A sequel of sorts to ABKCO’s three boxes of singles replicas from the mid-2000s, Universal’s The Singles: 1971-2006 is a gargantuan 45-disc box set that offers single replicas of every 45 the Rolling Stones released between Sticky Fingers and A Bigger Bang. Singles that saw release over multiple formats, whether they’re 12" dance singles or multi-format CD singles, see their various B-sides combined onto one CD, resulting in a whopping total of 173 tracks, 80 of which are “not currently available on official release.” This is a true statement but it greatly overestimates the actual number of genuine rarities here: most of these cuts are dubs, remixes, and extended versions, with only a small handful of B-sides being non-LP cuts…

I confidently recommend this DVD with 15 videos featuring Suzanne Vega to any of her many fans. It includes most of her very best known songs, with 'Marlene on the wall' being the striking exception…

If Cloud Nine were simply a decent record, it would still mark a major comeback for George Harrison, whose latter-day solo efforts have for the most part presented little more than a tired blend of spiritual, romantic and musical banalities. But the good news is that Cloud Nine — Harrison's first album since 1982's Gone Troppo — is considerably more than merely decent; it is in fact an expertly crafted, endlessly infectious record that constitutes Harrison's best album since 1970's inspired All Things Must Pass.

Russian comrades Cephalic Impurity approach us with their sophomore full-length. The name, record title, band logo and awesome cover painting (whoever did that, mad props!) give the impression of death metal, of the kind you don’t play for your grandma, if you’re not looking to assist and speed up her journey into the next world. And the illusion is not shattered upon pressing “play”; CI play brutal death metal with some technical flair, and they do it good.

Beatsystem aka Derek Pierce were formed 1985 to play systems music in rock venues and clubs. It consisted of various members of staff and students from his place of work and proved an interesting and rewarding experience. It was however abandoned in 1987 when too many students left after finishing their courses. Beatsystem then decided to become studio based. After two minor hits with dance tracks for Island records he returned to his main interest, electronic and computer music.

The Straight Edge Quintet from Long Island New York, THE WORLD WE KNEW, has no doubt been making an impressive impression for themselves across the nation due to their unyielding touring, exhilarating stage presence, and exceptional musicianship. Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed/Kingdom of Sorrow frontman) for one has also taken notice to this and has welcomed them to the family of Stillborn Records.