Synth wizard Dexter Wansel played around with astronaut imagery and outer space themes, but as heard on this compilation of his four solo albums for PIR, his music was definitely from outer space.
Dexter Wansel: Stargazer: The Philadelphia International Records Anthology 1976-1980 (Big Break)
John Barry: John Barry Plays 007 & Other 60s Themes For Film, Television, and Radio (el Records)
John Barry was a masterful composer, and though this collection of his early years might only scratch the surface of his compositions during the early 1960s, it still shows the depth of the man’s talents.
Various Artists: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (La-La Land)
Believe it or not, one of the most popular and successful films of the Eighties had no official soundtrack release, even though the film spawned two charting singles. To celebrate the film’s thirtieth anniversary, this oversight has been corrected with a lavish, superb official soundtrack release.
Les Panties: Cold Science (Les Disques Du Crépuscule)
Yours truly got fooled by a singles compilation from a contemporary Belgian post-punk band; so thorough is their appreciation of the sounds of the 1980s that they could pass as authentic.
The Excitement, Suspense, and Overall Significance of Game Show Music
A consideration of the power of game show music.
The Emotions: Blessed: The Emotions Anthology 1969-1985 (Big Break)
This lavish two-disc set highlights the best work of Chicago trio The Emotions’ career, and is an essential collection of high quality pop and soul music.
The Beatles: Live At The Hollywood Bowl (Capitol Records)
The long-awaited reissue of the Beatles’ only official live album may have taken nearly four decades, but it was worth the wait; Giles Martin has done wonders in terms of cleaning up the 1977 mix.
Tammy Wynette: I Still Believe In Fairy Tales/’Til I Can Make It On My Own (Morello Records)
These two mid-1970s albums from Tammy Wynette find the First Lady of Country Music reflecting upon heartbreak and loss, both made more poignant and potent thanks to her concurrent divorce from George
Elvis Presley: Way Down In The Jungle Room (Legacy)
Elvis Presley’s final recording sessions took place at his legendary mansion, Graceland, in a last-ditch effort to get the bored King of Rock and Roll to record new material. Unsurprisingly, the results are mixed–with a few gems mixed in with the dreck.
The Recoup Videocast: The Paul McCartney/Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Videos
Though the MDA Telethon is no more, we revisit one of our favorite memories from the golden era of the Labor Day tradition.
