It’s been about quarter of the century since AGITATION FREE, one of the most unhinged Krautrock collective’s delivered their last studio work, the only reminder of the band’s post-“River Of Return” existence being "Shibuya Nights" – a concert performed back in 2007 and released in 2011. But the veterans’ intention always was to come up with something fresh, and on November 24th this fresh album will hit the shelves with a bang.
Unfortunately, not every artist is also an entertainer, yet Geraint Watkins most certainly can be considered one – suffice to remember the Welsh pianist’s Facebook videos posted during the pandemic, the clips in which he boogied with total abandon near beside a toy train set and blew a wooden train whistle. The veteran has played almost with everyone who is, or was, anyone, including such luminaries as Paul McCartney, Bill Wyman and, as accordionist, Rory Gallagher, and, of course, he’s recorded quite a few solo albums since 1979. One of these, “In A Bad Mood” from 2008, a platter that features his old friend and frequent collaborator Nick Lowe, will soon see an expanded reissue.
It’s not easy to be a Bill Nelson fan, as the English musician’s discography – original platters, previously unissued albums, archival recordings – seems rather labyrinthine. More so, the veteran’s cinematic instrumental works like "Dreamy Screens" seem to be outbalancing his song-based efforts which had been attracting a solid following ever after such classics as "Sunburst Finish" ruled the waves. This is why the prospect of the great guitarist’s forthcoming release feels so arresting.
Most of the world may forever associate Kiki Dee‘s name with that of Elton John with whom she duetted on “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” back in 1976 – but there’s much more to the English chanteuse than that Number 1 single which the duo performed on-stage a few times, including Live Air. 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of her first platter, and it’s great to see Dee’s complete recordings’ reissues in box sets reaching their third era, with the three discs of 2020’s “The Fontana & Motown Years” comprising Kiki’s ’60s output and five CDs of 2019’s “The Rocket Years” rounding up her ’70s gems are followed by the four discs of “The Ariola & EMI Years”: more than a mere compilation of the artiste’s ’80s releases.
Arguably the first album where the previously emergent greatness of PINK FLOYD became apparent and probably their last platter to feature vestiges of the ensemble’s intrepid experimentation, “Atom Heart Mother” has long been overdue for a proper reissue – and it’s finally scheduled for a deluxe edition. However, what will be out on December 8th is to differ from earlier box sets, as there are only two discs: CD and Blu-ray.
