70s Funk Sensations - Various. CD. (Music Club - MCCD580) A 'gretest hits' of anything remotely soulful, black and funky from the decade that brought new meanings to the words You probably know half the tunes here (except maybe James Brown's rarity 'The Drunk'), but that's why this makes such an ideal party purchase. Kool & The Gang, The Meters, Rose Royce, Funkadelic, Ike And Tina Turner, Teddy Pendergrass, Dexter Wansel, Aaron Neville, Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, Betty Wright- nothing short of classics every one. Sleevenotes by Tony Fasides.

Altered Images - Happy Birthday: The Very Best Of. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCDLX046) Thirty six track introduction to one of the 80's perfect pop groups. A welcome antidote to the numerous serious music scenes at the end of the 70's, their brand of fun filled pop quickly got widespread radio play and made lead singer Claire Grogan into a star. Featured here are the key single releases, album tracks and 12" dance mixes. Includes: "I Could Be Happy", "Don't Talk To Me About Love", "Happy Birthday (Original and Dance mixes)" and "Faithless."

Alternative Acoustic - Various. CD. (Music Club - MCDLX030) Twenty six classic tracks of acoustic bliss. Tracing it's roots from america in the '60's up to the present day. A fine selection of only the best singer songwriters, featuring Paul Weller, Nick Drake, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Suzanne Vega, Rod Stewart, the genius Elliot Smith, Janis Ian, Tim Buckley, Free, Traffic, Nilsson, John Martyn and many more.

Ann Peebles - Original Funk Soul Sister: The Best Of. CD. (Music Club - MCCD595) The finest budget-priced introduction to the soul and funk queen of the Hi Records label. Features the hits 'I Can't Stand The Rain' and 'I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down' (the latter of which has been covered by everybody from Paul Young to Graham Parker, plus great versions of the soul classic 'Make Me Yours' and the funk perennial 'It's Your Thing'. Compiled by Johnny Chandler with sleevenotes by P****o H****t.

Bangles - Manic Monday: The Best Of. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCDLX059) A comprehensive introduction to the Bangles successful career. This self contained, all playing, all writing, all singing girl group were one of the sensations of the 1980's. features here are thirty six of their tracks spread over two discs. Includes: "Eternal Flame", "He's Got A Secret", "Walk Like An Egyptian" and "Complicated Girl."

Barbara Dickson - January February - The Best Of. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCDLX034) Legendary in musical theatre, Barbara has also released a steady string of top selling albums and singles over the past forty years. Thirty six of her best known works have been colected here. Featuring musical classics from the stage as well as selections from her cover albums of Dylan and Beatles tracks. Includes: the Elaine Page duet "I Know Him So Well", the title track (both went ot number one In the UK singles charts), "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", "Blowin' In The Wind" and "A Day In The Life."

Chi-Lites - Best Of. CD. (Music Club - MCCD586) Released shortly after the death of frontman and songwriter Eugene Record, this commemorative comp features 22 tracks on one disc and sums up everything that was good about the Chi Lites. They're all there from 'Homely Girl' 'What Do I Wish For?' and I Need Your Lovin' to the wonderfully titled 'There Will Never Be Any Peace Until God Is Seated At The Conference Table' and their psych-soul stone classic 'Stoned Out Of My Mind'. They're also responsible for, of course, 'Have You Seen Her' which, despite being the ONLY pre-rap record EVER to have spoken word part that doesn't sound naff, might just have the most disturbing lyric of all time- well, apart from the Drifters' "Can I Take You Home Little Girl" anyway!! Listen to it again and see if we're not right!! Nevertheless, the Chi-Lites were a wonderful band and this CD does remind you exactly how important they were and how missed they, and Eugene Record, will be. Sleevenotes included.

Deep Purple & Friends - Deep Purple & Friends. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCCD 607) Twenty one track compilation of hits by all of the members (past and present) of Deep Purple. Contains live performances by the Purple as well as Warhorse, Ian Gillan Band, Roger Glover & The Guilty Party, Ronnie James Dio and Nick Simper's Fandango. An interesting anthology of acts and artists who would all find their way into one of the greatest bands ever. Includes: "Woman From Tokyo (live)", "St. Louis", "Cayman Island" and "Magica."

