Moonlight In Vermont (25 Original Mono Recordings 1943-1949) - Margaret Whiting

Advantages: A mix of the classics + no hit wonders who deserve a 2nd listen
Disadvantages: The last disc tails off abit, but 3½ discs are excellent

...), the couple of hit wonders (Tenpole Tudor, Lene Lovitch), the cult Heroes (Wreckless Eric, Kirsty MacColl), and the complete unknowns (Mickey Jupp, Lew Lewis). The surprise is that while I was originally interested in the early 80’s it is the records from the mid to late 70s which are the best, when Stiff was really at the cutting edge and all the records had that roughness that makes the song sound real, and not the plastic rubbish around today. A history lesson first: In 1975 the music business was in a similar state to today with the charts being dominated by serious musos or kiddie pop (think Radiohead or S Club for a 90s comparison) and the punk ethos not yet launched. Jake Riviera and Dave Robinson, managers of several pub rock bands, decided to launch their own label with £400 borrowed from Lee Brilleaux, Dr Feelgood’s singer... Read review

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Advantages: Diversity, readiness to take chances and break new ground
Disadvantages: Self-indulgent in places, with a marked lack of quality control

...anniversary edition was issued in a cardboard sleeve as a miniature replica of the original album complete with a mini-poster and the four colour postcards that accompanied the initial release. And if that's not enough, for those of you who still collect vinyl and must have everything (and there are Beatles fans who must), the record originally came out in both mono and stereo, with very different mixes on some tracks in order to lure the affluent completist. Do you really need to know about the 1978 white vinyl limited edition? Ahem, thought not.. Four stars might be a little generous. When it's good it's terrific, but it has plenty of dross which makes one grateful for the Skip button. Frankly I reckon it's rather more highly regarded in the group's back catalogue than it deserves. It wouldn't be my recommendation to anyone who's never... Read review

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Advantages: Well worth the money, can watch over and over again
Disadvantages: A little bit short on running time

...A Black & White Delight!! I find there is nothing better on a miserable day than to settle down with the fire on to watch an old black & white movie! Now for those of you who are too young to remember, and that of course includes me (not!), before colour television was available all programmes were viewed in black and white. Not only were the old movies televised in black & white, but the original footage is in black & white, due to the lack of technology then of colour film. What a strange concept by today’s standards, actually filming something which is obviously in varying colour, but the outcome you see is nothing but black and white. However, that for me is the magic of those old movies, a captured period of time gone by… However, today, with all technology available to enhance the finished footage…….. Why would you... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful