The Beta Band

The Beta Band were a Scottish musical group formed in 1996. They were critically acclaimed and have achieved a cult status. Their style was described as being "folktronica", a blend of folk, Scottish, electronic, rock, trip hop, and experimental jamming. The acclaimed Scottish band released just three albums and three EPs between 1996 and 2004 (when they disbanded) and it’s those three EPs – Champion Versions, The Patty Patty Sound and Los Amigos Del Beta Bandidos – that were brought together to form their first ‘album’.

This double-CD set covers the career of the Glitter Band, who began their career as Gary Glitter's backing band and quickly made the transition to singles act to score a variety of chart hits in Europe during the mid-'70s. All of those hits, plus a copious outpouring of album tracks, B-sides, and outtakes, are represented on Solid Silver: The Ultimate Glitter Band, Vol. 1. At their best, the Glitter Band hit the same combination of pop hooks and rock attitude that typified the best glam songs: "Angel Face" mixes glam chants and a stomping beat to powerful effect and "Goodbye My Love" benefits from a dynamic guitar-driven arrangement that highlights the drama of its lyrics.

A 4 CD box set which chronicles the band's history and recording career from their first recordings up to the present day. Features a total of 78 tracks, including rare and unreleased items, and a lavishly produced booklet with in-depth notes by official Blues Band historian Roy Bainton, plus loads of memorabilia care of Tom McGuinness All tracks digitally remastered!

The U.S. release of Melvin Taylor's two early-'80s LPs by Evidence a decade later was a shock introduction to a blues guitarist who seemingly blazed out of nowhere – outside of Rosa's Lounge in Chicago, that is. "Blazed" is the right word, too, because Taylor is a total maximalist who unleashes torrents of notes to fill up every space. But he's so convincing a player that the concept of "blues guitar hero" might get a good name again, even with fans dead-tired of excess who never thought they'd think things like, "Man, can Melvin Taylor play the ever-loving (add the expletive superlative of your choice) out of the guitar" again. Taylor's first real-time release, Melvin Taylor & the Slack Band, is a pretty straightforward affair – basic trio with minimal overdubs, servicable vocals in an Albert King mode, and a mix of originals and very classic covers. The opening "Texas Flood" lets him rip on a slow blues, constantly changing up his playing with wah-wah blitzes as the real ace in his sonic hole.

Fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan will notice the title of this disc is that of a Vaughan song. Indeed, three selections from his songbook are covered here: "Too Sorry," "Telephone Song," and the title track. The impressive Melvin Taylor is an electric blues guitarist who will appeal to the fans of the legendary Texan for his skilled and precise playing along with his smooth and expressive vocals. Taylor definitely continues the Chicago blues tradition that begot Luther Allison, Buddy Guy, and Otis Rush. Taylor gives his version of Rush's "Right Place, Wrong Time" on this collection of nine covers. His lineup here is a trio – a reliable bass and drum rhythm section keeps up a steady bottom end, showcasing his ability to handle all vocals and guitar parts. Every track here is rife in the easy genius that marks a true master of the blues craft.