, with a wickedly sly groove that others would try to copy for years, but never fully match. Titles include seminal groovers like "Rock With You", "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough", "Working Day And Night", "Girlfriend", "Off The Wall", "Burn This Disco Out" and more. Amazing amazing amazing work from the to-be-coronated King Of Pop! CD features some cool bonus tracks – voice-overs from Quincy Jones, plus interview bits, and demos of "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" and "Workin Day & Night". CD

An expanded version of Thriller – arguably the last true moment of genius in Michael Jackson's career – a record that sold a bazillion copies around the world – and for plenty good reason! Michael's still working here with Quincy Jones – in territory that steps nicely from the Off The Wall groove, into territory that's somewhat more poppy, but still quite soulful overall. And yes, the success of the album meant that cuts like "Billie Jean", "Thriller", and "Beat It" got plenty of play – thanks to both heavy radio and video rotation – but a few decades later, there's still a tremendous amount of depth here – on great cuts like "Human Nature", "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin", and "PYT" – which all hold up nicely! CD/DVD package features loads of great stuff – CD includes 6 previously unissued bonus tracks, "The Girl Is Mine 2008 (with Will I Am)", "PYT 2008 (with Will I Am)", "Wanna Be Startin Somethin 2008 (with Akon)", "Beat It 2008 (with Fergie)", "Billie Jean 2008 (Kanye West mix)", and "For All Time". DVD features the short films/videos "Billie Jean", "Beat It", and "Thriller" – plus a performance of "Billie Jean" from Motown 25. CD

An overlooked early session from multi-instrumentalist Michael Gregory Jackson, recording here with a trio of great horn players in a wonderfully sensitive sound! The record's approach is a perfect illustration of the maturity on the New York avant scene in the late 70s – a real change from the more frenetic modes that ESP was recording a decade before, with some thoughtful, almost pensive points that really round out the record beautifully. Jackson plays mostly guitar, but also vocalizes a bit and plays marimba, percussion, wood flute and other instruments – and he's joined by Oliver Lake on flute and saxes, Wadada Leo Smith on trumpets, and David Murray on tenor sax. Some tracks get nice and bold, while others hold back wonderfully – and titles include "Oliver Lake", "Clarity", "A View Of This Life", "Prelueoionti" and "Iomi". CD

An amazing package – a pair of rare avant jazz albums, presented here together! The first album is Peace In The World – maybe the only album issued under the name of Michael Cosmic – but a set that's part of a key legacy with his brother, reedman Phill Musra! The set has Cosmic in very heady territory – sounds that come from his young tenure in the AACM, his brief time with Cecil Taylor, and his budding reputation on the 70s Boston scene – where the set was recorded, and almost stands as a precursor to the rich legacy of improvisational jazz that would emerge on the New England scene for decades to come! Tracks are long and very free, but have spiritual currents too – and Cosmic is mostly on piano, with Musra on soprano sax and tenor, Leonard Brown on soprano and tenor, John Jamyll Jones on bass, Huseyin Ertunc on drums, and Eric Jackson on percussion. Titles include "We Love You Malcolm X", "Peace In The World", "Sapce On Space", and "Arabia". Next is the related album Creator Spaces, by Phill Musra – recorded at the time when he was part of the very underground Boston avant scene – a world that had a slightly different vibe than music coming from Chicago, Detroit, or New York! The album's got a spiritual avant bent – soulful at the core, with lots of references to outer space as well – and an approach that feels a lot like a classic Saturn Records session by Sun Ra, both in sound and spirit! Musra plays reeds, chimes, and percussion – and the group features some incredible sax work by Michael Cosmic, who also plays a bit of organ, again in a tripped-out, Ra-type way. Huseyin Ertunc plays percussion – very free and loose, in ways that are a great balance to the more angular lines of the reeds – and tracks include "The Creator Is So Far Out", "The Creator Spaces", "Egypt", and "Arabia". Also features unreleased tracks "The Creator Is So Far Out (unreleased version)" and "Phyllis". Added to the set is a really special bonus third CD – an unreleased long live performance of "The Prayer" by Worlds Experience Orchestra – a group from the same scene at the time – with Shaddu Jones on piano, Stan Strickland on tenor and soprano, Frank Peterson on alto, John Jamyll Jones on bass, Robert Ruff on cello, Larry Lerner on drums, and John Klein on amplified violin. CD

Janet Jackson's not straying too far from the past, but she's also really emerging here as an artist with more strength and maturity than anyone might have guessed in the decade before! Janet's still recording with help from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, but both they and she have really found a way to reach out and embrace all the best changes in R&B that have happened during the 90s – and used them to make sure that nobody's going to mistake Jackson for just Michael's sister who got lucky with a few hits! There's plenty of great surprises, interludes, and guest stars – all of which make the longer space of the record really hold up – and titles include "Got Til It's Gone", "Velvet Rope", "Empty", "What About", "Can't Be Stopped", "I Get Lonely", "Rope Burn", "Together Again", "Free Xone", "Go Deep", and "My Need". CD

