A real step forward for Joe Jackson, and a record that has plenty of jazz in the mix – as you might guess from its cover's hommage to a Sonny Rollins 50s album on Blue Note! Titles include "You Can't Get What You Want", "Be My Number Two", "Loisaida", "Happy Ending", "Not Here Not Now", "Cha Cha Loco", and "The Verdict". LP, Vinyl record album

Hardly the hippies you might expect from the title, as Los Ovnis were a tight late 60s combo on the Mexican scene – partly psychedelic, but never too tripped out or sloppy! The group apparently had a playful, powerful presence at the time – and you can definitely feel that in their music, which mixes sweeter harmony vocals with some darker guitar and keyboards – romping one minute, and a bit more introspective the next. Album appears to be expanded from the original – and features 20 titles that incude "Fe", "Enciende Mi Fuego", "Grio Al Vacio", "Frio", "Ya Se Va", "Voy Para Loco", "Mugre", "Cuando Era Nino", "Marilyn", "Loca", and "Contra La Ley". CD

A great document of the crossover between the New York Latin scene and the Catskills – the upstate resort community that was as important to the Latin groups as the uptown clubs! Like many groups of the period, Machito's found a heck of a lot of work in the Catskills during the 50s – most notably at the Concord Resort, paid tribute to by this set – which includes photos of famous Concord staffers that include swimming instructor Buster Crabbe and golf pro Jimmy Demarest! But apart from that gimmicky approach, the album's actually a strong one for Machito – showing the kind of grooves that helped his 50s group cross over big – a mix of mambo and early cha cha tracks that include "Patricia", "Guaglione", "Torero", "Cha Cha Cha Loco", "Cotillon Mambo", and "Mambo La Concord". LP, Vinyl record album

Wonderful work from tenorist Warne Marsh – a player we almost like more in these later years than we do during the famous 50s recordings that brought him to everyone's attention! The setting is nice and loose, and very open – just Marsh on tenor blowing with the bass of Jim Hughart and drums of Nick Ceroli – players who allow Warne lots of room to really open up and take on some new ideas! There's still a bit of crispness in Warne's horn, but there's also this marvelous "mouth" there as well – a real sense of texture that comes from the way he handles the reed, adding in lots more humanity than the early years, and keeping things compelling throughout. The sound is sublime – and titles include "Loco 47", "Liner Notes", "Warne Out", "Duets", "Ballad", "Warne Piece" and the Tristano number "Lennie's Pennies". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the most unusual albums ever recorded by South American groover Aldemaro Romero – a rare date cut in Mexico at the start of the 70s – served up in a beautiful blend of 60s bossa, jazz, and easy styles! The format here is somewhat similar to Aldemaro's albums of the period – especially his American records, thanks to the use of vocals – but the presence of Chilean singer Monna Bell gives the tunes an even more vocal-forward sound than before, especially since Monna's overdubbed in the arrangements – in a style that's quite a bit like Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66! But there's also something of a Mexican influence going on too, given the players and the setting for the record – a subtle difference to some of the rhythms and instrumentation that really makes this one stand out from Aldemaro's other records! Titles include "El Balaju", "La Bikina", "Xochimilco", "Tres Consejos", "La Negra", "El Jarabe Loco", and "Cucurrucuccu Paloma". CD

The Silent Poets' excellent To Come album is remixed and repackaged for the US market. Typical stuff, as some of the tracks are given a bit more of a kick to make them crossover to the American market – clear proof that the folks at Warner think that US listeners aren't hip enough to understand the subtle complexity of this fantastic Japanese group. Still, the remixes aren't that over the top – and most of them still retain the flavor of the original tracks. Titles include "I Will Miss This Holy Garden (Slipper & Socks rmx)", "Someday (Extended Spirit rmx)", "Save The Day (Peaktime mix)", "Come Raising (Raisin'sun Mix)", "Get Ready (Freeform Arkestra rmx)", "Prisons (Frieze To A Phrase rmx)", "Where The Sidewalk Ends (scuba mix)", and "Sugar Man (The Man Who Sold The Time rmx)". Remixes by Kid Loco, Tom & Joyce, Taxi, and others. CD

