Charleston Era, The (The Definitive Album - 25 Vintage Recordings 1925-1930) - Various Artists

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

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A complete tour around the world of The Clash
Disadvantages: They included one or two naff singles

.... London, during the rage of the Punk era, was a place, I can recall with nervousness and also disillusionment. The Clash, here, were reality tellers of the time. Their tracks had been used as anthems of forces agonist their messages of racism, but Punk had been considered 'white' music. It was Ska that came out of it, on a watered down theme, the same as new wave, who introduced white and black artists appearing in the same bands. Released in June 1978, it only struggled to number 32. 'Tommy Gun, and 'English Civil War,' also featured the opinions of the band members on certain issues raised in the late seventies. The latter used the same based tune as 'The Animals Went In Two By Two,' but in Punk, anything was possible. We may snigger but who can forget The Pistols' 'God Save The Queen'? Highlighting issues of War and racism, both... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Varied popular songs plus some obscure ones
Disadvantages: The obscure songs are probably not to everyones taste

...This is the second CD I have brought from this series, I find these CD's a general overview of the years music relating to well known tracks to some that are unknown to me. This therefore make is a very good album to listen to as you know what you are getting from some of the songs. artists like Sterophonics, Muse, Athlete, The Libertines and so on are well known and will appeal to the majority. There are however some more obscure songs bands like Client, Bees, which although are not to bad for my taste they may not appeal to everyone. On the whole I have found this to be a good album in my collection and one that I will listen to if I can not make up my mind. If you like the main popular songs on this album then I would recommend to have this in your collection.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful