Various Artists

Even Serpents Shine

Twentieth anniversary edition of '80s classic expanded with live songs, sessions and rarities

Various Artists – The Trip: Created By St Etienne

Epic two-CD 'vinyl junkie' retro-mix from Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs

Various Artists – The Magic Of Motown

A 45th anniversary double-disc celebration of Berry's empire, featuring favourites and odd surprises

Various Artists – From A Man Of Mysteries: A Steve Wynn Tribute

All-star salute to one of America's finest talents

Various Artists – Touch My Heart: A Tribute To Johnny Paycheck

Drunk, addict, jailbird: Paycheck's tortured life too often obscured his talent. George Jones' bassist/harmony singer in the early '60s, his tough baritone, at its peak, was Jones' only equal. Eighteen months after his death, this Robbie Fulks-produced salute expertly summons Paycheck's soulful heartache. Gorgeous George himself tackles "She's All I Got", Neko Case adds fiery flash to "If I'm Gonna Sink" and Dave Alvin does outlaw twang-fest "11 Months And 29 Days", alongside Marshall Crenshaw, Mavis Staples and Bobby Bare Jr.

High Elf Esteem

From cross-legged cult to major pop star in three years. The first five albums, plus outtakes and alternate versions

Various Artists – Rough Trade Shops Indiepop 1

Even before Belle & Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand cited jangling, DiY indie as a touchstone, it had influenced Kurt Cobain (who covered The Vaselines' "Molly's Lips", featured here), the Manics and Saint Etienne. Essentially, indie-pop continued where Postcard records (Orange Juice, Josef K et al) left off a few years earlier (though minus the soul influences).

Various Artists – Por Vida: A Tribute To The Songs Of Alejandro Escovedo

Star-crossed line-up shines on underrated singer's catalogue

Various Artists – Philadelphia Roots 2

Another tasteful Soul Jazz series rolls on

Various Artists – Studio One Funk

Nineteen Jamaican 'versions' of US soul/funk tunes
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