There is no sound in space, of course, and yet over the years certain conventions have grown up, especially in film, as composers and sound effects people have tried to provide aural equivalents to the sights of stars and planets moving through the void. By now, listeners "know" what space sounds like, and Jonn Serrie's series of albums, some of their material drawn from the soundscapes he has developed for planetarium shows, well represent these impressions. In the slow-moving patterns, bits of melody and rhythm are heard here and there, but most of the music is open-ended: if not formless, it nevertheless employs loose structures in which moods or themes can stretch or be abruptly terminated. Century Seasons is a two-disc compilation in which tracks from earlier Serrie albums have been remixed and woven together to create a lengthy journey through musical space…

Focus' debut album is gentler and more low-key and vocal-oriented than their subsequent efforts; fans of Jan Akkerman's pyrotechnics may be disappointed by his relatively restrained presence, but others may be pleasantly surprised to find a more economic group than they remember. A fair collection of progressive rock tunes without a clear focus, the material is dominated by Thijs Van Leer, often introducing classical sensibilities. But at least as often, it sticks with fairly conventional period folk-rock and blues influences, with occasional jazzy shadings. Akkerman's "House of the King" is the most accurate Jethro Tull imitation ever recorded.

One of the greatest jazz-rock guitarists of the '80s and '90s provides this classic Christmas guitar album. A hugely successful guitarist and composer, Larry Carlton emerged from the Los Angeles studio scene of the late '60s, eventually becoming a popular contemporary jazz artist in his own right. Noted for his lithe technique, sweet-toned, blues-inflected sound, and distinctive use of volume pedals, Carlton first came to prominence as a member of crossover jazz and R&B outfit the Crusaders. From there, he developed into an in-demand session player, recording on up to 500 albums a year and appearing on over 100 gold albums. His studio credits from the '70s and early '80s include work with musicians and groups like Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Bobby Bland, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and literally dozens of others.

If proof were needed that Roxette are the new ABBA, the lack of critical respect should be enough. Like Abba, Roxette is a masterful pop band (with just the right amount of kitsch in its armor) that routinely gets slagged off for lacking substance, whatever that may be. Room Service showcases a band at the top of its form with its feet firm on the pedal: this album is a case study in songcraft and pop smarts. With its na-na-na choruses and sparkly guitars, Room Service is also trademark Roxette, a mostly no-surprises package that divides its time between the soaring, emotive power ballads and the rife-with-hooks rock-dance stompers that the band pretty much took patents out on back in the '80s and '90s.

Original Hits: 70s is a decent six-disc set, highlighting 111 pop singles released in that decade. Along with the original versions of radio classics by Al Stewart, Blondie, the Knack, KC & the Sunshine Band, and Dr. Hook, are less-than-obvious inclusions by Peter Tosh, XTC, the Move, and Benny Hill!

In the course of this 70-minute, 14-song live disc, recorded at the Stadium in Dublin on July 8, 1992, Glenn Frey divides the set list just about equally between solo material and old Eagles songs. As such, it provides a good sampler of Frey's career in total, from "Take It Easy" to "Smuggler's Blues." One might have hoped for a bit less of Frey's then-current solo album, Strange Weather, and a bit more of the Eagles (after this record, Frey returned for the group's reunion). At press time, MCA planned a Frey hits compilation for the second half of 1995; until then, this will serve as the album best able to give listeners an idea of what his solo career has been like (and it is the only one to contain a version of "The Heat Is On," albeit not the hit recording).

2013 collaboration between legendary Rock keyboardist Ray Manzarek and Blues slide guitarist Roy Rogers. Manzarek and Rogers have received no shortage of kudos since they first recorded together five years ago. This release is a collaboration of keyboard and guitar sounds that merge with stories, images and art. These two amazing musicians create an `intoxicating, plush sound that is - more than unique.' Manzarek and Rogers are seemingly an odd pairing - but their recording unleashes a stunning musical landscape for the listener. This music will `take you for a ride. Twisted Tales is destined to become a classic, not only as Ray Manzarek's last recording, but also as a definitive work of two great artists.

Toronto born Pat Travers has delivered one tasty release after another. From the powerhouse, rockin 70s sounds that launched his career to a classy melodic 80s rock period to a blues phase in the 90s. In 2013, Pat isn t looking to the past for his musical future. As the second decade of the millennium dawned, Pat and his Band showed no sign of letting up. The proof of this is in the eight hands of Mr. Travers, second Guitarist Kirk McKim, Bassist Rodney O Quinn and longtime sticksman, Sandy Gennaro. There is an energy in the new album that is tangible, an enjoyment that is infectious, and, quite frankly, you owe it to yourself to catch this band live whenever and wherever you can.

Having taken their oppressive black metal symphonies to their furious zenith with their third effort, My Arms, Your Hearse, Sweden's Opeth began deconstructing their sound on 1999's brilliant Still Life. A logical next step in their evolution, the album finds the band re-examining their unlikely fusion of progressive rock and black metal to highlight the former while staying in touch with the latter. The result is a formidable splicing of harsh, often jagged guitar riffs with graceful melodies, and the increasing use of Mikael Åkerfeldt's "clean" vocals (alternated with his ever-present death growl). This tactic only serves to spotlight the quality of Åkerfeldt's lyrics (a rarity in extreme metal circles) and, in the tradition of prior efforts, Still Life is a full-fledged concept album, which, without going into unnecessary details, centers around a tale of unrequited love for a character called Melinda…

When a rock ‘n roll band is fronted by an electrifying voice like Nikki Lamborn’s, when its songs are written by the gifted Catherine ‘Been’ Feeney, when its musicians are world class, it’s called Never The Bride… Never the Bride has released six studio albums to date. “Jealousy” is a Never The Bride’s tribute to transatlantic rock and blues pioneers - the album of eclectic and wonderful covers that have been freshly realised and rebirthed by these partners in crime. Never the Bride is an English band, founded around 1991. Bristol-born vocalist Nikki Lamborn co-writes original songs with Catherine "Been" Feeney, who is the main composer, keyboard player, vocalist and occasional guitarist. Nikki and Catherine are the nucleus of the band, drawing additional members from an enviable pool of talented world-class musicians.

The Toronto-based Loverboy, comprised of vocalist Mike Reno, guitarist Paul Dean, bassist Scott Smith, keyboardist Doug Johnson, and drummer Matthew Frenette, was never a big hit with critics, but the band members' blend of hard-edged pop won droves of fans and kept them at the forefront of pop/rock for most of the '80s. This album contains most of their hits (excepting some more minor cuts like "Queen of the Broken Hearts"), giving a broad overview of their work. Sex was always a hot topic for the band – think "Hot Girls in Love" – but there is more to Loverboy than just hormones. There are also party anthems, with "Working for the Weekend" and "Turn Me Loose" being iconic in the genre.

Rob Stone delivers great Chicago style blues with long-time bandmates guitarist Chris Jame, bassist James Ryan, and drummer Willie Hayes. This is his fourth CD as leader of the band and first for VizzTone. He has some excellent help from guest musicians Blues Hall of Fame member Eddie Shaw on sax and Blues Music Award winners John Primerb on guuitar and David Maxwell. on piano. With 6 cover songs, including Sonny Boy Williamson's "Wonderful Time" and Blind Willie McTell's "Cold Winter Day," the Cd offers exciting and energetic music from start to finish.