Essential Vibes - Roy Ayers

Advantages: Great songs, great playing
Disadvantages: vocals an acquired taste

...Kevin Ayers has always had a reputation as being one of the great under-achievers of British Rock music. In many ways this is true because although Ayers had the looks, the talent, the rich baritone voice, the laconic charm and the charisma to be a star (Bryan Ferry would have given his right arm to be as naturally stylish as Kev), he never could quite get himself together enough to make the step up from cult figure status. Thing is, Kev didn't seem to care too much anyway. As long as he could afford to indulge his passion for fine wines and soak up the sun in the Med then he was perfectly content. All of this made for a body of work that varies wildly in style and consistency, but when he was on form Ayers could seduce your ears like few other singer-songwriters. "Whatevershebringswesing" was his third album since departing... Read review

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Advantages: One of the greatest voices - and 41 tracks
Disadvantages: Lack of date information for tracks [see text]

...? If not, this will surprise you, though personally I'm not over-keen on these two songs and would much rather hear him on his own material. In fact, this collection is so diverse that I find myself wondering how appropriate the title 'Love Songs' is. Especially when it includes his versions of 'Land of 1000 Dances' and 'Run Baby Run'. Roy Orbison sings Wilson Pickett and the Newbeats? Well, yes - and very well too. But love songs? Er, let's not split hairs. What I will register a (little) whinge about is the packaging. Several of these recordings are listed in the booklet as being © 1997 or 2000. Are they all remixes? All right, I know that a lot of people who buy love song compilations may not be unduly bothered about such niceties, but Roy died in 1988 and I for one would have appreciated knowing the date they were... Read review

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Advantages: Great triple CD
Disadvantages: None

...Essential Afroboeat is essential if you are in any way interested in Afrobeat music. The CD sleeve notes bake a somewhat bold claim. "This is Afrobeat: The past, the present and the future. Contributions to this compilation come from all the corners of the Earth, with influences from every culture of the world. Fela said that Africa was "The centre of the world." This compilation has proved him right: Afrobeat is afrian and Africa is at the centre. The contribution of each artist to this compilation is testimony to the fact that Afrobeat is universal." But are these sleeve notes right? Yeah. I guess they are, pretty much. There's a glittering array of some of the best of the most talented musicians from Africa. There's Fela Kuti himself, with his super-eclectic style, which combines elements of R&B, Reggae, Ska and some hard pushing... Read review

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