Released in 1991 by Rhino Records and Warner Special Products, Never Mind the Mainstream: The Best of MTV's 120 Minutes Vol. 1 & 2 captures the definitive snapshot of college rock, post-punk, and underground alternative music just before grunge reshaped the mainstream landscape. Serving as an essential companion to MTV's iconic late-night alternative show hosted by Dave Kendall, this 32-track double-volume compilation brings together influential classics from R.E.M., Joy Division, Depeche Mode, New Order, The Stone Roses, The Cure, Sonic Youth, The Violent Femmes, and Ministry. Compiled by Kurt Steffek and remastered by Bob Fisher, it stands as an unbeatable time capsule of smart, left-of-center '80s and early '90s music.

Released in 1991 on Creed Taylor's legendary CTI Records label, Music On The Edge is an energetic, star-studded jazz-fusion project led by producer and keyboardist Jim Beard under the group alias Chroma. Assembling a virtual supergroup of early-1990s fusion elite—including guitarists Mike Stern and Jon Herington, saxophonist Bob Berg, trumpeter Randy Brecker, bassist Mark Egan, drummer Dennis Chambers, and percussionist Mino Cinelu—the album balances powerhouse electric grooves with sophisticated modern arrangements. Reimagining Aaron Copland's "Fanfare For The Common Man" and Joaquin Rodrigo's "Concierto De Aranjuez" alongside original fusion compositions like "Lessons," "Squids," and "Glazed," the release remains a quintessential, highly polished hallmark of post-bop electric jazz.

Founded in the southern German city of Bietigheim-Bissingen by Heiko Maile, Oliver Kreyssig and Marcus Meyn in the year 1984, the band Camouflage scored an unexpected international hit with their debut album ‘Voices & Images’ in 1988. Their sophomore album ‘Methods Of Silence’, released just a year later, was an even bigger success. Songs like ‘The Great Commandment’ and ‘Love Is A Shield’, went on to become perennial classics of the synth pop genre. For the production of their third album ‘Meanwhile’ Heiko Maile and Marcus Meyn (Oliver Kreyssig has left the band by then) were striking a new path. They recorded the songs with a band lineup with real drums, bass, guitar and keyboards. To mark the 30th anniversary of the album, the band opened up the archives to assemble a special bonus edition including a wealth of rare and unreleased recordings, limited to 500 triple LP sets and 1,500 double CDs.

Originally released in 1991 and reissued in a remastered 20th Anniversary Edition by Hip-O Select in 2011, International Pop Overthrow is the seminal debut album by Chicago power pop trio Material Issue. Produced by Jeff Murphy of Shoes, the album revitalized the power pop genre in the early 1990s with its irresistible combination of razor-sharp guitar hooks, driving rhythms, and front man Jim Ellison's infectious sing-along songwriting. Featuring classic modern rock radio singles like "Valerie Loves Me" and "Diane," this expanded edition includes 8 bonus tracks—featuring rare promotional recordings, live takes, an early session version of "Sixteen Tambourines," and the previously unreleased gem "The Girl With The Saddest Eyes." A essential masterpiece of 90s alternative power pop.

Released in 1991 on the Sonovision label, Dance Carolina Dance is an energetic early 1990s dance compilation capturing the explosive rise of European club music, Euro-house, and Italodance. Bringing together a floor-filling selection of original tracks and early 90s dance-floor covers, the collection features club favorites such as Raimunda Navarro's "Jungle Fever" alongside Euro-style renditions of iconic hits like "Gonna Make You Sweat," "The Power," and "Cinema." A fun, nostalgic time capsule for fans of early Eurodance, classic house beats, and 90s club culture.

Recorded live on February 15, 1991, at the famous Sweet Basil jazz club in Greenwich Village, New York, and released in 1995 on Evidence Music, My Funny Valentine captures one of the most revered rhythm sections in modern jazz history. Master pianist Cedar Walton, legendary bassist Ron Carter, and peerless drummer Billy Higgins—performing together as the Sweet Basil Trio—deliver expansive, masterclass interpretations of classic jazz standards. Highlighted by a sprawling, 15-minute exploration of the title track alongside swinging renditions of "Just in Time" and Monk's "'Round Midnight," the trio's fluid communication, exquisite acoustic balance, and effortless groove showcase piano trio interplay at its finest.

