Au Pairs - Stepping Out Of Line- The Anthology. Dble CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMQDD1338) What more can be said about the Au Pairs? Well, quite a lot actually. They don't get written about enough, as none of them are dead and/or called Bob Dylan, so we at Freak Emporium feel it is our job to inform you that they were possibly the finest female fronted UK post-punk band (although feminist lesbian frontwoman Lesley Woods would abhor such a catagorisation) of all time, that they influenced everyone from Hole, the Go Gos and the Smiths to Franz Ferdinand and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and that this double CD set, which features their complete recorded output (remixed in places) is an essential purchase for anyone with a love of post punk. Actually, scrap that- it's essential for anyone with a love of music per se. Disc 1 features both their seminal albums 'Playing With A Different Sex' and 'Sense And Sensuality', Disc 2 features non LP BBC sessions, unreleased tracks and demos, and live material. Compiled and reseached with the assistance of the band themselves: let's just hope people take notice this time!!

Blue Oyster Cult - A Long Day's Night. CD + DVD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMFVD1347) Available as a separate CD and DVD, this is the definitive package for those wishing to own a memoir of the legendary US proto-metallers' barnstorming gig at Chicago Navy Pier 2002. The DVD includes more songs than the CD: both are of superb quality, now you can own them together. Ain't that nice? Metaaaaaal!!

Border Lands- The Best Of Scottish Folk - Various. 3-CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMETD125) The British folk revival that took place at club level during the Sixties introduced a whole new audience to traditional folksong, while also bringing to the fore the concept of the earnest young singer-songwriter. Given the grassroots nature of the movement, it wa sinevitable that the regional scenes would throw up their own local heroes. In Scotland, the grizzled likes of Hamish Imlach, Matt McGinn and Alex Campbell would underpin the scene while providing inspiration for a slightly younger generation of talents (Bert Jansch, Gerry Rafferty, Billy Connolly) whose immersion in contemporary pop culture would enable them to make a greater impact on the mainstream. Featuring typically perceptive liners from noted Celt commentator Hamish MacTavish (yes, he does exist), this compilation incoroporates all the era's main players- the club raconteurs, the acoustic strummers, the folksong revivalists, the electric folk rockers- for a definitive look at the heyday of the Scottish folk scene.

Carl Wayne With Roy Wood - Beyond The Move/Songs From The Wood. CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMRCD1255) First ever collection of rare and previously unreleased collaborative tracks from the former Move men, many of which were previously unreleased, exploring the diverse areas in which these two men worked together. Carl sadly died in 2004 whilst working on this release, so Roy has completed the project: but this will not be the only collection in this series. There is more to come. . .containing plenty of memorabilia, and fully endorsed by Wayne's estate.

Chicken Shack Feat. Stan Webb - Poor Boy- The Deram Years 1972-74. Dble CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMDDD1271) Fronted by the phenomenal guitar-playing of Stan Webb, the mighty Chicken Shack were second in popularity only to Fleetwood Mac at the time of the Mike Vernon/John Mayall-instigated British Blues Boom of the late 60s. This set compiles their three Deram albums, 'Imgination Lady' 'Lucky Boy' and the ultra-rare 'Goodbye Chicken Shack' recorded live. Includes their European hit single 'Poor Boy' plus liner notes and an interview with the Webbster himself.

Chilli Willi & The Red Hot Peppers - Bongos Over Balham- Expanded Edition. CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMRCD1329) Finally available on CD after one hell of a long wait, the second album by these legendary jamming pub rockers, influenced equally by Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, Alexis Korner and Jerry Garcia! Featuring among their lineup the legendary Phil 'Snakefinger' Lithman (later a collaborator with The Residents), rock journeyman Martin Stone (previously of the Action, Mighty Baby, Junior's Blues Band and, who believe it or not, has been a sometime Current 93/ Bevis Frond collaborator in the 90s) later Rumour bassist Paul Riley, and future Elvis Costello & The Attractions drummer Pete Thomas, Chilli Willi were one of the many bands who faltered at the time due to the predominance of progressive rock, something their three-chord style was at odds with even though they often played on bills with those acts-and though many wax lyrical these days about the pub rock era, it must be said that the Chilli boys would probably have loved to play stadiums and theatres!! Nevertheless, 'Bongos. . .' is an infectious feelgood fest that captures perfectly, along with Dr Feelgood's 'Stupidity' and the Tyla Gang's 'Yachtless' the cosy, boozy atmosphere of those classic years, and if one closes one's eyes and listens to 'Truck Driving Girl' or 'Desert Island Woman' they can almost forget that in the same year bands were releasing albums called 'Tales From Topographic Oceans'!! The superb original artwork (with its late 40s 'Pink Pearl Light' advert included) is reproduced here: the album is now expanded to a wapping (crap pun intended) 22 tracks, among them the B-side from their one single and ten demos and outtakes never before heard!! Liner notes are by David Wells and the whole shebang is full of photos and memorabilia. Mine's a pint of ordinary- but there's nothing ordinary about the music. Cracking!!

