Bought Phoenix

Gravedigger by Janus finds the band playing in a psyche-tinged style of early progressive rock still entangled in the genre's roots in the 1960s underground - and emerged just as that style of prog was going out of fashion, to the band's misfortune…

Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien) transports Hollywood to second-century Rome in this rousing historical epic that proudly harkens back to such films as Ben-Hur and Spartacus. Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a Roman general who leads the troops in conquering Germania for the empire. When an aging Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) tells Maximus that he'd like him to rule Rome once he's gone, a classic confrontation ensues between the brave and charming soldier–who wants to return home to his wife, son, and farm–and the jealous and conniving Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the emperor's only son, who is thirsty for power. Bought as a slave by the profiteering Proximo (Oliver Reed, in his last role), Maximus must kill or be killed in the ring, battling to save not only himself but the future of the very empire that he loves and honors. The film features a terrific battle sequence (that recalls the beginning of Saving Private Ryan), huge crowd scenes of thousands of people, and even a little romance, albeit mostly taboo. The impeccably choreographed gladiator scenes are violent yet thrilling, flashing by like lightning. Gladiator is a glorious spectacle filled with heart and soul.

One of the 1970s' most successful hard rock bands in spite of critical pans and somewhat reluctant radio airplay (at first), Grand Funk Railroad built a devoted fan base with constant touring, a loud, simple take on the blues-rock power trio sound, and strong working-class appeal…

Tony is a British singer who, for a long time, struggled to make a significant impact in his own country. He was far more popular in mainland Europe, especially Spain, where he eventually set up home. As far as his UK chart history goes, he began in 1971 with Las Vegas, which just missed the top twenty. He then made number two with I did what I did for Maria. However, his third hit of 1971, Is this the way to Amarillo (a song written by Neil Sedaka), only just made the UK top twenty although it was number one in several European countries. Some people have joked that Brits bought the record when they visited Spain rather than buying it at home, but Tony's subsequent career suggests this is not so. In any event, Tony never actually got to Amarillo back then. After those three hits, Tony had two minor UK hits in the seventies - Avenues and alleyways (originally from the TV series The protectors, the song was also used in a movie, Love honor and obey) in 1973 and Drive safely darling in 1976.

Carpark North is a Danish electronic rock band. The name "Carpark North" was created from the electro and rock genres: "Carpark" stands for car parks, edges, roughness, metal - the rock part, and "North" stands for northern lights, stars ethereal electronics.

It's not easy being Asia, when you've the millstone of those early albums potentially sinking anything new. Whatever the band do these days will almost inevitably pale by comparison to those first three great records from the 1980s.
So, what do the quartet do? They ignore the past, pretend they're new to all of this and go their own way. The result is surprisingly impressive, a smoothly melodic ride that feels like a birth, or a rebirth…

Late Night Sessions is cool, sophisticated compilation, ideal for chilling out at home with friends or the perfect album to create those cosy and laid-back late night bar vibes. A smooth, relaxing and quirky tracklisting, bringing together credible tracks by well known artists in this genre. Late Night Sessions is a musically strong album and features huge album selling artists such as Hurts, Hot Chip, Simian Mobile Disco, The Cinematic Orchestra and Moby alongside more underground gems like Caribou, Maya Jane Coles, Hercules & Love Affair and…

Having made several changes in their business and musical efforts in 1972, Grand Funk Railroad made even more extensive ones in 1973, beginning with their name, which was officially truncated to "Grand Funk." And keyboardist Craig Frost, credited as a sideman on Phoenix, the previous album, was now a full-fledged bandmember, filling out the musical arrangements…