Donald Byrd & Pepper Adams - In A Soulful Mood. CD. (Music Club - MCCD577) Donald Byrd's long and illustrious jazz career has seen him at the inception of several musical movements, not least of all founding the Blackbyrds, whose first album was for a while the biggest selling album in its label's history, and later presaging both hip-hop and acid jazz in a way that made him a guru to both camps. It's easy to forget, therefore, that he was once one of the greatest bebop trumpeters of his ear, blowing with the mastery of Gillespie, Clifford Brown and Roy Eldridge rolled into one. This CD is there to remind you exactly how much of a master he was- but let's not underplay the contribution of baritonist Pepper Adams, one of the first white players to join exclusively black bands (and be used by Mingus as a scapegoat-cum-punchbag as a result) whose long snaking lines and forceful riffs push the album, originally recorded in 1960, into the realms of 'hard bop'- as do the contributions of Tommy Flanagan, Paul Chambers and Louis Hayes. Extensive sleevenotes by Mojo's Charles Waring featured.

Echo And The Bunnymen - Never Stop: Live In Liverpool. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCCD614) Twenty one track live album, bringing together for the first time the complete Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts gig in 2001. Forever popular, the Bunnymen originally released this concert on CD and DVD with different track listings, this album includes the six unreleased tracks not found on the original CD to recreate their cracking live performance.cherry picking from their twenty five year career menas they easily give a hometown crowd what they want. Includes: "Silver", "Buried Alive", "Altamont" and "Bring On The Dancing Horse."

Essential Country Classics - Various. CD. (Music Club - MCCD625) An eighteen track compilation celebrating the early glory days of Country music. Featuring five US number ones and two UK number ones, this collection brings together the major country stars of the day: Johnny Cash, Lee Greenwood, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Freddy Fender, Roger Miller, John Denver, Waylon Jennings and many more.

Everly Brothers - Dream: The Best Of. CD. (Music Club - MCDLX010) 40 tracks on one CD!!!! The originators of 'teenage angst' and the band whose harmony vocal style inspired both the Beach Boys and the Beatles. Privately of course they hated each other- but isn't that the secret behind all great partnerships? There are 8 UK top 10's, and 14 US Top 40 hits here, with extensive sleevenotes from Paul Lester of Uncut. All you have to doo-ooo-ooo is. . .spend nine quid!!

Funky Breaks & Sampled Soul - Various. CD. An album of classic smooth and sexy soul funk numbers that are the inspiration behind many of today's finest groove merchants. These thirteen numbers have been sampled to create some of the most popular hits of the modern age, thiefs include Moby, Public Enemy, Jay Z, MC Hammer, Groove Armada, De La Soul and Joss Stone! Features original tracks by James Brown ("Funky Drummer"), Al Green ("Free At Last"), Chi-Lites ("We Are Neighbours"), Rick James ("Super Freak"), Funkadelic ("Knee Deep"), Cameo ("Candy"), Barbara Lynn ("I'm A Good Woman") and many more.

Funky Soundtrack Sensations - Various. CD. (Music Club - MCCD568) Flares, afro and tank top at the ready- it's 70s theme tune time. They're all here, from Batman and the Pink Panther through The Sweeney and The Italian Job (SHATTITT!) to Shaft, Black Caesar and Superfly. Both TV and the silver screen included for that all-encompassing 70s experience, with the added bonus of sleevenotes from MusicWeek's Tony Fasides.

Good Morning Vietnam - Various Artists. CD. (Music Club - MCCD539) Featuring 17 timeless classics from the days of the peace, love and anti-war generation. Includes Small Faces 'Tin Soldier', Jimmy Cliff 'Vietnam' and Jefferson Airplane 'White Rabbit'.

Greatest Hits Of Philadelphia International - 20 Soul, Disco And Funk Classics (Various). CD. (Music Club - MCCD574) 20-track compilation of some of the biggest hits of the 'Philadelphia Sound' - that unique combination of smooth sweet soul and lowdown funk rhythm as perfected by the writing team of Gamble and Huff and producer Thom Bell. Artists featured include: McFadden And Whitehead, The O'Jays, Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Archie Bell And The Drells, Frabtique, Teddy Pendergrass (ladies only, of course) and many other lesser-known pioneers.

