Disco Filter

2010 mini album from the veteran Britpop outfit fronted by Tim Booth. Produced by Lee 'Muddy' Baker, The Night Before seems fearless in comparison to its predecessors, a product, no doubt, of the way it was conceived: the band set up an ftp site to which they all contributed, downloading and updating each other's efforts at various intervals whilst Baker knocked things into shape. This "virtual" recording process (which eventually led to recording sessions in Brighton and Oswestry), was presumably inspired by the band's history of working with Brian Eno and has brought out the best in James, the results proving as diverse and intriguing as anything the band have attempted before.

Reach for the Truth: Best of the Reprise Years 1971-74. Generously packed with 23 tracks including one previously unreleased selection (a closing acoustic demo version of "Red Light Ladies," the tune that also opens the album), rare photos, extensive liner notes, and track-by-track descriptions from Lewis in the 24-page book, it's hard to imagine a more perfect single-disc representation of her material from these years.