Star on 45

NORTHERN STAR is the first solo album released by British singer Melanie C. It was released on 18 October 1999, by Virgin Records. The album's sound is diverse, combining elements of rock music with pop and ambient electronic, along with some R&B, doo-wop, and new age; which contrasted with the sound of the Spice Girls.

Serving two good causes at once, What's Going On: All-Star Tribute benefits the United Way's September 11th Fund and Artists Against AIDS Worldwide with performances from stars such as Bono, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child, 'N Sync, Lil' Kim, the Backstreet Boys, and Britney Spears. Originally conceived as a way to bring attention, as well as relief, to the victims of the global AIDS epidemic in impoverished regions such as Africa, the EP features nine interpretations of Marvin Gaye's classic "What's Going On." The scope of the EP's charity was expanded in the wake of September 11th's attacks; fortunately, the song is equally appropriate for both causes.

Founded in the late '50s to back the now forgotten Johnny Sandon, this Liverpudlian foursome first played the Star-Club in July 1962, and made their 19 Philips recordings on March 1, 1963. Soon after they signed with PYE in England and went on to score many pop and folk-rock hits. This, though, is the rawer side of the Searchers. Hard, pounding beat music. Here are all early classics like 'Sweets for my Sweet', 'Ain't That Just Like Me', 'Sweet Nothin's', 'Beautiful Dreamer' and many others. 2002. All the Philips tracks are here: one original album, A&B sides of the singles, plus a miscellany of songs strewn around on compilations.