Chicago blues mainstay guitarist Johnny B. Moore delivers more raw electric energy on Rockin' in the Same Old Boat. Working a similar approach to many of his recent Delmark releases, Moore covers a wide swath of stylistic territory, from old-style Southern classics like Blind Lemon Jefferson's "Matchbox Blues" to more contemporary covers like Samuel Maghett's "Lookin' Good." Moore's hard-driving lead guitar lines are well intact as is his off-hand, sometimes slurred vocal delivery. This can be a jarring aesthetic combo depending upon your blues tastes, but shouldn't dissuade longtime fans from enjoying the proceedings.

Following the botched collaboration with David Byrne on Mesopotamia, the B-52's decided to craft their fourth album as a return to the pop-culture funk explosion of their debut. Smartly, they decided to not simply replicate the skewed Southern funk of that album, choosing to update their signature sound with drum machines and new wave synths. As a result, it now sounds a little forced and dated, but the best moments – "Legal Tender," "Whammy Kiss," "Butterbean," "Song for a Future Generation" – rank as B-52's classics, and the entire record is certainly entertaining, even with its faults.

The first volume of this three-CD set, Music for a knight, consists of a widely varied assortment of pieces, some sacred, some secular, some instrumental, and some vocal, including trouvère and troubadour songs, Cantigas de Santa Maria, dances, and works by Hildegard and Perotin, taken from about a dozen previous releases by ensembles such as Tonus Peregrinus, Oxford Camerata, Ensemble Unicorn, and Ensemble Accentus. The diversity of material and performing forces makes this an especially attractive disc, and the performances are outstanding – lively and polished. The second volume, Music of the church, is a reissue of a single CD, Adorate Deum: Gregorian Chant from the proper of the mass, performed by Nova Schola Gregoriana, and all-male ensemble led by Alberto Turco. This CD is notable for its homogeneity – all the chants are monophonic, and the performances are quiet and low-key. This would definitely work as lulling background music or as an aid to relaxation or meditation. The third volume, Music of the Mediterranean, provides a fascinating combination of Eastern and Western music of the period, including an astonishing setting of the Kyrie Eleison that sounds like it came from a mosque rather than a church. As in the first volume, the selections come from a variety of previous releases, with the Ensemble Oni Wytars is featured prominently. The sound is consistently good for all the selections. The collection should be of interest to early music fans, and is especially useful in that it points listeners to the CDs from which the selections are taken. – AllMusic.com, Stephen Eddins, June 2008

Chávez Ravine: A Record by Ry Cooder is the twelfth studio album by Ry Cooder. It is the first concept album and historical album by Ry Cooder which tells the story of Chávez Ravine, a Mexican-American community demolished in the 1950s in order to build public housing. The housing was never built. Ultimately the Brooklyn Dodgers built a stadium on the site as part of their move to Los Angeles. Chávez Ravine was nominated for "Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album" in 2006.

Recorded live in Lueneburg, Germany on September 3rd 1993. Sounboard Recording.

Recorded in New York City at Columbia Recording Studios on May 21, 1975. This CD contains previously released material.

The two long-form pieces presented as Portals and Spirals were created in 2025, inspired by over two years of live performances across the US. These studio-created pieces capture the current evolution of Steve’s passion, obsession, and dedication to the multidimensional sonic inner-weaves emanating from the Timehouse ridgetop studio. The phrase “judging a book (CD or LP) by its cover” applies here. The LP and long-box trifold CD with die-cut portal digipak (DVD size) is stunning—a testament to physical objects that hold energy within themselves. In this case, the music contained within these packages is honored by this magnificent presentation for your collection, reminding us why the physical medium is very much alive and remains a piece of beauty to behold while traveling through the Portals and Spirals.

The opening pair of songs on Swedish musicians and composer Sven Wunder's fifth full-length album—"Setting Off" and "Misty Shore"—work in tandem to build from flute-led ambience to fully realized, bass-driven grooves to create a powerful representation of a sunrise. It's not often a record perfectly captures one of nature's most beautiful moments, much less leaves listeners in awe in the process. Daybreak accomplishes that in its first five minutes. Daybreak represents a day in the life of the sun. The title track continues the morning fulfillment with a breezing, sweeping string procession backed by simple yet momentous guitar and flute riffs and an up-front bassline that borders on funk. It's a mug of coffee at a chilly campsite or a dive into a deep, refreshing pool for a top-of-the-day workout. The flute, deftly played by Per "Texas" Johansson, has a more important role on Daybreak than on any of Wunder's earlier records. Fittingly, too, because the instrument provides balance as the music transitions from morning to midday on "Still Moorings" and for the terrific sway of "Scenic Byway."

VA - On The Road - Romantic II (1989) is a compilation album featuring various artists with a focus on romantic and smooth soft rock or pop ballads. Released in 1989, it offers a collection of love-themed songs perfect for easy listening or road trips. The album includes heartfelt melodies and soothing vocals, capturing the late ’80s vibe of sentimental and melodic tunes. It’s ideal for fans of romantic music from that era.

Georgio - Rollin (1991) is a funk and R&B album by French-American artist Georgio. Released in 1991, it features smooth grooves, soulful vocals, and catchy rhythms typical of early ’90s R&B. The album blends funk, soul, and pop influences, showcasing Georgio’s talent as a singer and songwriter. Known for its laid-back vibe and danceable tracks, *Rollin* captures the era’s urban sound and style.

VA - Soul Fire - An Introduction To Lee "Scratch" Perry (2003) is a compilation album that highlights the influential work of reggae and dub pioneer Lee "Scratch" Perry. Released in 2003, it features a selection of Perry’s groundbreaking productions and performances, showcasing his innovative sound and unique style. The album serves as a great introduction to Perry’s impact on reggae music and his role in shaping dub and experimental sounds. It includes classic tracks that reflect his creativity and lasting legacy in the genre.

This compilation gathers 21 songs from a small period in the career of Nina Simone, the 1967-1968 era of the British hit "Ain't Got No (I Got Life)" and LPs like 1967's Silk & Soul. Those looking for a tight collection of Simone's crossover period will find much to love here, from "It Be's That Way Sometimes" and "The Backlash Blues" to covers of "I Shall Be Released," "Just Like a Woman," and "The Look of Love." The big caveat, however, is the presence of "Ain't Got No (I Got Life)" only in a live version, which makes this collection much more difficult to justify. It's worth picking up on a whim, but definitely not a careful search.

Digitally remastered edition of the 2nd Fairport Convention LP and the first to include the presence of Sandy Denny was recorded in 1968. It showcases a young group taking pleasure in singing and playing whatever took its' collective fancy, and doing this with surprising sensitivity, authority and musicality. Also evident is the trademark unpredictability and wacky sense of fun which marked their live concerts . Make 'em laugh, make 'em cry, make 'em puzzled; that was early Fairport. Includes 3 Bonus Tracks. "Throwaway Street Puzzle" was released as the b-side of the "Meet On The Ledge" single. "You're Gonna Need My Help" is a rare BBC Radio recording from 1969 and features a virtuoso slide-guitar performance by Richard Thompson. "Some Sweet Day" was originally recorded to be released as a single but was shelved in favour of "Meet On The Ledge".

VA - Country Love (2010) is a compilation album featuring various artists in the country music genre. Released in 2010, it showcases a mix of heartfelt love songs and classic country vibes. The album includes tracks from popular and emerging country singers, blending traditional and modern country styles. It’s perfect for fans who enjoy romantic themes with twangy guitars and soulful storytelling typical of country music.