Killer work by this fab Chicago soul group – a bunch of young kids, ala The Jackson Five, with sweet soul sound that actually predates the work of Jermaine and Michael and Tito, and which paved the way for countless 70s groups to come! The Five Stairsteps were first discovered by Curtis Mayfield – who wrote and produced a number of tracks on the set – but they had a strength of their own (thanks in part to a young Keni Burke, who was in the group), and continued to grow over the years, changing their sound to fit their expanding ages, and the changing material they needed to cope with the growth in soul in the early 70s. The set's filled with classics – including the super-huge hit "Ooh Child", plus "The Girl I Love", "Behind Curtains", "Come Back", "World Of Fantasy", "You Waited Too Long", "We Must Be in Love", "Oooh, Baby Baby", "Don't Waste Your Time", "Something's Missing", and the break-heavy "Don't Change Your Love". CD

Two unusual Herbie Mann albums – back to back in a single set! The first Reggae album has a surprisingly strong mix of 70s modes – as the funky flute of Herbie Mann takes on some of the nascent reggae grooves of the time – with results that are a lot nicer than you might expect! There's some core rhythms on the record from Tommy McCook, but Herbie's regular keyboardist Pat Rebillot also adds in some surprisingly nice lines too – making the whole thing way more than just another session cut down in Kingston. One real surprise is a very extended take on "My Girl", which runs for over 18 minutes and takes up all of side two – and other cuts include "Rivers Of Babylon", "Swinging Shepherd Blues", and "Ob La Di". Reggae II is a lesser-known follow-up to Herbie Mann's first album of reggae-styled instrumental grooves – and one that's every bit as sweet as the first! Like that record, the approach here is one that has Mann working with Kingston-bred rhythms from a lineup that includes Winston Wright on organ, Jackie Jackson bass, and Michael Richard on drums – mixed with tenor from Tommy McCook and trumpet from Bobby Ellis – then given a slight fusion vibe from Mann's frequent 70s musical partner Pat Rebillot on a variety of keyboards! Herbie's flute snakes into the groove in this warm, easygoing way – very open in tone, and a surprisingly good fit for an instrument that isn't often used in such a setting. Titles include "Down On The Corner", "Cecilia", "I Know", "Stoned By You", "Bend Down Low", and "So Get It While You Can". CD

Maupin plays bass clarinet, tenor and soprano saxes, alto flute, and piano, and is accompanied by Darek Oleszkiewica on bass, Michael Stephans on drums and percussionist Daryl Munyungo Jackson. 14 numbers in all, including "Neophilia 2006", "Walter Bishop Jr", "Level Three", "Blinkers", "Penumbra", "Mirror Image", "Message To Prez", "Tapping Things", "Vapors", "One For Eric Dolphy", "See The Positive", 'Trope On A Rope", "The 12th Day" and "Equal Justice". CD

Billy Drewes on alto and soprano saxophone, flute, and clarinet, Dick Oatts on alto and soprano saxophone, flute, and piccolo flute, Ralph Lalama on tenor saxophone, clarinet and flute, Rich Perry on tenor saxophone and flute, Gary Smulyan on baritone saxophone, Douglas Purviance, Jason Jackson, John Mosca, and Luis Bonilla on trombone, Frank Greene, Nick Marchione, Scott Wendholt, and Terell Stafford on trumpet, John Clark on French horn, Jim McNeely and Michael Weiss on piano, Phil Palombi on bass, and John Riley on drums. CD

You might not know Les Cousins, but back in the city it was a very important club on the London scene – a crossroads of blues, folk, and other styles – with an influence that was every bit important in England as the Greenwich Village clubs were in the US! This massive 3CD set does a great job of documenting the sounds that passed through its stage – not via live recordings, but over a well-chosen array of cuts that demonstrate just how hip British work of the time could be – folk-plus material, of the sort you'd hear on the best albums on Island Records or Transatlantic, all very much of the generation of Nick Drake and Fairport Convention! The 3CD set does a really great job of showing the wide range of acts from this moment – including many we haven't had on other reissues in recent years – in a great box that features 72 tracks, and very detailed notes on the material. Includes work from The Levee Brothers, Roy Harper, Dr Strangely Strange, Strawbs, Owen Hand, Dave Evans, Anne Briggs, Tom Yates, Duffy Power, Ron Geesin, Jackson C Frank, Martin Carthy, Dando Shaft, Shelagh McDonald, Al Jones, Sweeney's Men, Sam Mitchell, Tir Na Nog, Beverly, Michael Chapman, and many others. CD

