Santana - The Ultimate Collection [2 CD, 1998/FLAC]

 There are a couple of Santana best-of compilations out there, and even a few mastersound gold-plated CDs, but this collection is as good a place as any for a newcomer to explore. It contains the band's three essential charters--"Black Magic Woman," "Evil Ways," and "Oye Como Va"--along with some lesser hits. Santana broke barriers, making ethnic-influenced music palatable to the mainstream, but this set doesn't sound like a history lesson. Few bands have ever made better music for driving on a hot summer day, and this CD is ideal for blasting out the windows of your car on a crowded thoroughfare.

Fairport Convention - The Cropredy Box [ CD, 1998]

The Cropredy Box is an album by Fairport Convention recorded at their annual live concert in Cropredy, Oxfordshire, England to celebrate the band's thirtieth anniversary in 1997. Featuring many songs for which the band had become noted, the set also features performances from many former members including violinist Dave Swarbrick, original vocalist Judy Dyble, and Ralph McTell. Commentary is provided by their first manager, Joe Boyd, and Ashley Hutchings.

The album was packaged as three-CD boxed set including a booklet which featured a description of the compilation by Simon Nicol, track listings, and photographs from the concert itself. Extras were a track recorded for a Ken Russell documentary film about traditional music, and a prank phone call to Dave Swarbrick which had circulated on tape amongst the band's fans for many years. 

Queen- Rare Cuts Vol. 1- 6 (6 CD, 2011-2012)

 

Ultimate rarities 1973 - 1995

Rare Cuts Vol. 1 is the first release of a new Queen-dedicated label Master Stroke.  Like QDA a decade ago, their initial efforts focus upon collecting upgrades of very common material and mixing up with much more rare tracks.

Selwyn Birchwood - Pick Your Poison (2017/FLAC)

 
Pick Your Poison is the sophomore album from contemporary blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Selwyn Birchwood. The record seamlessly continues the momentum generated by Birchwood’s impressive 2014 debut, Don’t Call No Ambulance. So much so that if party blues isn’t already a genre, then Selwyn Birchwood just invented it – right from playful jazz-flute-led stomper, “Trial By Fire,” declaring the festivities via drummer Courtney “Big Love” Girlie’s militaristic drum rolls.

Dickey Betts - Official Bootleg Vol 1 (2 CD.2021.FLAC)

 Allman Brothers Band founding member Dickey Betts and his band Great Southern have announced a live release due out in late April, Official Bootleg Vol. 1. The record was released Apr. 30.

The new set features material culled from various live shows in the mid 2000s, including several never-before-released tracks. Nearly all the songs are Betts originals, including Allman Brothers’ classics such as “Jessica,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Blue Sky,” and more. The new record also features material from Betts’ solo albums and a couple of choice covers.