Hen Night - Various. CD. (Music Club - MCCD576) OK girls, calm down. . .it's the soundtrack to your hen night, so get the girls round, enjoy one last night of getting royally pissed to your favourite tunes before you marry some dullard who makes you listen to Coldplay and Keane all week. Or at least, it would be the soundtrack to your hen night if you were born between 1960 and 1970. Ah, the Seventies and Eighties (Sixties in the case of Dusty Springfield's "I Only Wanna Be With You"). When birds were birds and ladies were, you know, LAYDEEEES, before Chavettes even existed!! Hot Gossip haircuts, spandex and shoulderpads, them were the days!! On this disc McFadden And Whitehead, The Whispers, The Pointer Sisters, Shalamar, Barry Blue and Leo Sayer rub shoulders with the slightly tackier Kelly Marie, Yazz and Sinitta- believe me, after several Babychams it'll all sound like 'Forever Changes'. Or maybe not. Whatever, this is fun and at £6.50 you can't complain. NB: This CD doers NOT come with a free pair of white stilettoes and a handbag to dance round.

Ian Gillan - Talisman - In The Studio & On Stage. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCCD555) Those who have Ian Gillan down as merely a hard-rocking, leather-lunged vocalist are sadly mistaken and this double CD retrospective is here to show them the light. Gillan has been treading the boards in all manner of groups since the start of the 1960's; Blues, Jazz, Pyschedelia have all played a part in informing his unique work. This set gathers together highlights from his post-Purple solo period and perfectly illustrates the breadth of his influences. Boast an enormous 30 tracks across its two CD weight.

Iggy & The Stooges - Penetration. CD. (Music Club - MCCD565) This exciting new CD set mixes rarities and acknowledged classics from Iggy's days with the group prior to his signing to RCA as a solo artist. This compilation covers the period after the Stooges second album and includes many original versions of what would become the legendary Raw Power LP, not to mention Iggy Pop solo demos recorded prior to his RCA signing! Many consider this Iggy's career peak and anyone there to witness his peanut-butter live antics would be hard-pressed to argue! Compilation and sleevenotes by Iggy Pop and Stooges expert John Brett. Ridiculous Price!!

Jim Reeves - Distant Drums: The Collection. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCDLX047) Thirty six track compilation covering the best of the late great Radio friendly singer. A fine introduction to his career that covers his initial success in the 50's and his greater body of work that became popular after his fatal accident in 1964. These studio recordings represent the best album and 45 tracks the country crooner released, including: "I Love You Because", "It Hurt's So Much To See You", " Adios Amigo" and "I Guess I'm Crazy."

John Coltrane - In A Soulful Mood. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCCD572) The name John Coltrane needs no introduction to jazz lovers or general music fans, and the recordings he made between 1959 and 1967 both as aleader and as a sideman with Miles, are the stuff of legend. However, he didn't just arrive in Coltrane's quintet from nowhere- and this 2CD set gives a comprehensive overview of the man's earlier inroads on the Bethlehem label, alongside such names as Donald Byrd, Philly Joe Jones, Art Blakey and Sahib Shihab, all of whom had their own effect on the music we call jazz. Extensive sleevenotes by Charles Waring of Mojo Blues and Soul are included.

John Lee Hooker - Legend: The Best Of. CD. (Music Club - MCCD570) As straightforward as this - a 24 song collection (itself a refreshed edition of a bestselling previous release on the same label) of classic cuts, spanning an almost 20 year period, from the golden era of an artist who for many years defined exactly what the blues is and was. All the classics are here: 'Boom Boom' 'Boogie Chillun' 'Dimples' 'This Is Hip' 'Crawling King Snake' and all the others that have passed into the LANGUAGE, never mind the repertoire, of blues.

Journey To The Edge - Various Artists. CD. (Music Club - MCCD545) A gathering of some of the most celebrated heavyweights in progressive rock. Full of all the usual hallmarks - from complex time signature changes to track running times that could take up an entire day. Includes prog masterpieces from the likes of Focus, Rick Wakeman, The Nice, Genesis, Camel and many others.

Judie Tzuke - Stay With Me Till Dawn- The Very Best Of. CD. (Music Club - MCCD470) A compilation that should introduce discerning listeners to the work of one of England's most underrated songwriters and vocalists, a true mistress of her craft. This compiles material from albums such as 'Welcome To The Cruise' 'Sportscar' 'I Am The Phoenix' 'Over The Moon' 'Secret Agent' and 'Under The Angels', and they're ALL great (particularly the first three). Fans of Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush or even Carly Simon should investigate forthwith.

