Almost Kiki Dee

Colin Blunstone made his name with the legendary 1960s band The Zombies, who are still active to this day. After leaving The Zombies, Colin embarked on a long and successful solo career, enjoying hits such as 'Say You Don't Mind' and 'I Don't Believe In Miracles'. Planes (1976) and Never Even Thought (1978) were recorded for Elton John's Rocket Records label and amazingly have never been released on CD. Both albums have been remastered from the original quarter-inch tapes. Planes was produced by Gus Dudgeon and opens with 'Beautiful You' and the Elton John-penned title track, both of which were chosen as singles. It also boasts a reworking of The Zombies classic, '(Care Of) Cell 44' and a third single, Kiki Dee's 'Loving And Free'. Never Even Thought begins with the lead single, Richard Kerr's 'I'll Never Forget You'; the other tracks chosen as 45s were 'Ain't It Funny' and 'Photograph'. Rod Argent guests on the album.

Grooving its way out of your hi-fi like a late night television ad with a mind of its own comes Billboard Top Hits: 1975-1979. A generous of mix of R&B and AM pop-charting singles, the set boasts three Elton John songs, two tracks from KC & the Sunshine Band, the aching disco of Thelma Houston's "Don't Leave Me This Way," a few forgotten nuggets, and, of course, "Y.M.C.A." Because of their adherence to each year's charts, the five discs do have some continuity issues. But it's almost more fun that way. One second you're getting your groove on to Heatwave's "Boogie Nights," the next, you're screwing your face up to sing like Leo Sayer in "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing"." Rhino's Have a Nice Day and Disco Years series are more detailed in both hits and rarities. However, Billboard Top Hits benefits from its own brevity, and is as easy to enjoy than an old episode of Happy Days.

Now That’s What I Call Music spotlights 1993 for the next release in their ongoing Yearbook series. This year was actually brilliant, with classics from ’80s’ pop bands who were making it work in the 1990s. In between, there’s songs like Crowded House’s ‘Distant Sun’, R.E.M.’s ‘The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite’, New Order’s ‘Regret’, Paul Weller‘s ‘Wild Wood’, Lenny Kravitz’s ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’, Paul Young’s ‘Now I Know What Made Otis Blue’ and many more. Full tracklistings, below. Ususal formats: 4CD deluxe in hardcover book, 3LP coloured vinyl and standard card sleeved 4CD set. Now Yearbook 1993 will be released 28 June 2024. And as an addition to your collection and archives. Now Yearbook - 78 hits from 1993!