Sublime guitar work from the great Johnny Smith – a musician who was years ahead of his time, and influenced a generation with his clean, clear tone on the instrument! Smith's in a perfect setting here – a Roost label quartet date that includes Bob Pancost on piano, George Roumanis on bass, and Mousie Alexander on drums – a very understated group that really lets Johnny's wonderful tones and colors stand strongly out front! Titles include "0500 Blues", "Old Girl", "Tired Blood", "Un Poco Loco", and "More Bass". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the building blocks of the late 60s Tropicalia scene in Brazil – and a standout solo debut from the young Caetano Veloso! The album's got an approach that's as dynamic and trippy as its cover image might imply – the same amazing blend of sounds and styles you'd hear on contemporaneous records by Gal Costa or Os Mutantes – served up with similar wit, wisdom, and charm! Caetano's vocals are amazing throughout – filled with raspy power that goes beyond the barriers of language – and the production has loads of surprising elements tripping through the mix – some rootsy, some slightly orchestrated – but with a softer approach that resonates strongly with more psychedelic use of organ and guitar. The album's as powerful today as it was decades ago – an essential recording that holds up beautifully year after year! The kickoff track is "Tropicalia" (surprisingly enough!), and the album is a non-stop ride through gems like "Alegria, Alegria", "Onde Andaras", "Paisagem Util", "Ave Maria", and the groovy "Soy Loco Por Ti America", written by Gilberto Gil. CD

One of the building blocks of the late 60s Tropicalia scene in Brazil – and a standout solo debut from the young Caetano Veloso! The album's got an approach that's as dynamic and trippy as its cover image might imply – the same amazing blend of sounds and styles you'd hear on contemporaneous records by Gal Costa or Os Mutantes – served up with similar wit, wisdom, and charm! Caetano's vocals are amazing throughout – filled with raspy power that goes beyond the barriers of language – and the production has loads of surprising elements tripping through the mix – some rootsy, some slightly orchestrated – but with a softer approach that resonates strongly with more psychedelic use of organ and guitar. The album's as powerful today as it was decades ago – an essential recording that holds up beautifully year after year! The kickoff track is "Tropicalia" (surprisingly enough!), and the album is a non-stop ride through gems like "Alegria, Alegria", "Onde Andaras", "Paisagem Util", "Ave Maria", and the groovy "Soy Loco Por Ti America", written by Gilberto Gil. CD

One of the building blocks of the late 60s Tropicalia scene in Brazil – and a standout solo debut from the young Caetano Veloso! The album's got an approach that's as dynamic and trippy as its cover image might imply – the same amazing blend of sounds and styles you'd hear on contemporaneous records by Gal Costa or Os Mutantes – served up with similar wit, wisdom, and charm! Caetano's vocals are amazing throughout – filled with raspy power that goes beyond the barriers of language – and the production has loads of surprising elements tripping through the mix – some rootsy, some slightly orchestrated – but with a softer approach that resonates strongly with more psychedelic use of organ and guitar. The album's as powerful today as it was decades ago – an essential recording that holds up beautifully year after year! The kickoff track is "Tropicalia" (surprisingly enough!), and the album is a non-stop ride through gems like "Alegria, Alegria", "Onde Andaras", "Paisagem Util", "Ave Maria", and the groovy "Soy Loco Por Ti America", written by Gilberto Gil. LP, Vinyl record album

Fantastic soundtrack remix madness! The work of some of the greatest Italian composers of the late 60s and early 70s is updated for the modern dancefloor – and this set may well be the best of Easy Tempo's "Experience" series! Tracks include Piero Umiliani's "L'Uomo E La Citta" remixed by Raphael Sebbag, Umiliani's "Lady Magnolia" remixed by Kid Loco, Stefano Torrossi's "Walking In The Dark" remixed by DJ Vadim, Umiliani's "Panoramica" remixed by Cinematic Orchestra, Lesiman's "Messaggio" remixed by Gak Sato, Piero Piccioni's "Colpo Rovente" remixed by Benja & Fatalis, and lots lots more! LP, Vinyl record album

A reworked vision of Blue Note Records for the 90s – put together by Bob Belden, and featuring some excellent remakes of classics from the Blue Note songbook! Each tune has a slightly different flavor – and all work is played by the best artists of the then-revived label – a great way of showing the new talent Blue Note discovered, the old talent it helped bring back, and the rich legacy of sound they were still capable of sending forth! Titles include "Blue Train" by Greg Osby, "Evidence" by Ron Carter & TS Monk, "Maiden Voyage" by Dianne Reeves & Geri Allen, "Un Poco Loco" by Jacky Terrasson, "Tom Thumb" by John Scofield, "Una Mas" by Eliane Elias, "Song For My Father" by Rene Rosnes, "Recado Bossa Nova" by Gonzalo Rubalcaba, "Tanganyika Dance" by Kurt Elling, and "Alligator Boogaloo" by Junko Onishi & Freddie Hubbard. CD