A super-huge album from Quincy Jones – a record that's almost like Quincy's trying to show the whole younger generation that an older master like himself can still deliver the goods! The set was delivered right after Quincy helped out Michael Jackson on Off The Wall – and while it's got a few of the soulful touches of that set, it's also marked more deeply by the kind of work that Jones was turning out in the 70s – nicely focused with soulful vocals on most cuts, including some especially nice work from Patti Austin – a singer whose sophisticated style works perfectly for Quincy's groove. Titles include the killer "Ai No Corrida", plus "Razzamatazz", "Just Once", "Something Special", "Turn On The Action", "The Dude", "Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me", "Velas", and "One Hundred Ways". CD

With Bob Burridge and Bryan Lynch on trumpet, Ralph Lalama on saxophone, clarinet and flute, Michael Rabinowitz on basoon and bass clarinet, Douglas Purviance on trombone, Carlton Holmes on keyboards, Chip Jackson on bass, and Ron Vincent on drums. CD

Jackson 5, move over – because the folks at Numero Records have uncovered a whole host of rare kid soul acts from the 70s – most of them a fair bit funkier than their Motown contemporaries! The tracks here all clearly follow the lead started by Michael and his brothers at the end of the 60s – but the music is way more than just a simple copycat of Jackson modes – as each of these artists have a really individual approach, and a heck of a lot of personality in their music – despite their youthful years. In true Numero fashion, most of the cuts here are from tiny little labels – issued only as singles back in the day, but produced with a great deal of enthusiasm for the music – and a confident, competent sound that's quite striking, given the age of the performers. The package comes with complete notes on the music – opening up a whole world of lesser-known kid soul acts – and titles include the amazing "Trust Your Child" by Patrizia & Jimmy, plus "I'm Not Ready For Love" by Promise, "One Is Enough For One" by Jack & the Mods, "Now That School Is Through" by Cindy & The Playmates, "Jersey Slide (part 1)" by 3 Stars, "You Are My Dream" by 3 Simmons, "Can't Let You Break My Heart" by Quantrells, "If You're Looking For Love" by Triads, "Yellow Ribbons" by Atons, "Sweet Pea" by Altyrone Deno Brown, "Time After Time" by Step By Step, "Time" by Otis The 3rd, and "Little Girl" by Michael Washington. CD

Killer work by this fab Chicago soul group – a bunch of young kids, ala The Jackson Five, with sweet soul sound that actually predates the work of Jermaine and Michael and Tito, and which paved the way for countless 70s groups to come! The Five Stairsteps were first discovered by Curtis Mayfield – who wrote and produced a number of tracks on the set – but they had a strength of their own (thanks in part to a young Keni Burke, who was in the group), and continued to grow over the years, changing their sound to fit their expanding ages, and the changing material they needed to cope with the growth in soul in the early 70s. The set's filled with classics – including the super-huge hit "Ooh Child", plus "The Girl I Love", "Behind Curtains", "Come Back", "World Of Fantasy", "You Waited Too Long", "We Must Be in Love", "Oooh, Baby Baby", "Don't Waste Your Time", "Something's Missing", and the break-heavy "Don't Change Your Love". CD

Diana Ross really finds a way to remake her groove here – a sweet new sound that fits her revamped look in the Andy Warhol image on the cover! Although Ross could sparkle strongly during the disco years, the best cuts here are some of the more midtempo moments – nicely spaced out in ways that allow the singer to modulate her approach, and never push things too far, or get overly dramatic. There's definitely a few of those later modes here – both on ballads and more upbeat numbers – but the core of the record lingers nicely in the silky electric style promised in the title – especially on the great cut "Muscles", which was written for the record by Michael Jackson. Other titles include "So Close", "Still In Love", "Who", "Love Lies", "In Your Arms", and "I Am Me". CD features three bonus mixes of "Muscles", plus an extended version of "I Am Me". CD

A sprawling promotional release with 88 tracks from Marvin Gaye, Edwin Starr, The Supremes, The Miracles, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Velvettes, The Commodores, Michael Jackson, Gloria Gaynor, Tammi Terrell, Kim Weston, Syreeta and others! CD

