Various Artists - Chicago R&B / Parrot R&B / Various - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

2020 collection. By May 1964, when InchThe 'Sound' of the R&B HitsInch compilation came out in the UK on Stateside, Motown had yet to have a hit or even a record issued on it's own tag, later to be Tamla-Motown. This LP was the first of many UK anthologies of recordings from the Detroit-based group of labels. At this stage, Motown was an underground affair, known only to aficionados of rhythm and blues music. Among those were members of groups such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames and super-fan Dusty Springfield. This was not music that was played on the radio, so it was through UK cover versions that many young people were directed to the Motown sound. Ace director Roger Armstrong bought InchThe 'Sound' of the R&B HitsInch at the time and always heard it is as a companion piece to InchWith The BeatlesInch from the previous year. They both contained the Barrett Strong song 'Money'. For this CD a further 14 tracks have been added to the original selection, including the ever-popular 'You've Really Got A Hold On Me', 'Please Mr Postman' and 'Heatwave'. Also made available are the rarely compiled and obscure 45s by two of only a few white groups on the tag, Mike & the Modifiers and the Valadiers, which on Oriole will set you back at least £1,000 between them. Co-compiled and annotated by well-known radio producer, writer and annotator of Beatles box sets, Kevin Howlett, the CD provides a real insight into Motown in the UK at the time.

1994 compilation features 24 tracks taken from the Excello tag vaults including previously unreleased strong alternate takes of the original 45 versions of tracks such as 'I'm Goin' in the Valley' Silas Hogan & 'Winter Time Blues' Lightnin' Slim. Other artists include Slim Harpo, Lonesome Sundown, Whispering Smith, Earl Gaines, & more. Ace.

'Are We There Yet?' is the new, long awaited album from Rick Astley via BMG. His ninth studio album overall, it's the third in a row of which Astley has written, recorded, played and produced himself at his home studio in London. Featuring the single 'Dippin My Feet', an invigorating twist on his signature stye, 'Are We There Yet?' is the sound of Rick reflecting and building upon the experiences he's gone through since the of 2018's 'Beautiful Life'.