42 up 1998

This is by far one of the best Prince compilations out there. It has unreleased songs, extended and different versions of released songs, and both funk and slow songs…

This group of musicians (feat. David Sylvian, Harold Budd, Roger Eno, David Torn, Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri) are some of the finest that were working in the 80s and 90s "alternative" music scene that was more focused on musical and sound explorations. "Marco Polo" is very listenable, creating a musical voyage that suggests destinations without overt musical cues (like a Japanese flute or Buddhists chanting to make it sound Asian). Very subtle, the music often unfolds gracefully, introducing elements of dischord like sax as contrast.

1947 (1998). Bucking the tide while beginning to surf on a wave of increasingly mannered modernity, Stan Kenton's orchestra maintained its popularity during the post-WWII decline of the big bands. Volume four in the Classics Stan Kenton chronology presents all of his Capitol recordings made between January 2 and September 24, 1947. June Christy continued to be the featured vocalist, often backed by Kenton's newly formed vocal group, the Pastels. Dave Lambert was the director of this ensemble and sang with them on at least the first three tracks heard here. Noteworthy instrumentalists present in Kenton's 19-piece band during 1947 were drummer Shelly Manne, trombonists Kai Winding and Eddie Bert, as well as saxophonists Vido Musso, Boots Mussulli…