Back in stock: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


On its digital release earlier in the year, Celeste's debut album rocketed to the top of the album charts, thus making her the first British female artist to see her first set get to number one for over five years. Finally available on vinyl in a "deluxe edition" that boasts a couple of bonus tracks and an accompanying booklet, Not Your Muse remains a classy and inspired debut, with Celeste's smoky, timeless vocals fitting producer Jamie Hartman's accompanying backing tracks - a mixture of pared-back folk sounds, lavishly orchestrated easy listening, synth-laden power-pop and fuzzy, retro soul-influenced numbers - like a particularly comfortable glove.

Review: Gail Laughton's Harps of the Ancient Temples was originally released in 1969 and now gets a proper reissue job courtesy of Pleasure For Music. It is a stunning piece of work from the American jazz harpist who has scored many films and cartoons during his time working in Hollywood. the record was produced by the sound engineer Paul Beaver who is said to be the dude who introduced the Moog to Stevie Wonder and Frank Zappa. Alway, the sound here manages to be both classical and space age, retro yet futuristic, with the shimmering, ethereal quality of the harp impossible to ignore.