Edgar Broughton Band - Bandages & Chilly Mornings. Dble CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMDDD1335) Reissue of two Broughton albums from different eras: the 1975 classic 'Bandages' coupled with the 1972 live set 'Chilly Morning Mama'. Classic heavy, swirling and aggressive prog rock from one of the few bands of that era to posess a political conscience- with liner notes featuring interviews from both Edgar and Steve, and a schpiel by the ubiquitous (no he's not,it's just the way his trousers hang) David Wells.

Fall - Cerebral Caustic. CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CDMQDD1299) The follow up to 'Middle Class Revolt'- another year in Smithworld and things are still infuriating!! Even more scathing than its predecessor (particularly on 'Life Just Bounces' and 'North West Fashion Show') and also an album of historical importance: the first to feature the returning Brix Smith, the last to feature the departing Craig Scanlon. Also includes a cover of Zappa's "I'm Not Satisfied"- how apt!! At time of writing, bonus tracks still unknown.

Fall - In A Hole. Dble CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMQDD1225) Formed in 1976 in Salford, the Fall have never compromised one iota of their integrity, nor have they ever given in remotely to commercial pressures- their only hit singles (despite often being covers) were as difficult to listen to as half their album tracks, and their live performances as incendiary as their studio work.. This live album, recorded in New Zealand in the mid 80s, is an example of how brutal and magnificent they could be on their day: the bonus tracks, all taken from dates on the same tour, including versions of the likes of 'Slates' and 'Who Makes The Nazis' are excellent.

Fall - Infotainment Scan. Dble CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMQDD1227) Reissue of 1993 album from Salford misanthropes, which this time (one of the only times) attempted to temper the funeral with a little bit of levity- hence the covers of Sister Sledge's 'Lost In Music' and Steve Bent's 'I'm Going To Spain' which have to be believed- although 'Paranoia Man In Shit Room' and 'Glam Racket' are just as painful as you expect the very best Fall material to be. CD2 adds sveral Peel session tracks, Mark Goodier sessions, their Permananet Records single release, and outtakes and alternate versions, although whether or not one wants three outtakes of 'Lost In Music' is a moot point (this writer doesn't!!) One can't argue with the quality of the music though- prime Fall at their maddest, if somewhat less bleak than usual.

Hard Rain - Hard Rain. CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMRCD1264) Remastered edition of the Brummie pomp-rockers' first post- Magnum album, which as we know didn't last long, as by the end of the decade the Mags were back delivering godlike AOR in the concert halls of the world.Still, for the two or three years that Hard Rain were together, they provided an interesting take on melodic hard rock updated for the 90s, with added technological flourishes and soulful female backing vocals. Of course, in an era obsessed with Korn and Marilyn Manson ('Classic Rock' magazine would not come into existence for another year), it sank like the proverbial stone, but it's still worth listening to, if for no other reason than to remind us of Tony Clarkin's superior songwriting skills- and talking of which, the man with the 'At (well, actually the man with no hair) provides us with a booklet full of images and memorabilia.

Horrorcomic - England 77. CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMQCD1263) The entire recorded ouput of this cult punk rock band, featuring three fiercely rare 45s plus unissued tracks. Includes 'Jesus Crisis', nowadays a £200 plus collectors' item. None of this material has ever appeared on CD before: the package includes a 12 page foldout, colour inlay features, picture sleeves and liner notes by frontman Roger Semon, now an employee of Sanctuary Records!! Phew, smash the establishment, eh? Should have stuck to prog, mate. . .

