Live in Japan is a live double album by English jazz-funk band Shakatak. It was recorded at the Nakano Sun Plaza Hall during the 1983 Japan tour, and originally released only in that country.

Entitled McCartney II because its one-man band approach mirrors that of his first solo album, Paul McCartney's first record since the breakup of Wings was greeted upon its release as a return to form, especially since its synth-heavy arrangements seemed to represent his acceptance of new wave. In retrospect, the record is muddled and confused, nowhere more so than on the frazzled sequencing of "Temporary Secretary," where McCartney spits out ridiculous lyrics with a self-consciously atonal melody over gurgling synths. Things rarely get worse than that, and occasionally, as in the effortless hooks of "Coming Up," the record is quite enjoyable. Nevertheless, the majority of McCartney II is forced, and its lack of memorable melodies is accentuated by the stiff electronics, which were not innovative at the time and are even more awkward in the present…

Sonny's Story is an excellent showcase for Sonny Terry's talents, which sometimes went unheralded because they largely were showcased in the shadow of Brownie McGhee. Here, Terry is largely playing solo acoustic, with J.C. Burris joining in for harmonica duets every so often; Sticks McGhee and drummer Belton Evans also play on a few cuts. Unlike some solo acoustic blues albums, Sonny's Story is positively infectious. It's hard not to get caught up in Terry's shouts and boogies, and that's one major reason why this is among his best solo recordings.

Yusuf/Cat Stevens has announced a definitive and first ever career-spanning collection. On the Road to Findout: Greatest Hits presents highlights from a nearly 60-year recording career with songs from his debut 1967 LP, Matthew & Son, through to his 2023 King Of A Land album. The collection features timeless tracks like “Where Do The Children Play?,” “Wild World,” “Moonshadow,” “The Hurt,” and “Father And Son.”

Monk's Music is often cited as one of the focal points of Thelonious Monk's six-year affiliation (1955-1961) with the Riverside label. Although the original disc clocked in at slightly over 30 minutes, packed into that half hour are not only the introduction of a few of Monk's signature compositions, but also some amazing interactions from the assembled ensemble. Joining Thelonious Monk (piano) during these two recording sessions are Ray Copeland (trumpet), Gigi Gryce (alto sax), Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Wilbur Ware (bass), and Art Blakey (drums). The true meaning of the album's title exists beyond just Thelonious, as the opening sacred prelude, "Abide With Me," was written by William H. Monk. This brief piece features only the horn quartet, foreshadowing their importance throughout the album…

Esoteric Recordings is pleased to release classic 1975 album by Dutch Progressive Rock group Earth & Fire, To the World of the Future. Featuring charismatic vocalist Jerney Kaagman (one of the few female vocalists in 70s Prog Rock), Earth & Fire was one of the finest bands to emerge from Holland in the early 1970s. Scoring a series of international hits, by 1975 the band had begun to adopt the use of synthesisers alongside the Mellotron in their music. One of their final concept albums, To The World of the Future was Dutch hit upon its release in April 1975. This Esoteric Recordings reissue is newly re-mastered and fully restores the original album artwork. This edition also includes five bonus tracks taken from the band’s singles released between June 1974 and February 1976.