AThe title says it all - The Old School adheres to postwar Chicago blues, with a couple of Delta or New Orleans tracks thrown in for good measure. To his credit, Bob Margolin does delve deep into the catalogs of Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and Percy Mayfield, among others, digging out songs that haven't been covered as frequently as others. His originals - which are in the style of his idols, naturally - can't help but pale next to the classics he's chosen, but they are competent genre exercises. Margolin, on the whole, isn't a particularly remarkable player - he doesn't have a gripping voice or a distinctive slide guitar technique - but he is passionate about this music, and it shows. And that means The Old School is entertaining while it's on, but it doesn't leave much of a lasting impression.

Eddie Higgins has long been a part of the American jazz scene, though he has tended to be overlooked by critics and to a certain extent, record labels in his homeland. But the cagey veteran knows his way around the piano and makes swinging seem effortless, as on these 2000 sessions. Fortunately, the Japanese Venus label has found a steady market for Higgins' CDs in Japan, where he has had many opportunities to record as a leader. This disc is a trio affair with guitarist John Pizzarelli and bassist Jay Leonhart, both accomplished musicians as well. Beginning with a strutting take of "Close Your Eyes," which brings a fresh sound to this old chestnut, it is clear right away that the chemistry among the players is just right. Duke Ellington's lush ballad "I Didn't Know About You" seemed like it was destined to be overlooked, but Higgins is one of many who have offered shimmering treatments of this lyrical gem…

The pseudonym Laurence Vanay belongs to female musician Jacqueline Thibault, wife of Magma's early bassist Laurent Thibault. In 1974 she released her first personal LP for SFP, entitled ''Galaxies''. She was helped by Laurent Thibault on bass, Jean Chevalier on drums, Serge Derrien (later with Keris) on guitars, flutes and voices, while Jacqueline Thibault plays the Hammond organ, the acoustic guitars and sings. The album has a mystic and beautiful atmosphere, pointing out the talent of Thibault in creating great moods and arranging. It is close to the majestic moments of Catharsis and the folkier themes of Ange, while sounding quite personal allthe way. A mix of Folk Music and light Symphonic Rock, ''Galaxies'' has a smooth sound from start to end with brilliant and ethereal soundscapes created by the soft acoustic passages, the careful use of Hammond organ and the elegant style the flutes are used…

Wings of Heaven is the seventh studio album by the English rock band Magnum, released in 1988. The original choice of producers for Wings of Heaven was Roger Taylor and Dave Richards, who had produced Vigilante. This was not realised because of conflicting schedules. Albert Boekholt was suggested at Wisseloord Studios, the Netherlands. The album was mixed at Sarm West Studios in London in January 1988. One song was announced, "That's How The Blues Must Start", but was dropped from the album. The album is certified Silver in the UK.

This is the fifth and final part of the "Five Atomic Seasons" cycle by Tangerine Dream.
Even after the worst scenario which happened to the two Japanese cities Nagasaki and Hiroshima, there is a life after so much suffering from grief and pain. The fifth sequel of "The Five Atomic Seasons" - The Endless Season - shows the couple moving back to their monastery in order to receive a very special instruction how to cope with life these days. The music reflects the mixture of feelings during this conversation and also the slightly positive change of consciousness towards a "life-after-death" situation.

Solace is at once comforting, mysterious, expansive, timeless, and familiar. The sophomore jinx was certainly eluded here, as McLachlan sets forth a superior collection of songs and performances with the help of longtime producer Pierre Marchand. The opening track, "Drawn to the Rhythm," serves its title well and does the job of luring you in. Intelligent, intriguing lyrics and lilting melodies abound, whether amidst the pulsing rhythms of "Into the Fire" and "Back Door Man" or the quietly profound stories of "Home" and "Shelter." Although pretty much all of the tunes will grab you at one point or another, "The Path of Thorns (Terms)" and "I Will Not Forget You" are especially memorable, the latter not to be confused with McLachlan's "I Will Remember You," which appears on the 1995 soundtrack for The Brothers McMullen. Solace is a wonderful record that offers a glimpse of the astounding talent of a young Sarah McLachlan.

Mercury/Polygram began recycling their Rod Stewart recordings almost immediately after he left the label for Warner. Rebound's The Ballad Album and its companion, The Rock Album, are simply '90s versions of such compilations as Sing It Again Rod. And, like that record, it's enjoyable despite its haphazard collection simply because Stewart's Mercury records were so good. There are a couple of odd choices here – his take of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Man)" is strangely misguided – but for the most part, the collection is quite enjoyable, thanks to such masterpieces as "Reason to Believe," "Mandolin Wind," "Angel," "Girl from the North Country," "Handbags and Gladrags," "Country Comforts," and "Tomorrow Is a Long Time." The original albums are still preferable to budget-line compilations, but casual fans will certainly enjoy this disc without reservations.