Think you know hip hop records? Think again – because if you only know the commercially released and vocal versions of the material, then you only know half the story – because among true collectors, the instrumental wax can be even more in-demand! This book opens up that secret world of hip hop – by detailing rare instrumental versions of hip hop albums – some issued only as promotional items, some only as record club or online releases, and some as dodgy bootlegs from the underground! The book has page after page of these releases – with label scans of the original records, alongside other release information, and a very well-done review for each item – a brilliant book that will really open you up to a greater range of hip hop vinyl to collect. There's listings for about 200 different instrumental records, plus more images and other details in the book – and the whole thing even features a bonus CD of instrumental mixes! Book

An art book on a format that almost never gets is full due – that of the opening credit sequences in cinema – often a whole genre of film unto themselves! Fortunately, the authors correct the big lack of writing on the mode – and offer up hundreds of pages that reproduce opening credits in full color – often in sequential order, showing the development of the images as the film rolls on – with key entries from the years of classic Hollywood cinema onward. The book is enormous – and features bits from over 1000 films, and 300 full credit sequences in all – over 300 heavy pages, hardcover, and full color throughout. Also comes with a bonus DVD! Book

Beautiful work from artist Ian Johnson – portraits of famous jazz, funk, and soul artists from the 50s through the 70s – served up in a mix of pencil and color, often with a very unique style! The cover image only hints at the pages within – which are often more detailed and iconic – as the portraits often take off from famous album covers or photographs, but then feature additional details added by Johnson – usually color touches around the black and white portrait at the core, which really creates a very vivid picture! Portraits include images of Herbie Hancock, Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Eric Dolphy, Phil Cohran, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Andrew Hill, Thelonious Monk, and dozens of others – and book is 94 pages, full color, and hardcover. Book

An obscure album from the big band of Toshiko Akiyoshi and Lew Tabackin – all original tracks written by Toshiko, performed by the band with a mix of modern, lyrical, and swinging styles. Features some great work by Bobby Shew and Gary Foster – and titles include "Elusive Dream", "Lazy Day", "Chasing After Love", "Salted Ginko Nuts", and "Time Stream". LP, Vinyl record album