18 exotic groovers from the glory days of the bachelor pad! The set's a well-chosen bunch of rare ones from the catalogs of labels like Capitol, Liberty, and United Artists – and the tunes are tied together with a Latiny theme, as you've probably already expected from the "bongo" in the title! Tracks include "Latin Fever" by Jack Costanzo, "Caravan" by Dick Hyman, "Balinese Bongos", "The Young Savages" by Martin Denny, "Moderna Muchacha" by Joe Loco, "Club Caballeros" by Laurindo Almeida, "Bernies Tune" by Al Caiola, "Dr No's Fantasy" by Elliott Fisher, "Taboo" by Leo Arnaud, and "Softly As In A Morning Sunrise" by Terry Snyder. CD

A great live set from pianist Barry Harris – material recorded on the same date that gave us the excellent Live In Tokyo album from reedman Charles McPherson – but done in a very different way that shows that Barry's clearly the leader on these tracks! The rhythm duo is wonderful – the mighty Sam Jones on bass and Leroy Williams on drums – players who can crackle when Harris wants them to, yet also lay back and give Barry lots of spacious territory to work some incredibly deft, personal magic on the keys. The sound almost takes us back to the initial Harris recordings of the early 60s, but also has some of those colors that would flow even more freely in some of his sessions for the Japanese market – on titles that include "I'll Remember April", "Fukai Aijo", "A Soft Spot", "Round Midnight", and "Un Poco Loco". CD features four bonus tracks too – two versions of "Ornithology", plus "Like Someone In Love" and "Night In Tunisia", both nice and long! CD

Proof that the Kenton sound could work in just about any format – as Stan transforms a host of older tunes from his book into a bossa nova groove! The approach is simple, but great – as the rich Kenton tones and colors are infused with some added rhythms laid down by Milt Holland, Larry Bunker, and Frank Guerrero on Latin percussion. Horn players Steve Marcus, Jack Nimitz, Dalton Smith, Conte Candoli, and Gabe Baltazar carve out some great lines in the set – cascading waves of sound that are a wonderful counterpoint to the driving rhythms of the set – almost in a way that recalls the Kenton Latin sides of the 50s, but a bit more subtle. Titles include "Kentonova", "Opus In Chartreuse", "Artistry In Rhythm", "Concerto To End All Concertos", "Loco Nova", "Artistry In Bossa Nova", "Eager Beaver", and "Painted Rhythm". LP, Vinyl record album

Stan the man, grooving in a sweet Latin mode! The paring of Kenton modernism and Latin rhythms might seem an odd combination – but it works beautifully on this session by adding in rich tones and shades of colors to the lively percussion in the set! Kenton's orchestra is augmented by a great percussion section that includes Mike Pacheco, Willie Rodriguez, and Tommy Lopez – and horn players like Don Sebesky, Charlie Mariano, and Rolf Ericson really flesh out the tunes with some fluid ensemble work. Titles are mostly originals by Roland, and include "Siesta", "Mission Trail", "Agua Marine", "Chocolate Caliente", and "Opus In Chartreuse Cha Cha Cha". Plus, added to the album are 6 bonus tracks from Artistry In Bossa Nova – recorded in 1963, and including "Artistry In Bossa Nova", "Interlude", "Jump For Joe", "Loco Nova", and "Concerto To End All Concertos". CD

Wonderful work from tenorist Warne Marsh – a player we almost like more in these later years than we do during the famous 50s recordings that brought him to everyone's attention! The setting is nice and loose, and very open – just Marsh on tenor blowing with the bass of Jim Hughart and drums of Nick Ceroli – players who allow Warne lots of room to really open up and take on some new ideas! There's still a bit of crispness in Warne's horn, but there's also this marvelous "mouth" there as well – a real sense of texture that comes from the way he handles the reed, adding in lots more humanity than the early years, and keeping things compelling throughout. The sound is sublime – and titles include "Loco 47", "Liner Notes", "Warne Out", "Duets", "Ballad", "Warne Piece" and the Tristano number "Lennie's Pennies". LP, Vinyl record album

A real back-to-basics album from Arturo O'Farrill, but one that maybe marks a strong step forward too – as Arturo is recording here for Blue Note in a style that mixes familiar piano trio modes with some of the Latin-style rhythms you might expect – not straight Latin jazz piano by any means, but a special sort of rhythmic complexity that definitely lives up to the famous O'Farrill family legacy! The group features Liany Mateo on bass, and Zack O'Farrill on drums – and the album features compelling takes on "Dolphin Dance", "Obsession", "Pure Emotion", "Blue State Blues", "Well You Needn't", "Un Poco Loco", and "Doxy". CD