John Renbourn - Live In Italy. CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMRCD1326) A memorable live gig recorded in 1989 at Rome's intimate venue the "Folk Cellar", from one of the father figures of the contemporary folk scene. Never previously issued in the UK: now featuring liner notes from David Suff. Beautiful music from a man who has few peers (except through the window of the ladies' changing room, of course).

John Renbourn - So Early In The Spring. CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMRCD1278) Quite rightly acknowledged as one of the father figures of contemporary British folk, ex-Pentangler Renb ourn has recorded several excellent solo albums. This was recorded in Japan in the 'early Spring' of 1979, has been INCREDIBLY rare on vinyl for nearly 30 years and has never been released in the UK at all-until now!! Now avilable on CD, the package has been put together by John and David Suff, who also wrote the sleevenotes. Includes covers of Dylan's 'Buckets Of Rain' and Jackson C Frank's 'Blues Run The Game'.

Keith Emerson - Off The Shelf. CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMRCD1305) A compilation selected by Keith himself of his favourite prog widdlings from the last 40 odd years, including many covers from those who have inspired him: Elvis, Thelonious Monk, Chris Spedding, Leonard Bernstein, Frank Zappa, Ian Dury and Jim Davidson. . .er, shurely shome mishtake?it's no mistake and don't call me Shurely! Features rare and previously unissued tracks.

Magnum - Stronghold. Dble CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMDDD1339) Remastered 2 disc landmark live recording from Birmingham's favourite pomp rockers, recorded in 1996 at various venues on their 'Rock Art' tour which was perceieved widely as (and intended to be) their last. F course, it wasn't, but what a set list they had at the time- as well as more recent classics like 'Vigilante' 'Wild Swan' 'Rocking Chair' 'Days Of No Trust' and the material from the peerless 'On A Storyteller's Night' album, they also feature songs that they probably hadn't played for aeons- 'Changes' and 'Back To Earth'. Note how they haven't bloody well played them since they reformed in 2002 either!! Remastered, with notes by Dave Ling and artwork from the incomparable Rodney Matthews.

Richard Digance - Working Class Millionaire- The Transatlantic Anthology. Dble CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMDDD1328) This 2CD compilation looks in depth at the earlier, more serious (yet still wry and witty) works of East London folksinger and songwriter Richard Digance, now known more widely as the comedian responsible for such songs as 'Poor Poor Jane' 'The Unluckiest Geezer In The World' and '100 Remembers', plus stand up routines such as the 'Jungle World Cup'. His status in the folk-rock world at the time can be gauged from the fact that the first (studio) disc of this album features Michael Chapman, string arranger and later Strawb Robert Kirby and members of Steeleye Span. The second disc shows how Digance's onstage patter- like that of his contemporaraies Mike Harding, Jasper Carrott and Billy Connolly- and natural gift for comedy was starting to run hand in hand with his songwriting talent, and how his introductions were turning into standup routines to the point where they gardually superseded the music. Nevertheless, the songs, such as 'Drag Queen Blues' 'Working Class Millionaire' and the legendary 'Show Me The Door' are all of high merit.

Rocky Road To Dublin - The Best Of Irish Folk- Various Artists. 3-CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMETD1274) The folk revival that took place at club level during the Sixties introduced a whole new audience to traditional folksong, while also bringing to the fore the concept of the earnest young singer-songwriter. Given the grassroots nature of the movement, it wa sinevitable that the regional scenes would throw up their own local heroes. In Ireland, the ceilidh bands and balladeers that had always been at the heart of the indigenous music scene continued to be a popular attraction. However, they were joined by a new wave of acts with broader appeal. The Dubliners quickly moved from the local clubs and bars to become the public face of Irish folk, while family-based groups like the Johnstons, the Ludlows and the Fureys achieved considerable success with their own take on the genre. Featuring typically perceptive liners from noted Irish commentator Paddy Murphy, the 'Rocky Road To Dublin' stretches all the way from the legendary playwright and singer Dominic Behan to psychedelic folk avatars Sweeney's Men for a definitive look at the Irish folk scene of the Sixties.

