Disco and funk combine on Phat Trax: The Best of Old School, Vol. 2, which pays tribute to the sounds that inspired hip-hop. Rolling, voluptuous basslines, uptight guitars, and vibrant brass sections drive tracks like Funkadelic's "One Nation Under a Groove," Fatback's "Backstrokin'," and Tom Browne's "Thighs High (Grip Your Hips and Move)," bridging the gap between funk and disco and providing countless rap and hip-hop artists ample material for sampling. Sun's "Sun Is Here," Faze-O's "Riding High," and T.S. Monk's "Bon Bon Vie" are among the other highlights of this funky, stylish compilation, which also documents just how integral these songs were to hip-hop's development.

Disco and funk combine on Phat Trax: The Best of Old School, Vol. 5, which pays tribute to the sounds that inspired hip-hop. Rolling, voluptuous basslines, uptight guitars, and vibrant brass sections drive tracks like the Gap Band's "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," the Emotions' "Best of My Love," and Cheryl Lynn's "Got to Be Real," bridging the gap between funk and disco and providing countless rap and hip-hop artists with ample sampling material. Heatwave's "Groove Line," Natalie Cole's "Be Thankful," GQ's "Disco Nights (Rock Freak)," and the Dazz Band's "Joystick" are among the other highlights of this funky, stylish compilation, which documents just how integral these songs were to hip-hop's development.

Blancmange, the duo of Neil Arthur and Stephen Luscombe, scored seven Top 40 singles and two Top 40 albums between 1982 and 1985 with a distinctive blend of vocals, electronics and Eastern-flavoured instrumentation.
This bumper collection, which follows their recent sell-out UK tour, has been designed and compiled in consultation with the synthpop heroes. It includes all their UK hits, plus some rare John Peel sessions and an airing of a track from a forthcoming project.

World-class, Progressive Metal outfit, DIVINE ASCENSION, have returned, unleashing their brand new album, “The Uncovering,” upon the world. DIVINE ASCENSION’s second release, “Liberator” launched them on a 30+ date tour of Europe supporting STRATOVARIUS with GLORYHAMMER. They conquered their own shores nationally, supporting BILND GUARDAIAN on their full national tour and then went on to complete a lengthy headline tour of Australia…

Without the burden of the Rammstein brand, there's plenty of room for vocalist/guitarist Richard Kruspe to explore fresh sounds on his band Emigrate's third effort, A Million Degrees. A suitable stopgap between Rammstein releases, A Million Degrees is a straightforward romp that serves melodic anthems and catchy rockers which might not be found in the Rammstein sphere. While his main band receives sonic nods (politically charged opener "War" mirrors 2004 single "Mein Teil" with its creeping synths and spooky atmospherics), Kruspe locks his focus on other areas, whether it's by absorbing rollicking punk on "Hide and Seek" and "1234" with Billy Talent's Benjamin Kowalewicz and Ian D'Sa, or tapping the epic scope of symphonic metal on "We Are Together" or the stunning closer "Eyes Fade Away."