A tight group led by bassist Edwin Morales, with vocals from Pedro Bull, Jose L Ramos, and Rafy Andino – on titles that include "Quedate", "Ese Loco De La Vida", "A Dormir Afuera", "No Hay Preguntas", and "Contra Viento Y Marea". LP, Vinyl record album

The incredible pianist is caught here in the company of a few different trios – with drummers like Roy Haynes or Max Roach – and there's also a few nice large group tracks, with Fats Navarro and Sonny Rollins joining in, plus a couple of piano solos. It's rare to hear Powell in such a setting, as the bulk of his work during the time was trio sessions – and the recordings here – "Un Poco Loco", "Wail", "Bouncing With Bud", and "Ornithology" – are some of his best, as part of their "amazing" series that focused on his energetic trio work. LP, Vinyl record album

A wonderful album of Latin grooves from Shorty! The record is one of his best, and features a whopping array of percussionists – including Carlos Vidal, Modesto Duran, and Mike Pacheco all coming into play with Shorty's west coast style of arrangements, tweaked greatly here to pick up an Afro Cuban sound. Players include Bud Shank, Bill Holman, Frank Rosolino, Herb Geller, and Bob Cooper – and the album is very similar to Perez Prado's Voodoo Suite album, which was also recorded for RCA around the same time. Includes the cuts "Un Poco Loco", "Manteca", "Viva Puente", and the extended suite "Wuayacanjanga". CD

Enough funk to stop a truck – and a rare collection of tracks made by Senor Soul, a heavy-hitting LA group from the 60s – and the precursor to War! The tunes on the set are pulled from the group's sessions for the Whiz and Double Shot labels, plus a few previously unissued tracks – and the sound is completely sublime for fans who like their funk hard, heavy, and instrumental! Beats are rough, bass is fierce, and there's a good smattering of some Latinized elements – like percussion, flute, and tasy guitar. A few tracks have vocals, but the overall feel is mostly instrumental – and together, the tracks make the set feel like you've just stumbled upon a whole box of rare funky 45s sitting in the basement of a shop on Central Ave! 20 tracks in all – including "The Mouse", "Soul Fiesta", "Make The Funk Jump", "El Loco", "I Dig Rock & Roll Music", "I Ain't Got No Soul Today (What It Is, Y'All)", "Get On Up", "Hypnotizer", "The Sneak", "Poquito Soul", and "Don't Lay Your Funky Trip On Me". CD

Killer cuts from two different studio groups led by the legendary Fruko – work that bristles with all the best raw energy from the more underground side of the Discos Fuentes label in the 70s – plenty of percussion, really rootsy basslines, and a fair bit of electric guitar and keyboards snaking through the mix! Wganda Kenya serve up cuts that are every bit as great as the material on their other records – while Kammpala Grupo work in plenty of cool moogy keyboards, almost creating some sort of sound library blend with more earthy Colombian rhythms! Titles include "El Nativo", "Chao Amor", "La Riphyta", "La Trompeta Loco", "El Gallo Africano", "La Yuca Raya", "King Kong", and "Caimito". LP, Vinyl record album

On the heels of their Sessomato Experience, Easy Tempo release this compilation of older Italian soundtrack grooves – by Luis Bacalov, Armando Trovajoli, Piero Umiliani, and Piero Piccioni – remixed by modern European mixologists – like Kid Loco, Jazz Brothers, Rainer Truby Trio, Maffia Sound System, and Gak Sato. As with the other projects, the effort is an attempt update some of these funky grooves, and turn them towards the modern dancefloor. This CD version has an extra mix of Umiliani by the High Llamas, a mix of Umiliani's "Mah Na Mah Na" by the Karminsky Experience and a remix of "Sessomatto" by Raphael Sebbag. CD

Similar to the first volume, this one's got some groovy Italian soundtrack themes remixed by some of Europe's best handlers of the genre. The set features work by Piero Umiliani, Armando Trovajoli, Berto Pisano, Mario Migalardi, and Lesiman – all remixed and remodeled by the likes of Gak Sato, Kid Loco, Raw Deal, BNX, and The Karminsky Experience! Very groovy stuff, and another chapter in the Italian effort to fold time back on itself! CD

