Ron Goodwin was a brilliant composer who studied the synthesis of sounds from Eastern and Western cultures. This digitally remastered collection includes two soundtracks from his 1959 and 1962 LP releases. Ron Goodwin creates classic compositions from popular Lebanese instrumentation originally performed by the Rahbani Brothers. For a truly authentic experience, listen to the album with an aroma of flavoured tobacco and you will encounter a beautiful kaleidoscope of Lebanese music.

Sex Mob presents a collection of brilliant avant-jazz arrangements from five James Bond soundtracks. “Sex Mob Does Bond” includes special guest John Medeski performing on organ with Sex Mob’s stylish and sophiscated reinterpretations of John Barry classics: “James Bond With Bongos”, “Nobody Does It Better”, and “007”. “You Only Live Twice” combines a porn-groove beat with a sensual performance from slide-trumpeter and Sex Mob leader Steven Bernstein. Whilst “Dr. Yes (Reprise)” is a orgasmic celebration that concludes this accessible, humourous, and sexy tribute to Bond.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” was a phenomenally successful rock opera originally composed by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice. John Keating’s cover is a groovy-moog infused electronica-funk flavoured highlight on this compilation. If you like this cover, you’ll love the moog music supplied by The Moog Cookbook. “The Sound Gallery, Vol. 1” also features the kitsch jazziness of “The Penthouse Suite” by Syd Dale, used as the title theme to the hilarious British television show “Tarrant On TV”.

“Irony Is A Dead Scene” features guest vocalist Mike Patton on each of the four EP tracks. Their cover of “Come To Daddy” is a loyal tribute to the twisted classic from experimental-electronica artist Aphex Twin. Mike Patton joined Dillinger for their New Years Eve 2002 live performance where they surprised audienced members with two great covers. Opening with “Malpractice” (Faith No More) which was never actually performed by Faith No More on their live tours worldwide. During the same set, Dillinger performed their unique take on “Like I Love You” (Justin Timberlake & Clipse).

Cheap-pop covers performed by two off-key vocalists armed with a Casio WK-1500 keyboard and Boss DR 550 MKII drum machine. Includes hilarious reinterpretations of “Walking On The Sun” (Smash Mouth), “Mrs. Robinson” (Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel), “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (Nirvana), and “What’s Up” (4 Non Blondes). This live recording even includes “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (The Rolling Stones) cleverly combined with “Cast Your Fate To The Wind” (Vince Guaraldi), plus a lyrical take on the “Mission: Impossible” theme originally composed by Lalo Schifrin.

This straight cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” has vocalist Leif Garrett joining forces with mighty rock monsters The Melvins. “The Crybaby” also features collaborations with Tool on “Divorced”, Skeleton Key on “Spineless”, and Mike Patton appearing as guest vocalist on “G.I. Joe”. A special mention should be made to power-jazz-trio The Bad Plus, who have produced a stunning instrumental version of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on piano, bass, and drums. The Melvins provide plenty to listen to in their prolific music portfolio.

This self-titled debut from The Moog Cookbook features nine more moog arrangements: “Buddy Holly” (Weezer), “Basket Case” (Green Day), “Come Out And Play” (The Offspring), “Free Fallin'” (Tom Petty), “Are U Gonna Go My Way” (Lenny Kravitz), “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (Nirvana), “Evenflow” (Pearl Jam), “The One I Love” (R.E.M.), and “Keep On Rockin’ In The Free World” (Neil Young). After several spins of this album you’ll either love or hate the sound of moog synthesisers buzzing in your ear.

The Moog Cookbook’s “Ye Olde Space Band..” has nine other moog covers: “Cat Scratch Fever” (Ted Nugent), “Sweet Home Alabama” (Lynrd Skynrd), “More Than A Feelin'” (Boston), “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love” (Van Halen), “Whole Lotta Love” (Led Zeppelin), “Ziggy Stardust” (David Bowie), “25 Or 6 To 4” (Chicago), “Hotel California” (Eagles), and “Rock And Roll All Night” (KISS). A personal favourite features on the vinyl-only release “Kelly Watch The Stars (The Moog Cookbook Remix)” from French DJ duo known as Air.

Trevor Dunn’s Trio-Convulsant is a jazz trio incorporating elements of rock music within a compositional framework. The music contains complicated musical passages allowing free improvisation from each participating musician. Trevor Dunn’s latest release “Sister Phantom Owl Fish” from Ipecac Recordings, contains a great selection of original music, plus cover songs of Andre Previn’s “I’m Sick” and Duke Ellington’s “The Single Petal Of The Rose”. Trio-Convulsant includes guitarist Mary Halvorson and drummer Ches Smith.

Tub Ring‘s “Book Of Water” includes “Teen Beat Medley” aka “Pop Medley (Part 1)” that offers punk-pop arrangements of “What A Girl Wants” (Christina Aguilera), “Larger Than Life” (Backstreet Boys), and “Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” (Britney Spears). Available online is their “Pop Medley (Part 2)” that mashes “All The Things She Said” (Tatu), “Gossip Folks” (Missy Elliott & Ludacris), “Jenny From The Block” (Jennifer Lopez & Lox), “Get The Party Started” (Pink), and “Like I Love You” (Justin Timberlake & Clipse).

Avant-pop-rockers The Scallions pay tribute to one of their greatest influences by performing “In San Francisco” by The Residents for this multi-artist compilation. F.E.S.T.E.R. represents Friends Encouraging Smelly Tonguers to Emulate the Residents. Disc 1E is primarily a collection of experimental and electronic artists, whereas Disc 2A contains a selection of alternative-indie musicians. “F.E.S.T.E.R: A Tribute To The Residents” showcases talented artists all with an affinity for the avant-garde, and an appreciation for weirdly wonderful music.

Tzadik’s third release in a series entitled “Great Jewish Music”. This one is a tribute to the great T. Rex vocalist and guitarist, Marc Bolan. “Chariot Choogle” is the first appearance of Fantômas where all vocals and music were performed by Mike Patton. Also features “Scenescof” by Trey Spruance, “Life’s A Gas” by love-rock group Elysian Fields, “Buick MacKane” by The Melvins, and an awesome cover of “20th Century Boy” by virtuoso experimental guitarist Buckethead. A essential album for fans of Marc Bolan and T. Rex.

This collection from Tzadik Records pays tribute to the French love-song crooner, Serge Gainsbourg. “Great Jewish Music: Serge Gainsbourg” includes an outstanding cover of “Ford Mustang” by Mike Patton. This compilation also features John Zorn’s interpretation of “Contact”, Elysian Fields covering “Les Amours Perdues”, Medeski, Martin & Wood reinventing the “Intoxicated Man”, Shelley Hirshch quirkie vocalization of “Comic Strip”, and a somber song called “Black Trombone” from Marc Ribot.

Wonderful World Of Joey are a pseudo-lounge-exotica collective who have performed in various venues throughout Los Angeles. “What Sweet Child Of O’ Mine Is This?” is a swanky-jazz-lounge hybrid of the festive poem “What Child Is This?” by William Chatterton Dix and the rock anthem “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. A humourous song that amazingly blends both tracks perfectly. Wonderful World Of Joey also loungify Henry Mancini’s “Days Of Wine And Roses” on the second track of this rare CD-Single.