Kula Shaker - Tattva: The Very Best Of. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCDLX050) One of the most creative guitar bands of the 90's, they took their name from a luck-making Indian mystic and quickly started selling records from their debut single onwards. This is a perfect introduction to the groups 90's period (they have recently reformed - get the Nazi outfits out again), bringing together key album tracks, singles, live cuts and the best of the b sides. Includes: "Govinda", "Sound Of Drums", "Grateful When You’re Dead" and "Avalonia."

Lou Rawls - Groovy People: The Best Of. CD. (Music Club - MCCD578) 20 track compilation of superb East Coast soulster, the man behind 'Lady Love' 'Let Me Be Good To You' 'See You When I Git There' and 'You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine'. Tracklisting includes both studio and live material. New artwork and sleevenotes by Bill Buckley (no, not the camp bloke off 'That's Life'. . .)

Marvin Gaye - Best Of Live!. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCCD626) Backed by a seventeen member backing band, this set recorded at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival in 1980 is a treat. Performed shortly before his commercial comeback single "Sexual Healing", this is a setlist dominated by his 70's soul period, although there are still moments of his earlier Motown persona to please all of his fans. Seventeen tracks, including: "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)", "Got To Give it up" and "Let's Get It On" and "Distant Lover",

Mel Torme - In A Soulful Mood. CD. (Music Club - MCCD579) 'The Velvet Voice Of Mel Torme' they used to say, and they were right. One of the greatest white singers ever to have graced the world of jazz, who also branched out into the world of popular sing to become one of the greatest crooners of his generation, without whom no Harry Conick, Peter Cincotti, Jamie Cullum- but also no Billy Joel, Ian McCulloch or Iggy Pop!! This album was recorded in 1956 for the legendary Bethlehem label, and shows what an evocative interpreter of standards he really was- especially on 'How Long Has This Been Going On' 'You Leave Me Breathless' and 'Let's Call The Whole Thing Off' each delivered with just a touch of his typically wry humour.

Northern Soul Floorshakers - 20 Anthems And Rarities From The RCA Vaults. CD. (Music Club - MCCD236) 50 minute playing time of this Northern Soul compilation that contains 20 tracks of collectors market 7" singles including the Exiters, Willie Hutch,Don Ray,Roy Hamilton,Laura Greene and many more.

Ray Charles - Legend: Best Of The Early Years. CD. (Music Club - MCCD581) 37 tracks on one CD, and a great introduction to one of the 20th century's most enduring musical figures: Ray Charles, for whom Genius + Soul really did= Jazz. Or for whom music just equalled genius. Master vocalist, pianist, saxophonist, vibraphonist and songwriter extraordinaire, there was nothing this man was not capable of- except seeing, of course, but he more than made up for it in every other way. His sound would influence everyone that influenced anyone: Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Elvis, The Beach Boys, Barry White, you name them they loved him. We all loved him too, and so should you lot. This is the largest selection of his early recordings ever put together on one compilation, and fetures sleevenotes by Charles Waring of Mojo, Blues & Soul and Record Collector.

Robert Palmer - Legend: Live On Stage. CD. (Music Club - MCCD583) A live perforrmance from the besuited blue-eyed soul man recorded some 18 months before his untimely death in 2003. Although many so-called 'music critics' took the piss, often likening him to a low-rent Sinatra or a 3rd division football manager, and indeed not all of his output was above par, the fact was Palmer posessed a great voice for soul, funk, blues, reggae and rock'n'roll, and his early albums were priceless nuggets of the jam-band genre, with Lowell George and Art & Aaron Neville often providing solid backing. His band the Power Station, featuring members of Chic, Duran Duran and later Thunder, were much better than is remembered, and his collaboration album 'Clues' from 1979 with Gary Numan- which gave the world 'I Dream Of Wires' was one of the best things either artist ever did. He was just on the verge of finally regaining some credibility when his life was tragically cut short- but this 2002 set shows that he was right all along. Includes 'Some Like It Hot' 'Didn't Mean To Turn You On' 'Looking For Clues' 'Johnny And Mary' 'Riptide' 'Simply Irresistible' 'Pride' 'Flesh Wound' and 'Addicted To Love'.

Smokie - Living Next Door To Alice: The Best Of. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCDLX049) A comprehensive two CD introduction to this highly successful pop rock outfit who scored no less than eleven UK top twenty hits during the second half of the 70’s. This thirty six track collection features the best singles, album tracks and live cuts that highlight their American influenced soft pop classics which saw them become virtual residents on Top Of The Pops as the 70's ended.