Slammin's a definite good choice for the title of this one – as this 5th entry in the Easy Tempo series seems even funkier than the other volumes – a set that's got plenty of full-on grooves, hand-picked from the genius Italian soundtrack years of the 60s and 70s! If you're looking for a place to start digging the full range of talents of the maestros of this time, you'd be hard pressed to find a better collection – as the Easy Tempo name always means the best bits from this scene, served up in a package that packs a lot more punch than any single individual soundtrack! Titles include "Loco Love Motor" and "The Frog" by Augusto Martelli, "Montreal Non Stop" and "Anice Nuraghi" by Luiz Bacalov, "L'Arcangelo" by Piero Umiliani, "Running Fast" by Stefano Torossi, "Blazing Magnum" by Armando Trovajoli, "Trop's" by Alberto Baldan Bembo, "Vuca" by Tony Mimms, and "The Chicken" by Dick Oliver. CD

One of Iggy's better solo albums – with all the manic vocals you'd want and expect, but with some really cool production touches and oddball, yet accessible songs. You got love Iggy for kicking of a high stakes second album for Arista with a song about wanting a rubber dolly and hanging out with transvestites – flavored by a circus-y organ rather than blistering Stooges-style guitars. This was a man not kleen on repeating himself, and Soldier's still a fascinating effort. Includes "Loco Mosquito", "Ambition", "Knocking 'Em Down (In The City)", "Get Up & Get Out", "Mr Dynamite", "Play It Safe", "Take Care Of Me", "I Need More", "Dog Food", "I Snub You" and more. LP, Vinyl record album

Caribbean styles hit the American scene – then get transformed into something completely different in this huge collection of recordings that span styles that include jazz, Latin, R&B, soul, and blues! In some cases, the Caribbean element comes through in the song structure – which might be lifted directly, then reworked for an American audience. But at other times, the influence is more in the rhythms or instrumentation – used as inspiration to then create something new – a bit in the way that American soul would provide the inspiration for reggae in the 60s. The package has the usual fantastic Fremeaux presentation – with a big booklet of historical notes, in both French and English, to support 66 titles that include "Jamaica Farewell" by Sam Cooke, "Salty Fish Aki Rice" by Ruth Wallis, "Bajan Girl" by Lionel Belasco, "Sly Mongoose" by Sam Manning, "El Gallero" by Dioris Valladares & Angel Viloria, "El Mambo Diablo" by Tito Puente, "Hey Little Girl" by Professor Longhair, "Un Poco Loco" by Bud Powell, "Chee Koo Baby" by Lloyd Price, "Shrinking Up Fast" by Camille Howard, "Ojai" by Joe Lutcher, "Salee Dame" by Albert Nicholas & Baby Dodds, "Inside" by Hector The Ram, "Run Come See Jerusalem"b y Stan Wilson, "I Learn A Merengue" by Robert Mitchum, "Afro Blue" by Cal Tjader, "La Maricutana" by Damiron & Chapuseaux, "Magical Joe" by Herb Jeffries, "Begin The Beguine" by Charlie Parker, "Make It Do" by Slim Gaillard, "Guitarambo" by Mickey Baker, and "Don't Touch Me Nylon" by The Charmer (aka Louis Farrakhan). CD

Classic 60s work from Thelonious Monk – featuring his incredible quartet with Charlie Rouse on tenor, certainly Monk's best-ever musical soulmate! The album features some newer versions of older tunes, and a few written just for the album – but the source of the material is not important, as the Monk/Rouse treatment always transforms whatever is handled, and recreates the work as an an angular sculpture of modernist beauty. Other players include Larry Gales on bass and Ben Riley on drums – and titles include "Locomotive", "Blue Sea", "We See", "Japanese Folk Song", and "Straight No Chaser". Features previously unreleased versions of "Green Chimneys" and "I Didn't Know About You". CD

A bit trippy, a bit groovy – and a very compelling little set from the Brazilian duo of Rubinho & Mauro Assumpcao! At one level, the record's got an earthy feel that matches the cover image of the pair climbing out of a tree without their shirts on – but at another level, there's often echoes of some of the funkier modes coming into Brazilian music at the time – a slight Samba Soul influence that mixes well with the earthy, sometimes personal vocals of the duo. In a way, there's almost a similarity here to early work by Os Novos Baianos – who seem to inhabit a similar space – and like that group, these guys have a sound that's got plenty going on, even if you can't completely understand it! Titles include "Ta Tudo Ai", "Debandada Geral", "A Montanha", "Bloco Da Visao", "Os Olhos", "Sozinho Nao Estou", "Quero Companheira", and "Pe Na Estrada". CD

A really compelling blend of sounds – the trumpet and flugelhorn of Susana Santos and the bass of Torbjorn Zetterberg – all coming together in ways we really wouldn't expect! The tracks each seem to have a very different flavor – not just a trumpet solo over a bassline, but instead a completely re-conceived pairing of both instruments – at a level that's especially a surprise when compared to some of Zetterberg's other, straighter work. Torbjorn still has that round, warm, really deep sound we love so much – but he also manages to shift into other sonic ranges in the company of Susana – who herself is very free in trying out a number of different voices on the set. Titles include "Feet Machine Song", "Cow Safari", "Flocos De Mel", "Falling & Falling & Falling", and "Head Distortion Machine". CD

