Bagpiping meets Partch DIY and the singing of Pandit Pran Nath, at the grass roots of Fluxus, in an empty swimming pool. Long, slowly building drones, lightly processed, with snatches of melody. Check it out.

Startling, exhilarating concrete music by this experimental Canadian film-maker, beloved of Stanley Kubrick and George Lucas. (A homage to him is embedded in Star Wars.)

From 1982 — with the Roots Radics and Jah Thomas at Channel One.

At the fountainhead of soul jazz and boogaloo, the stinging opener is an all-time, humungous, utterly irresistible jazz hit.
Joe Henderson and Barry Harris are superb throughout. Don’t miss Hocus-Pocus.

This essential reggae LP was recorded at Randy’s and the Black Ark, and originally released in 1975 on Black World. Powerful songs, steeped in no-messing revolutionary socialism, beautifully delivered by Max Romeo at his peak, clear as a bell, with expertly lean production by Bullwackies’ Clive Hunt (besides Pete Weston and Lee Perry himself). The CD adds a heap of dubs, and toasts by Prince Far-I and I-Roy.

“Got to clean up your hammer and sharpen your sickle… In this time of revelation… Dread… Coming from high places where there is no screw faces… Selfish barbarism has got to stop.”

Their seminal 1979 LP debut with Dennis Bovell at the mixing board. 180g vinyl.

At the harmonium; bleak and utterly captivating. Terrific arrangements by John Cale.
A stone-cold classic.

Classic Vinyl Series.

Arranged and produced by Leroy Hutson, who co-wrote all the songs, and part engineered at Curtom. The Voices’ best album, brimming with good vibes, bubbling grooves, great singing, political resistance.

Terrific — lit-up, reaching and odd — Josephine playing harp, guitar and piano (and singing), with Alex Nielson on drums and Victor Herrero, lead guitar.

Late-60s psych folk — a massive underground smash in South Africa — with the calypsofried drug-sick masterpiece Sugar Man.

Triumphant risk-taking from 1963 — in the same group of key, reaching Blue Notes as Unity and Dialogue — showcasing the great trombonist’s own tricky, moody, shape-shifting compositions, including a strongly evocative Monk tribute. It’s thrilling to hear Lee Morgan stretch out like this; Jackie Mac really goes for it, too. Not to mention Bobby Hutcherson, Bob Cranshaw and the dazzling drumming of Tony Williams, just seventeen.
‘Classic Vinyl Series.’ ‘Ultimate HQ CD’ from Japan, using the recent Craft transfers and mastering.

The business — pure, heavy, deep Afro Cuban funk grooves. 1970s bass-driven percussion delirium. Lazaro Pla aka Manteca alongside Nelson ‘El Flaco’ Pardon on timbales and Carlos Potato Valdes on congas.

‘Early contender for 2009’s album of the year. Yes, already’ (Mojo). ‘The sheer soul in her voice is revolutionary’ (NME).**** The Independent, The Times. ‘**** a masterclass in gritty southern soul’ (Daily Mail).

‘Classic Vinyl’ series.

With Wayne Shorter, Sam Rivers, Herbie Hancock and Gary Peacock.
Classic Vinyl series.

Scorcher. Crucial Jackie Mac, with Pete La Roca also on top form.
‘Classic Vinyl Series.’