Sigismondo d'India, 'nobleman of Palermo', as he called himself, composer, singer and poet, was a true child of dawning century. Like his great contemporary Monteverdi, he succeeded in integrating polyphony into the new monodic style. But it is above all in his Musiche da cantar solo that he showed his measure as an innovator. These madrigals for solo voice, selected from around a hundred works he wrote in this genre, provide dazzling evidence of the fact.

Way Of Life is a comprehensive 2-CD live archival compilation by legendary British progressive rock pioneers Gentle Giant, released in 2003 on Recall 2cd (a Snapper imprint under license from Voiceprint). Chronicling the band's peak classic era from 1973 through 1977, this collection gathers dynamic concert performances showcasing their virtuosic multi-instrumentalism, intricate vocal counterpoint, and complex rhythmic shifts. Spanning seminal compositions across classic studio albums like Octopus, In a Glass House, Free Hand, and Interview, the set features standout live renditions of Knots, Proclamation, On Reflection, and Excerpts From Octopus. Highlighting the classic lineup of Derek Shulman, Ray Shulman, Kerry Minnear, Gary Green, and John P. Weathers, it is an essential document of one of prog rock's most intricate live acts.

Up All Night is the breakthrough fourth studio album by acclaimed Australian indie-folk band The Waifs, released in 2003 on Jarrah Records. Following their acclaimed 2002 release Sink or Swim, the album showcases the trio of sisters Vikki and Donna Simpson alongside guitarist Joshua Cunningham delivering their most refined blend of acoustic blues, roots-rock, and folk-pop. Driven by earnest songwriting, organic Dobro and harmonica arrangements, and rich vocal harmonies, the album captures bittersweet themes of travel, longing, and homesickness. Featuring signature career highlights such as the ARIA-winning anthem London Still, the hopeful Lighthouse, and the introspective title track, Up All Night stands as a landmark release in 2000s Australian roots music.

The Thompson Twins – who were neither a duo nor related, but simply named after the Tin Tin cartoon – were one of the more popular synth pop groups of the early MTV era, scoring a handful of hits before fading away into lite-funk obscurity. While many of their contemporaries indulged in stylish variations on Roxy Music or robotic electronic funk, the Thompson Twins were more pop-oriented, even when they strayed into dance-pop. Despite their success – "Hold Me Now," "Lay Your Hands on Me," "King for a Day" all reached the U.S. Top Ten – the group was unable to successfully expand their synth pop sound and, consequently, their audience had virtually disappeared by the late '80s.

DISCOinferno GOLD is a comprehensive two-disc disco anthology released in 2003 by Warner Strategic Marketing Italy, bringing together thirty-four classic super hits from the golden era of 1970s dance music. Spanning iconic studio tracks, euro-disco classics, Philly soul anthems, and club favorites, the compilation features legendary artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Chic, Rufus & Chaka Khan, Sister Sledge, Sylvester, Village People, and Thelma Houston. From timeless chart-toppers like Last Night A DJ Saved My Life, Funky Town, and The Hustle to club gems from Cerrone, Change, and Telex, the collection captures the infectious energy, driving basslines, and brass-heavy orchestrations that defined dance floors worldwide. Fully packed with non-stop grooves, DISCOinferno GOLD serves as an essential party compilation and a definitive retrospective for retro dance music enthusiasts.

World 2003 - Music Without Frontiers is a captivating two-disc compilation meticulously selected and curated by influential BBC radio presenter and world music connoisseur Charlie Gillett. Released by Hemisphere in 2003, this extensive collection celebrates the global tapestry of sound by bridging traditional ethnic influences with modern pop, rock, electronic, and folk textures. Featuring thirty-five diverse tracks from international artists across Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia, the anthology showcases iconic names such as Noir Désir, Ojos de Brujo, Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros, Mariza, Calexico, and Manu Chao. From flamenco-infused rhythms and Portuguese fado to West African griot traditions and Latin fusion, the selection highlights the rich cultural dialogue occurring across musical boundaries. Digitally captured across two CDs, the set offers an immersive journey through contemporary global soundscapes, making it an indispensable listening experience for folk, world music enthusiasts, and eclectic audio collectors worldwide.