Three later live sets from Dizzy Gillespie – all in a single package! Sesjun Radio Shows 1 is great, and if you like Dizzy Gillespie as much as us, you'll know that he kept on getting better and better as the years went on – continuing to evolve as a musician, into territory that's always very different than what he was giving the world a few years before! That's definitely the case here, on two live performances done for Dutch Radio in the late 70s – both of which feature a guitar as the key partner – with Rodney Jones on the first half, Ed Cherry on the second, and bass from Benjamin Brown and drums from the great Mickey Roker. Tracks are long, and open up in this really wonderful way – and the group is joined by percussionist Sheyvonne Wright on the second half, who also sings a bit too. There's a quality here that's much more in the best 70s work on the Muse label than you might expect – and titles include "Barcelona", "Diddy Wah Diddy", "Toccata", "The Truth", "Night In Tunisia", "Manha De Carnaval", and Round Midnight". Sesjun Radio Shows 2 is further proof that the genius of Dizzy Gillespie knows no bounds, even in later years – as these two different radio performances feature Diz with very unique saxophonists – both of whom really transform the sound of the group! The first half of the set has Gillespie on trumpet with a young Paquito D'Rivera on soprano and alto sax – a young player really coming into his own here, in an unusual group that also features Canadian guitarist Ed Cherry, bassist Michael Howell, and drummer Ignacio Berroa – on titles that include the funky "Unicorn", plus "All The Things You Are" and "Cripple Crapple Crutch". The second half will be even more surprising to fans of avant jazz – as the legendary Sam Rivers joins the group on tenor and soprano sax – blowing straighter than on his free improv records, but definitely adding an edge! The rest of the group features Cherry and Berroa, with John Lee in on bass for Howell – and titles include "Tanga", "Manteca", and "Birk's Works". Concert Of The Century is a record with a title that's a hell of a claim to make – but it's also a hell of a concert, too – one that features Dizzy Gillespie blowing with an all-star small group lineup – in really stretched-out takes on the tunes, at a level that rivals his best 70s material on the Pablo label! In addition to Gillespie on trumpet, players also include Milt Jackson on vibes, James Moody on tenor and flute, Hank Jones on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums – all working together as seamlessly as you'd expect! Titles include "Darben The Redd Foxx", "The Shadow Of Your Smile", "Get Happy", "Blues N Boogie", "If I Should Lose You", and "Bass Solo/Manha De Carnaval/Work Song". CD

The first album as a leader for bassist Carlos Henriquez – and a set that's long overdue, given Carlos' many years working as a key sideman in so many other groups! The set's a very personal project – titled after Carlos' Bronx home turf, and performed in a style that mixes Latin jazz roots with more complex tonal arrangements that show a real sophistication in the writing and arranging talents of Henriquez – so much so, we wonder why we haven't heard more from him before! The work is wonderful – a very hip New York blend of modes and patterns – very modern, but still quite warm – with strong performances from players who include Michael Rodriguez on trumpet, Robert Rodriguez on piano, Felipe Lamoglia on tenor, and Ali Jackson on drums. Rich in soul and spirit throughout – with titles that include "Chucifrito", "The Bronx Pyramid", "Joshua's Dream", "Guarajazz", "Promesas", "9 O'Clock Bomba", and "Brook Ave". CD

A heavy groove and a heady title that points the way towards Michael Jackson's soon-to-be legendary solo career – all served up in a batch of tracks that resonate nicely with the Off The Wall groove! The sound here really isn't disco or club, but it's a nicely upbeat groove that shows The Jacksons at the top of their game – tightly stepping and often highly rhythmic – and striking a great balance between strong lead vocals and some of the sweeter harmonies that got them going in the past. Titles include the sublime groovers "Blame It On The Boogie" and "Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)", plus great sleepers like "All Night Dancin", "Bless His Soul", "Things I Do For You" and "That's What You Get For Being Polite". CD

A great mix of the talents of Michael Jackson and his famous brothers – and a set that's probably got an equal weight on the focus of both! There's a fair bit of Off The Wall-era Michael that informs this set – the kind of upbeat, grooving tracks that made that record so great – mixed with some newer takes on older Jacksons material, often revamped a bit with a slightly modern soul groove! There's a nice sort of liveness to the record – not as too-polished as you might imagine – and titles include "Can You Feel It", "Off The Wall", "Heartbreak Hotel", "She's Out Of My life", "ABC", "I Want You Back", "I'll Be There", "Rock With You", "Working Day & Night", "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough", and "Shake Your Body Down To The Ground". CD

18 track promotional release with songs from Paul McCartney, Wings, Paul & Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney with Michael Jackson, and Paul McCartney with Elvis Costello. CD

Michael Jackson gave Diana Ross the big title hit for this set – a track that also features his own guest vocals too – but most of the record was handled strongly by Barry Gibb, who not only co-produced the set, but wrote most of the material as well! Ross has a strong crossover feel on the set – one that works well with Gibb's songwriting, which is often aided by other Bee Gees members too – but she also makes the record more than her own, with a confident approach to the lyrics that holds onto her own sense of personality, and keeps things from being too chartbound overall. Titles include "Eaten Alive", "Oh Teacher", "Chain Reaction", "Experience", "More & More", "I'm Watching You", "Don't Give Up On Each Other", and "Crime Of Passion". CD

Titles include "Skeletons", "You Will Know", "In Your Corner", "With Each Beat Of My Heart", "One Of A Kind", "Cryin Through The Night", and "Get It" – a duet with Michael Jackson! CD