Disc-over archives’ timeless re-issues with Kevin Bryan
There are re-issues and archive anthologies well worth investigating, Arrival of the CD in 1982 prompted a whole new approach to record marketing on behalf of all the major labels.
Suddenly all ancient recordings, gathering dust in record company archives, became viable commercial proposition as punters rushed to replace tired old vinyl albums with new state of the art CDs.
This process has now continued for the past four decades and, although sales may have slowed in recent years, astute researchers are still able to unearth occasional forgotten gems from time to time.
Steve Ashley (Talking Elephant)
Steve Ashley’s Family Album-Remastered Re-mastered and expanded version of singer-songwriter Ashley’s critically acclaimed but unjustly neglected collection from 1979. 6
Affinity (Cherry Red) Affinity: Remastered & Expanded
Compelling legendary British jazzrockers Affinity with exceptional vocalist Linda Hoyle, featuring inimitable Everly Brothers, Bob Dylan and Laura Nyro covers.
Arrival (Cherry Red) Friends: Complete Recordings (19691973)
Interesting anthology exploring musical output of Arrival, whose distinctive brand of blue-eyed soul enjoyed glimpse of chart success.
Al Stewart (Cherry Red) Time Passages
Polished and literate singersongwriter fare from one-time poet laureate of bed-sitter land, first released in 1978 with expert production by Alan Parsons.
Waylon Jennings (Cherry Red) Singer of Sad Songs
Waylon helped to found outlaw country movement with fellow Texan Willie Nelson and this CD reissue brings the contents of four of his RCA albums from early 70s.
Jan Schelhaas (Talking Elephant) Living on a Little Blue Dot Richly
rewarding five year old offering from Liverpool born Camel and Caravan keyboards ace located firmly at more commercial end of the prog rock spectrum.
Circus (Talking Elephant) Circus
Fascinating period piece from
1969, supplying early vehicle for talents of flute and sax virtuoso
Mel Collins, later finding fame with King Crimson and Camel.
Hawkwind (Cherry Red) Dust of Time: 1969-2021
Hawkwind celebrate half century of uncompromising music with atmospheric 2CD space rock showcase, including unexpected 1972 hit, “Silver Machine.”
Mandy Morton & Spriguns” (Cherry Red) After The Storm
Eerie inventive Gothic folk from band whose original albums are now highly sought after collector’s items.
Manfred Mann (Decca) 5-4-3-2-1 The Greatest Hits
Manfred Mann were virtual fixtures in the singles charts during the ’60s, this anthology reviving classic hits such as Pretty Flamingo and Mighty Quinn.