Sonny Boy Williamson was, in many ways, the ultimate blues legend. By the time of his death in 1965, he had been around long enough to have played with Robert Johnson at the start of his career and Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Robbie Robertson at the end of it. In between, he drank a lot of whiskey, hobo'ed around the country, had a successful radio show for 15 years, toured Europe to great acclaim, and simply wrote, played, and sang some of the greatest blues ever etched into Black phonograph records. His delivery was sly, evil and world-weary, while his harp-playing was full of short, rhythmic bursts one minute and powerful, impassioned blowing the next. His songs were chock-full of mordant wit, with largely autobiographical lyrics that hold up to the scrutiny of the printed page. Though he took his name from another well-known harmonica player, no one really sounded like him.

Originally recorded in March 1976 at Generation Sound Studios in New York City and reissued on CD in 1991 by Black Saint, Trickles brings together two titan collaborators of the 1960s avant-garde: soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy and trombonist Roswell Rudd. Supported by the agile, resonant bass of Kent Carter and the dynamic, swinging pulse of drummer Beaver Harris, the piano-less quartet tackles five intriguing Lacy compositions. From the intricate counterpoint of the title track "Trickles" to the rhythmic playfulness of "Papa's Midnite Hop" and the expansive textures of "Robes," the album showcases the extraordinary telepathic interplay, playful humor, and avant-garde mastery between Lacy's sharp soprano lines and Rudd's growling, blues-infused trombone.

Released in 1991 on King Records, Once Upon a Dream is a charming and lyrical album by Japanese jazz pianist Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and his trio. Combining his signature bluesy touch, warm dynamics, and pristine melodic clarity, Yamamoto delivers an inviting 10-track collection centered around classic Disney melodies, theatrical lullabies, and iconic jazz standards. Highlights include imaginative piano interpretations of Disney classics such as "Alice In Wonderland," "Once Upon A Dream," and "So This Is Love," alongside a brisk, swinging performance of Ray Noble's "Cherokee" and a deeply expressive rendition of "Blue Room."

Recorded in November 1990 and released in 1991 on Candid Records, Soldier's Hymn (Dedicated to Art Blakey) marks the remarkable debut recording of pianist Eric Reed as a leader. Recorded when Reed was just 20 years old and shortly after the passing of legendary Jazz Messengers founder Art Blakey, the album pays tribute to Blakey's enduring hard-bop legacy. Backed by an exceptional trio featuring bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Gregory Hutchinson, Reed delivers a powerful performance that bridges fiery hard-bop rhythm with deep gospel roots. Highlights include original compositions like the swinging title track and "Things Hoped For," soulful traditional gospel arrangements ("Walk with Me"), and a medley of timeless standards.

This disc, like the others in this series featuring pianist Jeno Jando, is a world-class recording. Mozart would complete twenty-seven concertos for piano and orchestra during his lifetime, many of them the greatest works for that idiom ever created. No. 25 was Mozart's most symphonic effort in the genre he revolutionized during the 1780s. In many of these brilliant concertos, he pitched the piano and orchestra against each other, but in this masterwork they work together as one instrument to produce something extraordinary, even for Mozart. Concerto No. 16 is also a pleasure to hear, the first movement especially. The thoughtful rondo for piano in A major at the end of this disc is a nice extra that Jando plays wonderfully.

Recorded in Milan in 1989 and released in 1991 on Soul Note, More Monk is a masterclass in solo soprano saxophone performance by jazz giant Steve Lacy. Serving as a companion volume to his acclaimed 1986 solo release 'Only Monk,' this album further cements Lacy's lifelong dedication to the idiosyncratic compositions of Thelonious Monk. Unaccompanied and reliant solely on his brilliant technique, precise intonation, and deep understanding of Monk's spatial geometry, Lacy navigates 11 iconic Monk themes—including "Shuffle Boil," "Straight, No Chaser," "Trinkle Tinkle," and "Ruby My Dear." The session is an essential document for lovers of solo horn improvisation, modern jazz interpretation, and avant-garde saxophone artistry.

The first three box sets devoted to compiling all of Depeche Mode's A- and B-sides were originally issued in 1991. In 2004, when the fourth through sixth sets were issued for the first time, the initial three were reissued. The first box, covering 1981 and 1982, includes the "Dreaming of Me," "New Life," "Just Can't Get Enough," "See You," "The Meaning of Life," and "Leave in Silence" singles. In what would prove to be a regular Depeche Mode practice throughout the years, all of their first six singles involve non-album tracks, along with extended versions and alternate mixes. Each single is packaged individually in a slim jewel case, providing a convenience for hardcore fans.