Soft Cell - Say Hello, Wave Goodbye: Live. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCCD573) One may question whether or not one would want Marc Almond and Dave Ball in their living room (Speak for yourself, duckie!- Camp Ed) but this is exactly what you get on this excellent double disc, value for money set. 26 tracks, 2 hours- making the length of an entire concert plus extras- of brooding torch-disco, goth-cabaret, glam-Brecht, horror-pop sleaze and decadence from two middle aged men who quite clearly have NO desire to know better, and quite right too!! All the classics are here- hits like 'Bedsitter' 'Where Did Our Love Go' 'What' (the last two betraying Almond's roots as a Wigan Casino regular) 'Memorabilia' 'Soul Inside' 'Torch' 'Say Hello Wave Goodbye' and the inevitable 'Tainted Love' (another song which began life as a Northern Soul club classic) juxtaposed with those dark, NASTY album tracks which made sure everyone knew this wasn't your average pop group. 'Youth' 'Loving You Hating Me' 'Heat' 'Sex Dwarf' 'The Best Way To Kill' (with Almond playing lead guitar!!) 'Insecure Me' 'The Art Of Falling Apart' 'Martin' (a 10-minute deathfest based on the Romero film, complete with 'Peeping Tom' samples) and the simply HORRIBLE 'Baby Doll' are all here and still sound as vital as they did waay back when, and just to prove this is no nostalgia trip, nine tracks from their 2002 album have snaked their way in. Music for those with gutter hearts and sick sick souls, or anyone whoever crimped their hair. Tracks recorded live in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Brussels: sleevenotes by MusicWeek's Andy Woods.And for just over a fiver!!

Sweet - Blockbuster! The Best Of. CD. (Music Club - MCDLX048) Thirty six track celebration of one of the biggest acts of the UK Glam era. This is a comprehensive introduction to their career; they were a constant presence on the radio for most of the 70's and made regular TV appearances due to their outrageous iamge. Includes: "Wig-Wam Bang", "Teenage Rampage", "Rebel Rouser" and "Rock n Roll Disgrace."

T- Rex - Very Best Of. CD. (Music Club - MCCD 030) The glam king's glittering best of compilation. Including the smash singles "Metal Guru", "Solid Gold Easy Action", "I Love To Boogie", "Children Of The Revolution" and "Telegram Sam" along with 15 other slices of 70's pop Bolan style. Go get your platform boots and boogie on down with this value for money release.

T- Rex - Very Best Of Vol 2. CD. (Music Club - MMCD 374) Volume 2 of the glam king's 'best of' compilation. 76 minutes of pure Bolan boogie. Includes "The Groover", "Zip Gun Boogie", "Rock On", "The Slider" and "Cadilac" along with 20 other fab tracks. Sleeve notes by Caron Wilans.

Themes From Lord Of The Rings - Music From The Films. CD. (Music Club - MCCD542) Features three separate suites of music from the movies, 'The Fellowship Of The Ring', 'The Two Towers' and 'The Return Of The King'.

UK Subs - Orginal Punks, Original Hits. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCDLX023) A forty six track, double CD covering The UK Subs most succesful period in the late 1970's. Included here are their seven top forty UK hits, proving that not all chart music needed smooth edges to succeed. Includes "CID"/"Tomorrows Girls"/ "Warhead"/ "Stranglehold" Compilation and sleevenotes by Alan Parker.

Ultimate Halloween Party Album - Various. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCCD610) Perfect accompanying album for a Halloween party, featuring classic TV themes like "Rent A Ghost", "Count Duckula", "The Addams Family and "Scooby Doo." Also features Film themes and appropriately ghostly tracks. The second CD is an hour of scary sound effects, perfect as a soundtrack to ghostly games.

Uriah Heep - Rainbow Demon. Dble CD. (Music Club - MCCD540) 2 CD set containing 19 blood-pounding tracks, live and studio, recorded between 1994 and 1998. The booklet contains a 1000 word sleevenote.

Yes - Roundabout Best Of Live 1999. CD. (Music Club - MCCD524) 70 minute compilation (7 tracks) featuring a selection of their finest material captured live on a US tour in 1999.Commencing with their anthem 'Yours Is No Disgrace',via their worldwide hit 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' and Climaxing with their American breakthrough 'Roundabout'.

© Delerium Music 2008. Web Site written and maintained by Matt Platts for Paragon Digital. Please see www.vatloophole.co.uk for information on why we closed down.