Back in stock: Progressive Rock

Review: A stunning journey across musical landscapes, courtesy of Ayers' diverse artistic vision, the album opens with the expansive and orchestral 'There is Loving/Among Us/There is Loving,' a progressive epic that sets a grand tone, followed by the dreamy and affectionate 'Margaret,' a psychedelic ode to Ayers' girlfriend at the time. 'Oh My' sees proceedings taking a playful turn, infusing New Orleans jazz influences into a catchy singalong track that exudes charm. 'Song From The Bottom Of A Well' ventures into psychedelic territory with its haunting atmosphere and experimental soundscapes as Ayers pushes the boundaries. Whatevershebringswesing, the title track, unfolds beautifully over its eight-minute duration, featuring the soulful vocals of his Soft Machine comrade Robert Wyatt and stellar guitar work by Mike Oldfield. It's a highlight praised for its laid-back vibe and intricate musicality. 'Stranger In Blue Suede Shoes' injects a dose of old-fashioned rock 'n' roll energy with infectious piano riffs and memorable lyrics. 'Champagne Cowboy Blues' offers a nod to country-western music, enriched by Mike Oldfield's evocative guitar solos and subtle fiddle embellishments. The album closes with 'Lullaby,' a serene and enchanting piece enhanced by Didier Malherbe's flute and soothing piano, creating a perfect conclusion to Ayers' musical narrative.

Review: Dando Shaft were a British folk rock band active during the early 70s, and at the time of the release of their debut self-titler, all seemed to be looking up. This is reflected in its sound as much, with the album combining original songwriting and a sunny acoustic disposition with regional folk musics, whether they hailed from or near their local Coventry, or the furthest-Eastern corners of the globe. Trading Places do well to reissue this one, as it's a time-honoured classic that does solid justice to Dando Shaft's cache as one of the foremost group figures in the English folk revival movement of the 1960s and 70s.

Review: Perhaps in the future, we'll eat sauerkraut pills instead of having to actually pickle cabbage in order to make it. Such are the musings that compilations like The Future Sounds Of Kraut inspire - but also, perhaps by pure happenstance, they also lead us to wonder: what about the evolution of the contemporary German electronic rock genre of the same name? Celebrating the legacy and influence of the genre and movement that emerged in Germany in the late 1960s and early 70s - but not indulging derivations of your usual Clusters and Cans - this full-length compilation from Compost brings together 19 contemporary krautrock masterpieces, with choice, twinkly cuts from bands and solo artists including Musiccargo, Listening Center, Kosmischer Laufer and Pyrolator. Listen no further than here to hear the changing tide of kraut.

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


For this outing, the mighty Dusty Donuts crew return to Queensbridge where they cross paths with a 'Lost Girl' which featured on a legendary mixtape by one of QB's finest. The bouncy, choppy Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop Late Night Remix is guaranteed to energise any crowd with its well-programmed beats. On the flipside, the vibe shifts from Queensbridge to Staten Island and brings a unique sound that woos in a different fashion. This heavy soul classic arrives in true Shaolin style with dark, choppy soul chords and classic hip-hop beats. Both of these tracks command attention with powerful drums while the synths connect with both mind and soul.

Review: Syd Barrett recorded a special set just for the legendary John Peel Sessions for the cult Top Gear show which was presented by Peel himself on February 24, 1970. This is a record that captures exactly what he played and the selection also includes three extra unreleased songs recorded for a Bob Harris Sounds of the Seventies show almost exactly one year later. The tunes are paired with an equally historic Pink Floyd performance and the whole lot comes on a nice coloured slab of vinyl. It's a great way to relive a great time in prog.