Every once in a while a band comes around that defies definition, a band so inimitable in its approach to music that it turns a genre on its head and leaves one wondering, “WHAT WAS THAT?!” Well, that's exactly what Sweden's best kept secret, Dirty Loops, has done with their debut album, Loopified.

Over the course of five mesmerizing CDs, Unearthed shows us just how Johnny Cash's now-legendary handful of recordings for American Records came to be. Four discs feature previously unreleased tracks from the famed Rick Rubin-produced sessions. Through their inconsistencies and quirks (and, more often than not, brilliance), they shed light on how Cash's final records were shaped, edited, and produced. Here we get some creative pairings: Fiona Apple providing guest vocals on Cat Stevens' "Father & Son," and the late Joe Strummer duetting with Cash on Bob Marley's "Redemption Song."

In this album, his third for naïve, Julien Martineau once again spotlights the mandolin: its remarkable repertoire, nobility of character, and natural ability as a partner. Together with pianist Vanessa Benelli Mosell, he has devised a programme truly Beethovenian in its inventiveness, honeycombed with influences and associations. Beethoven wears the crown, with four youthful pieces he wrote for this unusual duo combination and the Allegretto of his Symphony No. 7 in a transcription by Hans Sitt.

Desire is an album by jazz musician Tom Scott, recorded live to two tracks on June 30 and July 1, 1982 in Hollywood. Billboard magazine called it "predictably broad-based fusion, with nods to contemporary black, pop and rock instrumental styles.

Dawn of a New Day expands the Baroque funk horizons introduced on the brilliant Breeding of Mind, O'Donel Levy's previous collaboration with arranger Manny Albam. A bigger, bolder effort, Dawn's panoramic sound also borrows much from blaxploitation cinema. Joined by collaborators including trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater and organist Charles Covington, Levy's remarkable leads seem to cut and paste elements from across the history of jazz guitar, most closely recalling the lean, mean genius of Wes Montgomery and Grant Green. His solos are graceful yet muscular, each note crackling with energy. The material here is also excellent, sidestepping the usual Groove Merchant soul and pop warhorses in favor of material including "Maiden Voyage" and "People Make the World Go Around." Levy's originals are also strong, in particular the title cut.

For the first time, this collection brings together the complete woodwind chamber music of France's leading composers in the medium: Debussy, Saint-Saëns, Ravel and Poulenc. In a set which evinces the now familiar Cala hallmark of creatively combining established treasures with enticing discoveries, including here four world première recordings. Volume One presents the works of Debussy and Saint-Saëns and Volume Two those of Ravel and Poulenc. Each volume contains two full-length CDs (well over two hours of music) for the price of one.

This must be one of the most evocative, stylish and thoughtful interpretations of anything Biber ever wrote. From the moment it begins with its rich sonorous chords, we know we are in for a treat, and the Rare Fruits Council (what a glorious name!) never disappoints. Many people are well-acquainted with Biber's 'Mystery Sonatas', but these delicious pieces are not quite so familiar. Treat yourself to any available copy - and hope for a reissue from Astree of this version - because if you like the composer, if you like early baroque music, and if you like your playing vigorous, intense, and full of rich harmony and energy, this is for you.