Tracks of my Years

September of My Years is one of Frank Sinatra's triumphs of the '60s, an album that consolidated his strengths while moving him into new territory, primarily in terms of tone. More than the double-disc set A Man and His Music – which was released a year after this album – September of My Years captures how Sinatra was at the time of his 50th birthday. Gordon Jenkins' rich, stately, and melancholy arrangements give the album an appropriate reflective atmosphere. Most of the songs are new or relatively recent numbers; every cut fits into a loose theme of aging, reflection, and regret. Sinatra, however, doesn't seem stuck in his ways – though the songs are rooted in traditional pop, they touch on folk and contemporary pop. As such, the album offered a perfect summary, as well as suggesting future routes for the singer. [This version of the album was released with a live version of "This Is All I Ask," as well as the single version of "How Old Am I?"]

Fantastic Box Set covering the Motown Years, over 110 tracks, including "Where Did Our Love Go," "Dancing In The Street," "Jimmy Mack," "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Behind The Painted Smile," "The Tears of Clown," "The Tracks of My Tears," & "This Old Heart of Mine," to name just a few. Great songs from a great era, if you grew up during this period you'll love these songs, & the quality of the recordings is as usual from Readers Digest excellent!

With Mott the Hoople, guitarist/vocalist Ian Hunter established himself as one of the toughest and most inventive hard rock songwriters of the early '70s, setting the stage for punk rock with his edgy, intelligent songs. As a solo artist, Hunter never attained the commercial heights of Mott the Hoople, but he cultivated a dedicated cult following.

Trombonist, bandleader and sometime bassist Chris Barber has been at the centre of British musical life for sixty years. In celebration of his 80th birthday, this 2CD anthology shows just why he has been such an influential figure, giving just a taste of his breadth of interest, and of his involvement in jazz, blues, skiffle and beyond. Contains performances with Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler, Rory Gallagher, Jools Holland, Keith Emerson, Muddy Waters and many more. Chris Barber is a U.K. trombonist and band leader extrodenaire. His career spans sixty years and he's still going strong with recent and upcoming European tours. Mr. Barber was a primary force in the U.K. post war establishment of Trad jazz. Additionally, he pioneered the unique musical blend know popularly as Skiffle.