Back catalogue: Broken Beat/Nu Jazz/Nu Soul

Review: The most comprehensive tribute to one of Japan's most unique and influential bands, this box set serves as not only an enjoyable package of music, but an example of music eventually getting the respect it deserves. Emerging in the early 90s, Fishmans blended reggae, rocksteady and dub with dreamy, psychedelic elements, leaving a legacy that still resonates today. This meticulously curated box set presents rare recordings, radio performances, unreleased live tracks and demo tapes, all expertly digitised from cassette tapes, DATs and multitrack tapes. Kin-ichi Motegi, who took over vocal duties following the tragic passing of frontman Shinji Sato in 1999, oversees this collection, offering in-depth commentary on every track. The set captures the band's evolution from their reggae roots to their more experimental, art-pop phase, with Long Season often hailed as their artistic zenith. The ethereal vocal style of Sato is especially poignant, as it's woven through the band's melancholic yet engaging soundscapes, which continue to impress listeners in a dreamlike atmosphere. The ultimate package for Fishmans fans with an intimate look into their creative process.

Review: To celebrate the 25th anniversary of The K&D Sessions, Kruder & Dorfmeister present a stunning limited-edition box set, available on 6xLP. Mastered by renowned engineer Bernie Grundman, this edition promises an audiophile listening experience. The set includes a newly added 6th LP featuring previously unreleased material, including remixes of Madonna, Roni Size, Lewis Taylor and Count Basic. The lavish packaging boasts gloss finishes, metallic gold Pantone details, and clear UV varnishing on the sleeves. Additionally, it includes a 40-page booklet filled with rare, unseen photos from the original era and extensive liner notes by Max Dax, Robert Menasse, and Werner Geier. A hi-res A2 poster is also part of the package. The standout tracks on the sixth LP include Kruder's 11-minute remix of Madonna's 'Nothing Really Matters', along with K&D's interpretation of Roni Size's 'Heroes' and U.F.O.'s 'L.O.V.E.'. Lewis Taylor's 'Lucky' appears in two remixed forms, one dubbed out and the other vocal-driven. This deluxe release elevates the original The K&D Sessions, which became the soundtrack for countless late 90s afterparties and lounge sessions, to new heights with a beautifully crafted presentation fitting for its enduring legacy.