A&M Years, The - Hoyt Axton

Advantages: Well compiled collection
Disadvantages: Not all best tracks included

...Stax is one of the most famous Blues and Soul record labels, which was responsible for recording some of the best known artist of that genre. It was formed in Memphis in 1957 by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton as Satellite records but changed its name to Stax (a play on the owners surnames STewart and Axton). It will always be associated with the development of Southern Soul, Chicago Blues and early funk as well as recording some of the first ethnically mixed bands, something very rare in that period. The label finally went bankrupt in 1976 but Fantasy Records eventually bought it primarily for its superb back catalogue and since 2004 they have been re-issuing some of the more popular recording s as well as some compilations. ‘The Stax Story’ is a massive four cd compilation of the best of the output from the famous Stax record label... Read review

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Advantages: Brilliant comeback
Disadvantages: Quite short at only 34 minutes

...Since the departure of drummer Bill Berry in 1996, R.E.M. have appeared to be on a downward spiral with their last album, Around the Sun, almost ruining their career, and there were few peole who believed that they could recover. Nearly four years later, they released Accelerate; an album that really goes back to the roots of R.E.M. and what they are really about. Gone are the soft, safe sounds of Up and Around the Sun, and the more alternative, distinctive sounds of Life's Rich Pageant and Green and the other early albums begin to show through. With the catchy chorus of Man-Sized Wreath and the haunting melody of Hollow Man, and songs as fast and furious as Living Well is the Best Revenge and I'm Gonna DJ, R.E.M. have definitely made a comeback to remember with Accelerate.... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastic album, each track could be released as a single, and some really good cover images too
Disadvantages: anoying talking between Survivor and Bootilicious

...It takes alot to be able to say that this is the album of the year for me, although this one surely has got to be a contendor! The album is the 3rd from the Destinys Child stables, and features 18 classic tracks which could each be released as a single! The title track Survivor as well as the smash hit single Independant Woman parts one and two are both included, along with the sultry sounding Bootylicious which has been previewed on the TV channels. As I said earlier on each of the album tracks could be released as a single in its own right, and hopefully many of them will be. There is one draw back on the album, at the end of Survivor, the girls talk in a rather strange way which spoils the flow of the album a little, although maybe I'm just complaining because it means I can't leave the album on when I'm DJ'ing! All in all... Read review

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