Out of The Left Field

Classical archaeology—the excavation and analysis of ancient Greek and Roman sites—was born on Wednesday, October 22, 1738. On that day, Roque Joaquín Alcubierre, an engineer in the army of the Bourbon royal family in Naples, was lowered by ropes down a square well shaft cut through volcanic material that had formed on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Digitally remastered and expanded three CD 30th Anniversary edition of the 1980 debut album from the Liverpudlian band lead by Julian Cope. This triple disc set is the final word on the album containing all the early singles, B-sides and BBC sessions, Sleeve notes by Julian Cope, Dave Balfe and longtime press officer Mick Houghton give a great insight into the making of the album. With new booklet artwork from longtime collaborator Holly McGrail, this is one of the reissues of the year.

While the Guess Who did have several hits in America, they were superstars in their home country of Canada during the 1960s and early '70s. However, further American success eluded the Guess Who until the 1969 Top Ten hit "These Eyes"; the recording session for the accompanying album, "Wheatfield Soul", was paid for by producer Jack Richardson, who mortgaged his house to do so. "Canned Wheat" produced three Top 40 singles later that year. This Dutton Vocalion's reissue combines both these albums, remastered from the Original Master tapes by Michael J. Dutton.

Two CD set containing the final live performance by this Australian band fronted by Neil Finn (also of Split Enz and the Finn Brothers) finally released on the 10th anniversary of it's recording. In Novermber of 1996, Crowded House played their final gig in front of 120,000 fans in Sydney, Australia. Farewell To The World is the offically released recording of that bittersweet concert. All the Crowdies hits are here including 'Don't Dream It's Over', 'World Where You Live', 'Weather With You', 'Something So Strong', 'It's Only Natural' and many more.

The Young Mothers is the coolest sound to come out of Austin since the 80s. One of the best rhythm sections in 21st century free jazz provides the platform for adventurous cross-genre improvisation, with threads of Houston hip hop, Austin indie rock, and North Texas heavy metal vibraphone. Tektite Records has incubated a new Texas noise scene founded on first rate musicianship, and The Young Mothers are the vanguard.