Material Girls (2006)

Documentary covering "every ground-breaking step in the 20-year career of the Pet Shop Boys…" Features appearances Robbie Williams, Trevor Horn, Jake Shears, Frances Barber, Tony Wadsworth, David Walliams, Matt Lucas and more. Bonus material: recent promo videos and live television performances…

Elvis Presley's movie soundtracks have long been notorious for being among his worst material – who can forget the legendary vinyl bootleg of '60s movie soundtrack highlights called Elvis' Greatest Shit? – but among the dreck, there were some wonderful songs, ideal for a single-disc compilation along the lines of Movies, which is one of six thematic Elvis compilations released in 2006. Unfortunately, Movies falls short of being a perfect comp of these highlights, since it misses such big songs as "Can't Help Falling in Love," "Return to Sender," and "A Little Less Conversation" (plus such enjoyable throwaways as "Bossa Nova Baby") are missing.

With both sides of their very obscure two non-LP, pre-first-LP 1969 singles (originally issued on the small Dublin label Song), as well as three tracks from a 1971 BBC session, this CD rounds up the most interesting Skid Row recordings not to appear on their albums. That doesn't mean, however, that these tracks are too impressive in their own right. The first of the singles, "New Places, Old Faces"/"Misdemeanour Dream Felicity," are primarily of interest for being the first official release to feature future Thin Lizzy mainstay Phil Lynott (who sings on the A-side, Gary Moore taking the lead on the flip).

Deep Purple's 2005 album Rapture of the Deep generally maintains the quality of 2003's surprisingly sturdy Bananas. It's the second release from the re-energized lineup of vocalist Ian Gillan, guitarist Steve Morse, bass guitarist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, and keyboardist Don Airey, who replaced the retired Jon Lord. The band's comfort level has increased, and after nearly a decade on board, Morse's stamp is all over the place. At first, this guitar genius' presence was noticeable because of what it lacked – the incredibly distinctive Fender Stratocaster electric guitar tone of Ritchie Blackmore.