Prince - The Truth, the acoustic album that was originally released as part of the 4 disc Crystal Ball set.
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One of the finest bands to ever come from Aus. Great live and brilliant albums, the complete package. 
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The Gladiators - Symbol Of Reality (Omnivore/Nighthawk/Tidal)
Remastered, 1982 roots reggae classic, includes four previously unissued tracks.
“Dread is me culture, know wha’ I mean? Me could not a sing reggae music and really be a man that trim. Ha fe be a dread. When I say dread, a Rastaman, know wha’ I mean? I ha fe dread because every song that I sing is dread. The way I sing it is dread. Yeah, the music itself dread… Just I way deh. One o’ the humble, one o’ de meek, one o’ de cool, but very vicious when I deal with music… A real reggae singer ha fe be forceful. A forceful reg¬gae singer will always survive. Reggae music, man—it might look simple, but it naw so simple, you know. You ha fe ready and you ha fe ready with the punch. You ha fe ready to attack and very swift. You see a karate man punch a man, you know, and move again. Well it’s just same way reggae. You ha fe tense your body to sing reggae.”
—Albert Griffiths
Albert Griffiths founded the Gladiators in 1966 after some success on his own. The group scored their first hit, produced by legendary producer Coxsone Dodd, with “Hello Carol” in 1968. During the ’70s the Gladiators made their way through releases on labels like Studio One, Upsetter, Virgin, and Groovemaster. 1980 found the Gladiators working with producer, and pre-“Electric Avenue” hitmaker, Eddy Grant on the album Gladiators, which also featured members of the band Aswad lending a musical hand.
On 1982’s Symbol Of Reality, their first for the Nighthawk Records label, they revisited their own catalog of songs re-recording their classics, “Dreadlocks The Time Is Now” (appearing here as “Streets Of Gold”), “Watch Out” and “Big Boo Boo Deh” (returning retitled as “Cheater”) while also paying homage to The Wailers with covers “Small Axe” and “Stand Alone,” both written by Bob Marley.
This newly remastered CD of the album features the original ten tracks, the two bonus tracks that were added to the original 1997 Nighthawk CD reissue, “Symbol Version” and “Righteous Man Version,” plus four previously unissued tracks, “Streets Of Gold Version,” “Not Afraid To Fight Version,” “Symbol Of Reality Instrumental Dub” and “Streets Of Gold Instrumental Dub.” Original liner notes are also included. The reissue has been overseen by original Nighthawk Records’ producer Leroy Jodie Pierson and Grammy® Award-winning producer, Cheryl Pawelski, and has been remastered from the original tapes by Grammy® Award-winning engineer, Michael Graves. The remastered LP contains the original album’s track list with liner notes and a gatefold jacket.
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Absolutely Pete. Don’t suppose you’ve any intel on the quality of the 13-LP box set that was released a few years ago? It seems to have mixed reviews. Would love to have the Oils on vinyl, but only audiophile. Otherwise, I’ll stick with my CDs.
The Black breast has produced her best, flesh of my skin Blood of her blood (VP Randy’s 17th North Parade/Tidal)
The brilliant, hard to find mystical and often mythical Keith Hudson- Flesh Of My Blood album restored (with it’s full and proper title) and re-issued by VP Records.
VP vinyl is very hit and miss but all their digital releases are superb on stream
On October 22nd, 2021, VP Music Group reissues reggae singer and producer Keith Hudson’s obscure and edgy masterpiece, Flesh Of My Skin, Blood Of My Blood on vinyl and CD, and for the first time, on digital streaming platforms.
The album, Hudson’s fourth, was released in 1974 to critical reception in London, paving the way for his future success and setting a foundation for his creative legacy, which was cut tragically short when he died from cancer in 1984. Hudson’s original records are to this day some of the most sought after by reggae vinyl collectors.
In Jamaica, Hudson is best known for his standout hit record with Big Youth, “Ace Ninety Skank” and his debut production with singer Ken Boothe “Old Fashioned Way.” From there Hudson’s output maximized the use of remix and versions that were the hallmark of early dancehall and soundsystem culture.
VP’s meticulous remaster of the original Mamba pressing of Flesh Of My Skin, Blood Of My Blood includes three tracks not on that original, plus extensive liner notes from Hudson biographer Vincent Ellis, combining to make this the definitive release of an obscure reggae classic.
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Megumi Mesaku - Saxy Rocksteady (Mafia & Fluxy LP)
The lovely Japanese Saxophonist, busking on the tube over old Treasure Isle Rock Steady backing tracks, someone filmed her and the YouTube clip went viral bringing her to the attention of UK’s brilliant riddim twins and producers Mafia & Fluxy, who took her to their studio and crafted this sublime re- creation of that classic Rock Steady sound but with nice clear modern production values.
In simple, bloody good, have a couple of sherberts crank up the woofers, feel the vibe and smile 
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Not sure about the vinyl I’ll dig around and ask a mate who has a lot of vinyl. Wish they’d at least release hi res versions. Seen them a few times but the best was the Sydney Entertainment Centre early 80s, they were on fire. They’re currently working on a new album, this worries me as these reunions often do more harm than good to their legacy.
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Pat Metheny Group The Road To You, Live In Europe / 1993 Geffen / Japan CD / MVG124
Starting Sunday with this excellent Live CD to raise the spirits.
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John Coltrane - Impressions
I’m playing this because it features the track After the Rain, which was played on last evening’s J to Z programme on BBC Radio 3. The album also features India and Impressions, taken from the exceptional Village Vanguard set from 1961.
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Lisa Mills - Mama’s Juke Book (Angel Edition)
Lisa found this old tattered notebook hidden in her late mother’s possessions, in the notebook were handwritten song lyrics from the 70’s. The songs resonated with Lisa and she decided to record them, she deconstructed the songs and brought them back to life in her own bluesy style. A stunning stripped down and atmospheric album, coupled with Josephine’s (Lisa’s 1947 Epiphone Archtop guitar) beautiful rich tones, make this another wonderful album from Lisa.
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Pretty much anything by him. One of my very favorite contemporary composers and pianists.