Girl rock galore – a cool little set that brings together important female cuts from the late 70s punk years, then moves forward to show just how much the underground exploded from the 90s into the 21st Century! The set's got plenty of the energy you'd expect from the title – and as with other collections on Ace, the track list is superb – lots of great choices throughout – and supported with a very detailed booklet of notes that ties everything together, and really fills you in on some of the lesser-known artists in the set. CD features 24 tracks in all – and titles include "Spirit FM" by Bad Moves, "Take It Off" by The Donnas, "Out Of Time" by Vibeke Saugestad, "I'll Be Alright" by Baby Shankes, "We Only Come Out At Night" by The Sugar Store, "Peter Gunn Locomotion" by The Delmonas, "Hanging On The Telephone" by Blondie, "Cmon & Kiss Me" by Sun 60, "The Teens Are Square" by The Courettes, "Teenage Kicks" by Dawn Chorus & The Bluetits, "In The City" by Cocktail Slippers, "Juvenile Thrills" by The Launderettes, "Dancing With Joey Ramone" by Amy Rigby, "Rock Boys" by Suzy & Los Quattro, "Take It All Away" by Girlschool, "Unforgiven" by The Go Gos, and "Da Doo Ron Ron/I Wanna Be Sedated" by The Dollyrots. CD

The roots of British mod, served up here in a fantastic package that's overflowing with soulful, jazzy, and groovy gems that we might never have heard otherwise! The big British Invasion love of American sounds is no secret to anyone – but the cuts here are all from a moment before on the London scene, and represent some really wonderful experiments in ways of mixing together elements of jazz, soul, and blues – and coming up with something really fresh and unique! Tracks are a great mix of instrumental and vocal modes – and as usual with Ace, they're supported by detailed notes that really open up our understanding of both the music, and this point in time. Titles include "Danger Man" by Red Price Combo, "A New Kind Of Lovin" by Eden Kane, "Christine" by Miss X, "Sugar Baby (parts 1 & 2)" by Jimmy Powell, "When You Walked Out" by Alex Murray, "Chicago Calling" by Cyril Davies & His Rhythm & Blues All Stars, "King Of Kings" by Jimmy Cliff, "It Ain't Necessarily So" by Duffy Power, "Gurney Slade" by Max Harris, "Moanin" by Lynn Cornell, "I'm Just A Baby" by Louis Cordet, "Orange Street" by The Blue Flames, "Strawberry Fair" by Anthony Newley, "Sounds Like Locomotion" by Sounds Inc, and "Air Travel" by Chris Farlowe. CD

A fantastic collection of work by The Arrows – a glam-era UK power pop trio with a really great sound! The Arrow sound is sort of a leaner version of grooves laid down by Gary Glitter or Sweet – a fuzzy, hook-heavy approach to rock – one that uses lots of heavy drums on straightforward rhythms, full guitar lines that are clean and straightforward, and compressed production that pushes the guitars and vocals together nicely! There's a real power to these tunes that's simply amazing – an unabashed love of catchy pop mixed with heady guitars – best summed up in the group's original version of "I Love Rock & Roll", issued years before Joan Jett scored with her cover version. This 2CD package features everything the short-lived group recorded – their full First Hit album, 7" singles, and bonus Mickie Most and Arrowsvision tracks – 29 titles in all, including "I Love Rock & Roll", "We Can Make It Together", "Diesel Locomotive Dancer", "Love Child", "Boogiest Band In Town", "First Hit", "Once Upon A Time", "My World Is Turning On To Love", "Movin Next Door To You", "Broken Down Heart", "My Last Night With You", "Dreamin", "Bam Bam Battering Ram", "Wake Up", "Love Is Easy", "Gotta Be Next To You", "Love Rider", and "Dare You Not To Dance". CD

The second volume in this seminal series from the mid 70s – one that did a great job of documenting some of the formative underground playing that was happening in the New York loft scene, almost more creative work than in previous generations, thanks to a lack of commercial venues, and hence, commercial constraints on the music. Tracks include "And Then They Danced" by Marion Brown, "Locomotif" by Leo Smith, "Naomi" by Ken McIntyre, and "The Need To Smile" by a group with Byard Lancaster, Sonelius Smith, Don Moye, and Olu Dara. LP, Vinyl record album

