Released in 1993, The Security of Illusion signaled a rebirth of sorts for Canadian prog rock popsters Saga, as earlier members Jim Gilmour (keyboards) and Steve Negus (drums) were welcomed back into the fold – for the first time since 1985's Behaviour. And as evidenced by the music, the result of the reunion returned the group straight back to their heady early-'80s period, especially on the downright vicious rockers "Mind Over Matter" and "Stand Up," as well as the percussive-heavy album closer, "Without You." Instead of being influenced by what was going on in the rock world circa this time period (here's a hint…well, whatever, nevermind), Saga stick to their guns on The Security of Illusion, and come up with a release that nearly managed to out-rock their Canadian competitor at the time, Rush.

Having acquired a small cult following with its first album, Budgie offered a second dose of abrasive, forceful heavy metal that, like its predecessor, drew on influences ranging from Cream to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Budgie was a band that loved contrasts – the folk-ish qualities of "Make Me Happy" and the Beatlesque "Rolling Home Again" make hard-driving classics like "Hot as a Docker's Armpit," "Drugstore Woman," and "Rocking Man" seem all the more intense. For all its strengths, Squawk didn't turn Budgie into the well-known outfit it should have been. Budgie's followers were a devoted bunch, but unfortunately, there weren't nearly enough of them.

This album stands as something of a minor landmark, musically - as far back as the late '70s, its presence in used record bins attracted a great deal of attention from historically minded collectors, as a genuine live recording of its era, and of a hard rock, heavy metal band, at that. Not too many concert recordings were attempted in hard rock in those days, and even a lot of what was issued in the way of live albums - John Lennon's Live Peace in Toronto and the Rolling Stones' Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! come to mind - were done under duress, as an attempt to undermine bootlegs that had shown up. And when one considers that Atlantic Records never even got around to recording the Rascals in concert, the very existence of Iron Butterfly Live can only be regarded something of a gift (though one that a lot of us would gladly trade for a period concert recording of Felix Cavaliere, et. al)…

Vanden Plas, the German progressive metal powerhouse, has been a stalwart presence in the music scene since their formation in the mid-1980s. With a name derived from a prestigious Belgian luxury car manufacturer, the band has consistently delivered a luxurious sonic experience to their dedicated fanbase.
After a hiatus of four years since their last album, the band makes a triumphant return with an enthralling assortment of tracks, showcasing their unmatched musical skill and narrative artistry.
Vanden Plas remains faithful to their signature style: progressive rock infused with elements of elegy, melody, and metallic and epic influences. Furthermore, it's evident that Vanden Plas is embracing a "back to the roots" direction…

Nearly forgotten by all but serious soul fans, Back Up Train is Al Green's debut. Released in 1967, when he was still billed as "Al Greene" and before he worked with producer Willie Mitchell, the record is a perfectly serviceable slice of slightly sweet period soul - perhaps a little generic, but never less than pleasant. Much of the record was either written or co-written by the album's producers, Palmer E. James and Curtis Rodgers, who were not just part of Hot Line Records, but in the Creations, Green's previous backing band. Though they're fine as producers, they didn't have strong material as songwriters, never producing something as limber and memorable as Green's lone songwriting credit, "Stop and Check Myself." Musically, this number, along with a few other cuts, suggest the tight, sexy sound of his seminal Hi albums, but they're nowhere near as seductive as those slow grooves, nor are they as effortless…

Respected musician and producer Rupert Hine has sold many millions of records, particularly for his work on several Tina Turner titles and with 80's band The Fixx. Quantum Jump was an attempt to mix jazz rock influences (Weather Report, Miles Davis) and early 70's funk (Kool And The Gang, Tower Of Power) with an English song writing sensibility. Originally released on the Electric label in 1976, it contains all 11 of the cuts that first appeared on it, plus five bonus tracks.

A legend of Brazilian guitar, emerging on the cusp of the bossa nova boom of the 1960s. Baden Powell is a Brazilian musician with a solid international reputation. A gifted instrumentalist and composer, he bridges the gap between classical artistry and popular warmth and was a key figure in the bossa nova movement.