Muscle Bombshells 2: The Big Date

This is an amazing CD reissue, three times over - for psychedelic music buffs, British R&B and soul enthusiasts, and fans of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant (which evolved out of Simon Dupree & the Big Sound). And it's also incredibly long overdue. Best-known for their Oriental ersatz pop-psychedelic classic "Kites," Simon Dupree & the Big Sound actually started out as a blues and R&B-based outfit, not too different from the Spencer Davis Group. This double-CD set covers their complete EMI output, most of which has never been reissued, and almost all of which is very impressive (and even manages to intersect obliquely with Apple Records' orbit)…

The blues scene in Chicago has sadly deteriorated over the last 10 years or so. Most of the old, legendary musicians have died. Only a very few places still feature live music in the black neighbourhoods (the South- and Westside, where Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, and all the other greats had their home base). Many new blues clubs opened on the (white) Northside, but the music there is mostly aimed at the white tourist market. The same old songs played over and over again, no steady bands, personnel in the. bands always changing, definitely never any rehearsal. One of the few bands that have maintained a high musical standard, is The Big Four Blues Band. They were formed more than ten years ago, have not changed the personnel, became better and better over the years, and without trying to become rock stars they are still playing that old Chicago Blues…

Although The Beatles stole much of the Merseybeat limelight, The Big Three also gained quite a following amongst Cavern Club devotees with their blend of exciting and raw Rock and Roll. A career blighted by in-fighting, line up changes and clashes with their manager… some guy named Brian Epstein. This fab Retro Sixties compilation boasts their entire Decca catalogue plus 1973 reunion recordings. 'Cavern Stomp' is the complete collection of songs not just by some guys… but 'The Big Three'. A great gift idea for anyone into Retro, Sixties and Merseybeat culture.