Originally released in 1974 on 20th Century Records and reissued on CD in 2003 by Soul Brother Records (CD SBCS 20), I Love You More & More is the sole solo album by American soul singer-songwriter Tom Brock. Produced and arranged by soul legend Barry White alongside Gene Page, the record is a masterclass in mid-70s lush, cinematic orchestral soul and smooth funk. While revered by soul collectors for decades, the album achieved mythical status in modern hip-hop history when Jay-Z and producer Just Blaze sampled the soaring string section of "There's Nothing In This World That Can Stop Me From Loving You" for the iconic 2001 track "Girls, Girls, Girls". Driven by Brock's impassioned vocals and White's signature wall-of-sound production, it stands as a undisputed cult classic of 1970s soul.

Kora Jazz Trio is the acclaimed self-titled debut album by the groundbreaking West African and European fusion ensemble, released in 2003 on the Mélodie label. Formed by Guinean kora master Djeli Moussa Diawara, Senegalese percussionist Moussa Cissoko, and Malian jazz pianist Abdoulaye Diabaté, the group delivers a seamlessly fluid hybrid of Mandinka griot traditions, acoustic world folk, and post-bop jazz improvisation. Centered around the sparkling, harp-like cascade of the 21-string kora intertwined with warm piano chords and intricate percussion polyrhythms, the recording presents ten evocative instrumental tracks—including a striking acoustic adaptation of Charlie Parker's classic Now Is The Time. The trio's interplay balances spiritual depth, melodic grace, and rhythmic sophistication, creating a landmark cross-cultural dialogue that redefined modern African jazz.

The Alan Parsons Project is a "project" of acclaimed English producer Alan Parsons, best known for his works as an engineer with with names such as the Beatles (Abbey Road, the Get Back roofttop concert) and Pink Floyd (Dark Side of the Moon, Atom Heart Mother). Along with songwriter Eric Woolfson, Parsons created a series of 10 (and counting) albums of progressive rock, employing a rotating cast of session musicians to do most of the performing (Parsons does play keyboard and sings on some tracks.). He creates the concept, writes some of the music and hires the artists, while Woolfson writes the lyrics, some of the music and sings on many tracks.
36 tracks are collected on this expansive compilation album from these prog rockers, which is a neat way to review their impressive career.

Originally released in 1988 on Solar Records and reissued CD by Unidisc in 2003, Out Of Control is the sixth and final studio album from the celebrated Los Angeles synth-funk and post-disco outfit Dynasty. Created by legendary producer/label-head Dick Griffey and master producer Leon Sylvers III, the group—featuring vocalists Nidra Beard, Linda Carriere, and bassist Kevin Spencer—delivers an energetic late-80s urban pop sound packed with electro-laced grooves, tight basslines, and infectious vocal harmonies. Highlighted by high-energy dance tracks like "Don't Waste My Time" (alongside its rare extended Club Mix), "Tuff Love," and the infectious title track, Out Of Control stands as a memorable closing chapter in the classic Solar Records sound catalog.

"Area Movement", which was conceived during the last 15 years (with many long intervals), describes some special places in the world. This ranges from Ron’s own country The Netherlands (The "Wadden Sea") to Canada and the Serengeti National Park. The style on "Area Movement" is quite melodically, sometimes even symphonic. In this case, "Area Movement" sometimes bares some of the same fine atmospheres of his early albums. The first track "The Grand Banks" already shows it. Starting with a soft piano part, this piece really "rocks". It features Harold van der Heijden on drums. Also, the sequences are excellent again. Another great track is "Rapids" in which the sequences somewhat remind of Ron’s masterpiece "Tainted Bare Skin"…

This collection spotlights the great Delta bluesman Son House at three distinct points in his life. Included here are three of his 78s issued in the 1930s by Paramount Records, several of the Library of Congress field recordings done by Alan Lomax in 1941-1942, and a sampling of rediscovered 1960s concert pieces, including a riveting version of Blind Willie Johnson's "John the Revelator." All of this material is available elsewhere, but having examples of these different eras all on one disc makes this set a nice introduction to the full sweep of House's recorded legacy.

While there's nothing wrong with doing an album of covers, putting such a project together has its risks. For Erasure, the experiment yields mixed results. More often than not, they connect with the material in unexpected ways, and certainly with greater success than one might expect from other electronic groups. This is due largely to the fact that these guys have been around long enough to develop a sensitivity to music as being more than a beat and a hook. Their sense of humor leads them to revise "Video Killed the Radio Star" in a way that's not only highly amusing - it actually suits the message of the song. Plus, Andy Bell remains a very convincing singer, particularly on the softer material, where his choir-boy timbre glistens and shimmers. Problems occur when they can't find a convincing way to graft their highly identifiable sound onto the song…