John Coltrane's classic – and only – recording as a leader for Blue Note! The album's no throwaway date, though – as it stands strongly with both Coltrane's other label work of the time, and with the best of the late 50s Blue Note scene – a time when the label was really cooking at full strength! The groove here is a bit harder, heavier, and hardbop-inflected than some of Trane's late 50s sides with Red Garland – thanks to a lineup that features Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Kenny Drew on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. There's a crisp modern edge to the record that really holds up beautifully – even after years of play – and titles include "Blue Train, "Locomotion", "Moment's Notice", and "Lazy Bird". CD

John Coltrane's classic – and only – recording as a leader for Blue Note! The album's no throwaway date, though – as it stands strongly with both Coltrane's other label work of the time, and with the best of the late 50s Blue Note scene – a time when the label was really cooking at full strength! The groove here is a bit harder, heavier, and hardbop-inflected than some of Trane's late 50s sides with Red Garland – thanks to a lineup that features Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Kenny Drew on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. There's a crisp modern edge to the record that really holds up beautifully – even after years of play – and titles include "Blue Train, "Locomotion", "Moment's Notice", and "Lazy Bird". This beautiful 2LP version features heavy cover and vinyl – and a full bonus album of material that includes "Lazy Bird (alt take 1)", "Lazy Bird (alt take 2)", "Blue Train (false start)", "Blue Train (alt take 7)", "Moment's Notice (alt take 4)", "Blue Train (alt take 8)", and "Moment's Notice (incomplete alt take 5a)". LP, Vinyl record album

The album that really broke Jethro Tull out of the prog rock underground and into the mainstream – and a set that showed that the group weren't just a combo with creative use of flute, but a band that could really rock off their ass when they wanted to! Previous records were all pretty great, but there's definitely something special in the air with this one – an extra-amped version of the group that even seems to have Ian Anderson's flute blowing out all stops, and his vocals sounding even more menacing than before! Martin Barre's maybe the real master, though – searing on guitar, and punctuating all of Anderson's efforts with his own mad energy – on titles that include the classic "Aqualung", plus "Wondering Aloud", "Cheap Day Return", "Cross Eyed Mary", "My God", "Slipstream", "Locomotive Breath", "Wind Up", and "Mother Goose". LP, Vinyl record album

Includes both Rocks On The Road EPs, the first including the tracks; "Rocks On The Road", "Jack-A-Lynn", "Tall Thin Girl", and "Fat Man" and the second with the tracks; "Rocks On The Road", "Bouree", and two live tracks "Mother Goose/Jack-A-Lynn", and "Aqualung/Locomotive Breath". CD

After this one, there was no turning back for Kool & The Gang! The record has them bringing their underground funk sound to the masses – with a choppy riffy groove that stands out almost as a public challenge to all the other pretenders that had been cropping up on major labels during the same time. The band are as tight as they ever were – and they're rolling like a non-stop locomotive with a horn-heavy groove on classics like "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging", while also showing hints of their strong mellow future on the cut "Wild & Peaceful". The album also includes the massive two part jammer "Funky Stuff" and "More Funky Stuff", plus "This Is You, This Is Me" and "Life Is What You Make It". CD

After this one, there was no turning back for Kool & The Gang! The record has them bringing their underground funk sound to the masses – with a choppy riffy groove that stands out almost as a public challenge to all the other pretenders that had been cropping up on major labels during the same time. The band are as tight as they ever were – and they're rolling like a non-stop locomotive with a horn-heavy groove on classics like "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging", while also showing hints of their strong mellow future on the cut "Wild & Peaceful". The album also includes the massive two part jammer "Funky Stuff" and "More Funky Stuff", plus "This Is You, This Is Me" and "Life Is What You Make It". LP, Vinyl record album

Some excellent Monk from the mid 50s – recorded between the early Blue Note sides and the later revolutionary ones for Riverside, all featuring Monk in some pretty heavy tenor company! Side one features Monk playing with Frank Foster, Ray Copeland, Curley Russell, and Art Blakey – on tracks that include "We See", "Locomotive", and "Hackensack". Side two features Monk with Sonny Rollins, Julius Watkins, Percy Heath, and Willie Jones – on two takes of "Think Of One", plus "Let's Call This". LP, Vinyl record album

