A sequel to the 2015 Box Five Years 1969-1973, 2016's Who Can I Be Now? (1974-1976) covers just three years but this stretch in the mid-'70s happens to be the peak of David Bowie's superstardom. That much can be gleaned from the number of albums within the set: three studio albums - Diamond Dogs, Young Americans, Station to Station, each released in a subsequent year - along with the double live album David Live from 1974. Four albums in three years is plenty but to that core canon Who Can I Be Now? adds five additional alternate albums, each with varying degrees of rarities. There are full latter-day remixes of David Live and Station to Station - the former from 2005, the latter from 2010 - the concert album Live Nassau Coliseum '76, which was added to the super deluxe 2010 reissue of Station to Station, a bonus disc of single edits and stray songs entitled Re:Call…

Electric Joy is a stunning and fiercely inventive instrumental landmark in the vast discography of guitar phenomenon Richie Kotzen, released in 1991 via Roadrunner Records. Serving as his third solo record and his final pure instrumental offering for many years, the album highlights a staggering leap forward in maturity, composition, and multi-instrumental craftsmanship. Moving gracefully beyond the standard neoclassical boundaries of his early Shrapnel years, Kotzen handles all guitar, bass, and production duties himself, injecting heavy doses of funk syncopation, soulful acoustic textures, and sophisticated jazz-fusion lines into a muscular hard rock foundation. Backed only by the lightning-fast, highly dynamic percussion performance of legendary drummer Atma Anur, the record effortlessly showcases Kotzen's signature hybrid picking and fluid legato lines. From the explosive, groove-heavy attack of B Funk and the melodic triumph of the title track to the deeply expressive phrasing of Slow Blues, this high-caliber collection stands out as a timeless masterclass in instrumental rock showmanship.

Wave Of Emotion is a fiercely energetic, texturally rich, and highly innovative studio album by the multi-talented guitar virtuoso and singer-songwriter Richie Kotzen, released in 1996 exclusively in Japan via Polystar Records. Serving as a crucial bridge in his mid-nineties discography, the album perfectly captures Kotzen expanding his musical horizons by fusing gritty, soulful blues-rock with intricate jazz-fusion stylings and heavy funk syncopation. Renowned for his incendiary legato and finger-picking techniques, Kotzen dials back the purely neoclassical speed of his early Shrapnel years to deliver compositions focused on tight rhythmic hooks, raw emotional weight, and muscular vocal work reminiscent of classic soul-rock belters. From the explosive opening charge of World Affair and the blistering, technically demanding title track, to the atmospheric, multi-layered fusion exploration of the instrumental centerpiece Strobe, the album radiates with staggering musicianship. It stands as a high-caliber cult classic for guitar enthusiasts, highlighting Kotzen’s rare transition from a standard shredder into a fully-realized, genre-defying musical force.

A Real Mother For Ya is one of Johnny Guitar Watson’s most celebrated recordings, blending funk grooves, soulful melodies, blues roots, and witty songwriting into a highly influential late-1970s classic. Originally released in 1977 and later reissued by Shout Factory in 2005, the album showcases Watson’s remarkable versatility as a guitarist, vocalist, arranger, and producer. His smooth vocal delivery, sharp sense of rhythm, and innovative use of synthesizers and electronic textures helped shape the evolution of modern funk and R&B during the era. The title track became a signature anthem thanks to its infectious groove, playful lyrics, and unforgettable bass line, while songs like “Nothing Left To Be Desired” and “I Wanna Thank You” demonstrate Watson’s ability to balance emotional depth with danceable energy. The supporting horn arrangements and layered keyboard textures create a rich, vibrant sound throughout the album. Combining blues tradition with contemporary funk sophistication, A Real Mother For Ya remains an essential recording that continues to influence generations of soul, funk, and hip-hop artists.

Khruangbin have re-recorded their debut album, once a cult classic, now to be known as The Universe Smiles Upon You ii. The recording reinvents the familiar songs, bringing the band’s masterful live show and a decade of touring the world to this genre-defining work.

Khruangbin’s fourth studio album, A La Sala (“To the Room” in Spanish), is an exercise in returning in order to go further, and doing so on your own terms. It continues the mystery and sanctity that is the key to how bassist Laura Lee Ochoa, drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson, Jr. and guitarist Mark “Marko” Speer approach music. If 2020’s Mordechai, the last studio LP Khruangbin made without collaborators, was a party record that enhanced the band’s musical reputation far and wide, then A La Sala is the measured morning after. It’s a gorgeously airy record completed only in the company of the group’s longtime engineer Steve Christensen, with minimal overdubs. It’s a window onto the bounties powering Khruangbin’s vision, a reimagining and refueling for the long haul ahead. A La Sala scales Khruangbin down to scale up, a creative strategy with the future in mind.

The House That Dirt Built is the 2009 debut album by The Heavy, blending gritty rock, soul, funk, and alternative influences into a raw, groove-driven sound. The record is built around punchy rhythms, vintage-inspired production, and strong vocal delivery that channels both classic soul energy and modern indie attitude. Tracks like “How You Like Me Now?” and “Short Change Hero” helped the band gain international recognition, with their music often featured in films, TV shows, and commercials. The album stands out for its fusion of retro soul aesthetics with contemporary rock production, giving it a distinctive cinematic and gritty character.

Machismo is the twelfth studio album by legendary American funk group Cameo, released in 1988 during the height of the band’s commercial popularity. Known for their distinctive fusion of funk, soul, R&B, and electronic production, Cameo continued to evolve their sound on this release while maintaining the groove-heavy style that defined the group throughout the 1980s. Fronted by Larry Blackmon, the album features polished production, energetic rhythms, smooth vocal harmonies, and a strong blend of dance-oriented funk and sophisticated urban soul. One of the album’s most notable moments is “In The Night,” featuring iconic jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, creating a unique crossover between funk and jazz fusion. Tracks such as “You Make Me Work” and “Skin I’m In” highlight Cameo’s signature bass-driven arrangements and infectious hooks, while slower tracks bring a romantic and melodic atmosphere to the record. Machismo reflects the late-80s transition of funk music into a more electronic and contemporary R&B direction while preserving the band’s unmistakable personality and style.

Free Your Mind And Your Ass Will Follow is the second album from funk innovators Funkadelic, arriving in 1970 mere months after their trailblazing debut. Famously originating from a single LSD-fueled marathon session, the record saw the band honing their songcraft, while still allowing plenty of space for mind-bending exploratory jams. It marked the official introduction of legendary keyboardist Bernie Worrell, and would go on to chart at No. 92 on Billboard's Pop chart. Remastered direct to lathe from original master tapes by Dave Gardner (all analog).

The definitive version of Funkadelic’s groundbreaking 1970 debut, remastered from original master tapes and restored to its full cosmic glory.

Talking Heads emerged from the vibrant New York art-punk scene of the mid-1970s, when Rhode Island School of Design alumni David Byrne (guitar/vocals), Chris Frantz (drums), and Tina Weymouth (bass) relocated to the city. Soon joined by Jerry Harrison, formerly of The Modern Lovers, the quartet forged a sound that blended punk urgency with funk, art-rock experimentation and Byrne’s singular lyrical vision. Together they pioneered a postmodern fusion of punk, world music and funk, carving out a catalogue that remains one of the most influential of the era.By 1980, the band had reached new creative heights with Remain in Light, their landmark collaboration with producer Brian Eno.