Walking in

Sociologists have long noted that dynamism is an essential part of the urban way of life. However, walking as a significant social activity and crucial research method (in spite of its ubiquity as part of urban life) has often been overlooked.

Guadalcanal Diary was one of the most underrated bands to come out of the Athens, GA music scene of the 1980s. Their unique brew of lyrics focusing on left-of-center subject matter married to irresistible melodies with a bedrock foundation of thrashing drums and rhythmic bass lines, resulted in a sound that set them apart from their peers R.E.M., Pylon and the B-52's. The two albums on this Audio CD two-fer are the first two of the band's four total major label releases. The first, originally released in 1984, was produced by R.E.M. and Don Dixon. The second, released two years later, was produced by Rodney Mills (.38 Special, Atlanta Rhythm Section) and Steve Nye (XTC, Bryan Ferry, The Cure).
(amazon.com)

Vladimir Ashkenazy returns with an unexpected album of compositions by his long-standing friend Howard Blake, best known for the Christmas favourite Walking In The Air. "Walking in the Air", which Ashkenazy has chosen as the title track of the disc is arranged here for solo piano (and available as an e-single). The song was composed by Blake as the centrepiece of his score for the children’s classic animated film The Snowman, and exemplifies the composer’s warmly accessible style.

Guidebook to 35 half-day and day walks in France's beautiful Dordogne region, based around Bergerac, Lalinde, Sarlat and Souillac (Lot). The walks, which range from 6 to 18.5km, take in the region's myriad delights, from spectacular gorges to enchanting chateaux and charming medieval villages.