Roy Wood - Look Through The Eyes Of Roy Wood. Dble CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMQDD1300) A two-disc exploration of an undisputed genius of British pop. Concentrating almost exclusively on his 70s work with Wizzard, but featuring many live or demo versions of the songs we all know and love ('Ball Park Incident' 'The Rain Came Down On Everything' 'Angel Fingers' 'R U Red E 2 Rock' 'Forever' 'This Is The Story Of My Love Baby' etc. Also includes a previously unheard take on the Beatles' "Polythene Pam"and a Kenny Everett Show jingle!! Wood you believe it. . .

Salford Jets - Manchester Boys. CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMQCD1306) First ever CD compilation for this North West punk/ New Wave/ powerpop act , very popular on the circuit during 1978 and 79. Includes their popular fan faves 'Looking At Squares' and 'Manchester Boys' as well as their lone Top 50 hit 'Who You Looking At?' First ever time on CD: features sleevenotes from the band themselves, as well as exclusive interview material.

Scarborough Fair- The Best Of English Folk - Various Artists. 3-CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMETD1273) The folk revival that took place at club level during the Sixties introduced a whole new audience to traditional folksong, while also bringing to the fore the concept of the earnest young singer-songwriter. Given the grassroots nature of the movement, it was inevitable that the regional scenes would throw up their own local heroes. When, by the end of the decade, centuries-old songs werebeing given a sonic makeover by the new breed of electric folkies (headed by the likes of Fairport and Steeleye, both of whom are represented here) folk music had long since escaped out of the clubs and into the charts. This 3CD set focuses on the astonishing depth of talent emanating from the English folk scene during this most tumultuous of decades. Every facet of the English folk genre is encompassed, ranging from club singers and trad revivalists like Isla Cameron and Shirley Collins, the post Dylan singer songwriter boom (Donovan, Ralph McTell, Michael Chapman) folk base jazz fusioneers Pentangle, and even such turn of the decade acid folk otsiders as Synanthesia and the mighty Comus.

Skin Alley - Bad Words And Evil People. Dble CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMDDD1257) 2-CD set reissuing the two collectable Transatlantic albums released in the early 70s,"Two Quid Deal" and "Skintight" by this jazz-prog-rock combo who were very popular on the underground live circuit. This is the first reissue of this material on CD in the UK: Also included on this set are a pair of contemporaneous singles. Detailed booklet and photographs are supplied by David Wells, whose liner notes also feature exclusive interview material.

Tea & Symphony The English Baroque Sound 1967-1974. - Various. CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMQCD1541) A 24 track compilation bringing together 24 quintessentially ‘English Baroque Pop’ gems from the the post Psych/pre-Glam era. Features sought after rarities by John Kerruish, Almond Marzipan, Jon Plum alongside the Tremeloes, Honeybus and the Humblebums. Includes the ultra-rare & previously uncomped Graham Gouldman 45rpm ‘Nowhere To Go’, released just prior to 10cc’s first hit.

Uriah Heep - Bird Of Prey- The Best Of. CD + DVD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMFVD1298) A double set including a fine compilation of 'Eep's early (Byron fronted) era and a live DVD from the Pete Goalby-fronted lineup of the mid-80s. Both provide interesting insights into one of the UK's most enduring (read overbearing) and endearing pioneer heavy rock acts.

Willie & The Poor Boys - Poor Boy Boogie- The Anthology. Dble CD. (Sanctuary/Castle - CMQDD1307) 2006 will be remembered as the year they pulled out all the stops for Bill Wyman's 70th birthday. And to be honest, he bloody deserves it too. This double CD set reissues both albums from his mid 80s-early 90s combo Willie And The Poor Boys (any similarities to Creedence being purely coincidental)- one live, one studio- which he formed initially to play for Ronnie Lane's ARMS charity benefit, and then enjoyed so much he stuck at it. Personnel includes Wyman, Charlie Watts, Andy Fairwaether Low, Chris Rea, Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers, Kenney Jones, Geraint Watkins, Mickey Gee, Terry Williams, Graham Broad, Gary Brooker, Jimmy Henderson and Terry Taylor. Of course, they soon metamorphosed into the Rhythm Kings- but that's another story.

© 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.