One of those 70s two-fers that pulls together a nice batch of Prestige recordings, and in this case, largely restores them to chronological order. The tracks here were recorded between 1952 and 1954 and were mostly originally issued as 10" LPs, but eventually found their way to the LPs Thelonious Monk, Monk With Sonny Rollins & Frank Foster and Thelonious Monk & Sonny Rollins. The better part of the set is trio sides, with Gary Mapp or Percy Heath on bass and Art Blakey or Max Roach on drums, and the qui8ntet sides also feature Sonny Rollins, Frank Foster, Julius Watkins and Ray Copeland. 19 tracks in all, including "Little Rootie Tootie", "Sweet & Lovely", "Monk's Dream", "Trinkle Trinkle", "Bemsha Swing", "Reflections", "Let's Call This", "Think Of One", "We See", "Locomotive", "Hackensack", "Work", "Nutty" and "Blue Monk". LP, Vinyl record album

A full length LP that brings together 2 earlier sessions by Thelonious Monk! The main part of the album is a legendary Monk quintet recording, done at a time when Thelonious was mostly pretty trio-heavy in the studio – and a set that features some great tenor by Frank Foster, alongside trumpet by Ray Copeland, bass by Curley Russell, and drums by Art Blakey! Tracks are longish, and although they have some Monkish moments, especially on the ballads, there's also some looser bop-style solo work from the horns. Titles include "Locomotive", "Hackensack", "We See", and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes". Added to these tracks are 3 more by another quintet – one that features Sonny Rollins on tenor, Julius Watkins on French Horn, Percy Heath on bass, and Willie Jones on drums. Titles include 2 takes of "Think Of One", plus "Let's Call This". CD

A full length LP that brings together 2 earlier sessions by Thelonious Monk! The main part of the album is a legendary Monk quintet recording, done at a time when Thelonious was mostly pretty trio-heavy in the studio – and a set that features some great tenor by Frank Foster, alongside trumpet by Ray Copeland, bass by Curley Russell, and drums by Art Blakey! Tracks are longish, and although they have some Monkish moments, especially on the ballads, there's also some looser bop-style solo work from the horns. Titles include "Locomotive", "Hackensack", "We See", and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes". Added to these tracks are 3 more by another quintet – one that features Sonny Rollins on tenor, Julius Watkins on French Horn, Percy Heath on bass, and Willie Jones on drums. Titles include 2 takes of "Think Of One", plus "Let's Call This". CD

There's a host of cool keyboards on the cover, and that's what you'll hear on the record as well – used in all these really groovy space age styles over more conventional Latin rhythms – all of which made for a really incredible subgenre of sounds on the scene in Ecuador during the 70s! Most of the music here has the touch of Polibio Mayorga on the keys – sometimes as the lead artist, sometimes as a contributor to another's' work – and the cuts mix rootsier percussion and sometimes use Andean melodies, but all have these really weird and unusual electric parts too – an outer space organ line, or a moogy electronic flourish – all of which makes for some wonderfully trippy sounds throughout! As always with Analog Africa, the presentation is fantastic – and titles include "America India" by Junior Y Su Equipo, "Mi Paisa" by Olmedo Torres Y Poblibio Mayorga, "Haciendo Bomba" by Alcibiades Y Su Banda, "Llorona" by Los Locos Del Ritmo, "Muevase Vecina" by Eduardo Morales, "Bomba De Pobres" by Alcibiades Y Su Banda, "La Perra Vida" by Conjunto La Lorga, "Munequita Blanca" by Orti Mayorga Y Chiriboga, and "Cumbia Totorana", "Ferrocarril", and "Culebrita Dormida" by Polibio Mayorga. LP, Vinyl record album

The roots of British mod, served up here in a fantastic package that's overflowing with soulful, jazzy, and groovy gems that we might never have heard otherwise! The big British Invasion love of American sounds is no secret to anyone – but the cuts here are all from a moment before on the London scene, and represent some really wonderful experiments in ways of mixing together elements of jazz, soul, and blues – and coming up with something really fresh and unique! Tracks are a great mix of instrumental and vocal modes – and as usual with Ace, they're supported by detailed notes that really open up our understanding of both the music, and this point in time. Titles include "Danger Man" by Red Price Combo, "A New Kind Of Lovin" by Eden Kane, "Christine" by Miss X, "Sugar Baby (parts 1 & 2)" by Jimmy Powell, "When You Walked Out" by Alex Murray, "Chicago Calling" by Cyril Davies & His Rhythm & Blues All Stars, "King Of Kings" by Jimmy Cliff, "It Ain't Necessarily So" by Duffy Power, "Gurney Slade" by Max Harris, "Moanin" by Lynn Cornell, "I'm Just A Baby" by Louis Cordet, "Orange Street" by The Blue Flames, "Strawberry Fair" by Anthony Newley, "Sounds Like Locomotion" by Sounds Inc, and "Air Travel" by Chris Farlowe. CD