Back catalogue: 50s/60s

Review: Detroit musician and producer Dave Hamilton hears two fantastic early emissions of his reissued via BGP. Known originally as a guitarist and an early member of the Motown house band, Hamilton's influence on music, especially the later Northern soul firestorm in the UK, is perhaps understated. His guitar contributions to the likes of Marvin Gaye's 'Stubborn Kind Of Fellow' and John Lee Hooker's 'Boom Boom' are indeed cherished additions to the Michigan funk and r&b canon, but perhaps it's his later outings as Dave Hamilton and the Peppers - and later founding of the labels Demoristic and TCB - that house the real trinkets. 'The Deacons' and 'Pisces Place' both came out via the TCB label, and brought vibraphonic blues and astrologic easy listens respectively to wax.

Review: Northern Soul devotees have long been captivated by unreleased Motown gems, and this one may be the best yet. Written by Chester and Gary Pipkin, 'Stuck-Up' was crafted to replace Mary Wells after her departure from Motown. Although Oma Heard recorded extensively, including a duet with Marvin Gaye, she was dropped for not fitting the label's image. The song was then given to Shirley Gunter, whose 1966 version on Tangerine Records became one of the rarest Northern Soul records, often fetching over 500 quid. Recently, the original Oma Heard version surfaced on a Motown unreleased CD and has been hailed as a classic by Ian Levine. Now, for the first time, it gets released on vinyl by Motown's V.I.P. label.

Review: Francoise Hardy En Vogue - Best Of 1962-1967 captures the peak of Hardy's iconic career during her influential years on the Vogue label. Between 1962 and 1967, Hardy emerged as a symbol of French elegance and introspective pop, captivating audiences worldwide with her distinct charm and emotional depth. This compilation features her most enduring hits, like 'Tous les garcons et les filles', 'Mon amie la rose' and 'L'amitie', which embody the heartfelt sentimentality and existential undertones she brought to the French ye-ye scene. Hardy's songs, sung in French, English, Italian and German, highlight her international appeal and versatility, securing her place as a cultural icon from France to Japan. Her timeless melodies have been featured in contemporary films (including Wes Anderson's), TV series and ads, proving her enduring influence on music and style. Known for blending folk-rock, chanson and even touches of psychedelia, Hardy's work from these years reflects her unique voice in 1960s pop culture. This collection is essential for any fan of Hardy's atmospheric ballads and a perfect tribute to her role as a global ambassador of French sophistication.

Review: Upon its release in 1970, Donny Hathaway's latest album was met with critical acclaim but modest commercial success. The LP showcased Hathaway's extraordinary versatility, blending gospel, jazz, blues and soul into a cohesive whole. It was a rich tapestry of influences, marked by Hathaway's stunning vocal prowess and his ability to craft arrangements that felt both intricate and organic. The album also set the stage for his subsequent works, cementing Hathaway as one of the most important voices of his generation. Tracks like 'The Ghetto' and 'Tryin' Times' revealed his commitment to addressing social issues, while songs like 'Thank You Master' and 'Je Vous Aime' showcased his personal and spiritual depth. In the decades since its release, Everything Is Everything has grown in stature, celebrated as a cornerstone of soul music.

Review: Buddy Holly defied rock star stereotypes with his Ivy League style and horn-rimmed glasses, yet his impact on music rivals legends like Elvis and Little Richard. This 20-track collection celebrates the legacy of Holly and The Crickets and takes in many of their most iconic hits like 'That'll Be the Day' and other gems released under his various different monikers. Despite his tragic death in 1959, Holly's brief yet brilliant career left an indelible mark on rock 'n' roll after he emerged by mixing up Texas country roots with r&b influences with great guided by producer Norman Petty. Holly's sound was both fresh and timeless, and this album proves what a pioneer he was.