The Ramones It's Alive: 1974 1996 (2007) [2xdvd9] Restored

Guitarist Michael Schenker's impact upon UFO's career cannot be overestimated. Before the German teenager's arrival (he was only 19 when he jumped ship from the Scorpions), the British rockers' early albums of half-baked space rock had been completely ignored everywhere but Japan. But with Schenker on board, the group's sound received a well-needed attitude injection, veering toward the Anglo-hard rock style that would make them famous. That is not to say that their first collaboration, Phenomenon, was an instant home run. Quite the contrary, as the band seemed a tad wary of giving Schenker's more aggressive style complete freedom to roam, reining in the budding guitar hero just enough to stunt the impact of promising rockers like "Oh My and "Too Young to Know." Likewise, "Time on My Hands" and "Crystal Light" are bogged down in excessive acoustic guitars, while "Space Child" shows glimpses of their failed space rock past…

The great thing about a solo album from someone like Bill Wyman, of the Rolling Stones, is that quality musicianship and high-profile guest appearances are all but a given. The unfortunate aspect, though, is that the Stones bassist was never known for his songwriting. In the case of Monkey Grip, the first claim holds true (with guest appearances by Dr. John, Lowell George, and Leon Russell, the album is a solid affair musically), while the issue of Wyman's songwriting ability leaves the listener pleasantly surprised.

Actually a North American group based in Iceland, Geysir released this, their only album, in 1974 and was released in Iceland only on the Hijmplotu label. It is regarded as a masterpiece of psychedelic progessive folk-rock and a very sought-after item in its original format. Nothing is known about the band other than being Americans.

The great thing about a solo album from someone like Bill Wyman, of the Rolling Stones, is that quality musicianship and high-profile guest appearances are all but a given. The unfortunate aspect, though, is that the Stones bassist was never known for his songwriting. In the case of Monkey Grip, the first claim holds true (with guest appearances by Dr. John, Lowell George, and Leon Russell, the album is a solid affair musically), while the issue of Wyman's songwriting ability leaves the listener pleasantly surprised.

Voice Mail is the second solo album by the English rock musician John Wetton. Initially released on 17 June 1994 in Japan only, it was re-released internationally as Battle Lines with the same musical content but different artwork. John Wetton was an English singer, bassist, and songwriter. He rose to fame with bands Mogul Thrash, Family, King Crimson, Roxy Music and Uriah Heep. Following his period in Uriah Heep, Wetton formed U.K., and later — after a brief stint in Wishbone Ash — he was the frontman and principal songwriter of the supergroup Asia, which proved to be his biggest commercial success.

Signed to the UK label AD Music for many years, Bekki Williams is best known for her melodic, emotive, orchestral style of instrumental music, which is well-showcased on her solo albums Elysian Fields, Shadow of the Wind, Innersense and Edge of Human. Classically trained from a very young age, Bekki is an award-winning flautist and multi-instrumentalist who has worked as an orchestra soloist, a music teacher, a backing vocalist, a session musician and a sound engineer, as well as running a commercial recording studio of her own. Expertly crafted, with heart, soul, and strong classical elements which give it immense depth, hers is music with considerable musical structure and style. Bekki is able to imbue her musical creations with a strong emotional content that lifts her music far above the norm.

Think of Bowie channeling Sinatra, fronting Blood, Sweat & Tears (playing Chicago covers) and you might get an idea of what Kush sounded like! Fronted by the androgynous and enigmatic Jeff Duff and backed by a startlingly original progressive octet, Kush's 1974 debut album is one of the all-time classic Australian LP's (includes the singles 'Easy Street', 'McArthur Park' and 'Wait' - and the epic 'Christopher John'). One of the most requested titles in the Aztec Music reissue series, Kush Presents Snow White. And the Eight Straights has been digitally remastered from the original tapes and boasts 8 bonus tracks: including 3 amazing live in the studio Chicago covers, 4 non-LP sides and an hilarious 1973 interview with Jeff Duff. This deluxe reissue is packaged in a 6 panel digipak, with a 24 page book containing many rare photos and extensive liner notes by Ian McFarlane.

New Orleans pianist who was a master of hard-driving boogie and blues. A formidable contender in the ring before he shifted his focus to pounding the piano instead, Champion Jack Dupree often injected his lyrics with a rowdy sense of down-home humor. But there was nothing lighthearted about his rock-solid way with a boogie; when he shouted "Shake Baby Shake," the entire room had no choice but to acquiesce.