A super-huge set from The Motels – and a record that still has the group holding onto a lot of credibility at a time when so much mainstream pop was really skewing towards the thin side of the spectrum! The vocals of Martha Davis are a big part of the album's success – as they've got this subtle sense of drama learned from the new role of female singers in the wake of punk rock, but tuned towards material that was maybe a bit more able to cross over on the charts – thanks to well-crafted guitar licks that underscore the best part of the lyrics. The approach is a nice balance – definitely less dated and a lot less cloying than some of Davis' contemporaries – on titles that include the hit "Only The Lonely", plus "Mission Of Mercy", "Take The L", "Change My Mind", "Art Fails", "So LA", "Apocalypso", "Forever Mine", and a remake of "He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss)". CD

... LP, Vinyl record album

A pretty striking little record in the Frank Zappa catalog – the double-length soundtrack for the movie of the same name, and a set that explodes the Zappa palette of sound even further than some of his previous albums! A number of tracks feature a full studio orchestra – sounding as if they were lined up to perform a conventional Hollywood film score, but somehow tricked into working with Frank when he showed up on the podium to conduct the proceedings! Other tunes echo more of the Mothers Of Invention material, but with shorter selections, and lots of twists and turns along the way – all of which make the whole record this really mad pastiche of songs, sounds, and sonic interplay. Titles include "This Town Is A Sealed Tuna Sandwich", "Redneck Eats", "She Painted Her Face", "Janet's Big Dance Number", "Daddy Daddy Daddy", "The Girl's Dream", "A Nun Suit Painted On Some Old Boxes", and "Mystery Roach". LP, Vinyl record album

The Holiday Inn chain of motels was first launched in Memphis during the city's rockabilly years, and an early investor was Sam Phillips of Sun Records – so it's maybe no surprise that the company also hosted a small record label of its own – a short-lived imprint that's a treasure trove of rare Memphis music! This set brings together all the great early singles on the imprint – both a-sides and b-sides, with a blend of instrumental rockers, soulful pop, and rockabilly – much of which was handled by Phillips at the Sun Studios! Most of the names here aren't Memphis legends, but the music definitely lives up to the rare 45s from that city's scene at the time – and in addition to a rare single here by Charlie Feathers, the package also includes work from Buck Griffin, Jimmy Foster, The Roller Coasters, Stony Martin, Jimmy Foster, Joe Fuller, and others – plus two Holiday Inn jingles too! CD

1960 nightclub recordings from Lenny Bruce – done at a time when he was really opening up stylistically, and taking on a host of themes that really tell a tale of the times! The work here is plenty edgey – lots of sharp turns, offbeat ideas, and that sharp wit that makes Bruce one of the greatest sets of eyes to view the 60s from the perspective of the 21st Century. Titles include "Don's Big Dago", "Marriage, Divorce, & Motels", "Father Flotsky's Triumph", "Lima Ohio", and "How To Relax Your Colored Friends At Parties". LP, Vinyl record album

With selections by 38 Special, Roman Holliday, Joe Cocker, Night Ranger, Freddie Mercury, ZZ Top, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Eric Martin, The Motels, and Ian Hunter. LP, Vinyl record album

Includes 19 tracks by Wang Chung, The Fixx, Spandau Ballet, Dexy's Midnight Runners, The Motels, Strawberry Switchblade, The Church, Tones On Tail, The Blow Monkeys, and Wide Boy Awake. CD

With selections by Chaka Khan, The Motels, Waylon Jennings, Gap Band, Maria Conchita Alonso, Adalberto Santiago, and themes by David McHugh. LP, Vinyl record album