I was recently thinking about our The Worst Poll and how it failed incedibly, which played into how much we enjoy music rather than remember the bad. Fair enough with me. I then though that it would be fun to ask who we thought the greatest guitar player was/is, the greatest drummer, bass player, etc, etc. And so, I think that after our Deep Purple Poll concludes, I'll have us entertain ourselves with who you think the greatest guitar player of all time is. It may not generate as much activity as our Best of Band Poll but, hey, you never know until you try, right?

Ok, a few items before we recede. Remember that we have the Deep Purple Poll up (see below). Be sure to give us your thoughts on that. Voting was brisk on the first day but has tapered off some. Deep Purple, while definite fan favourites, may not have been everyone's cup of tea especially since they changed so often.

Secondly, we have the winner of the American Soldier album by Queensrÿche, which we awarded via Twitter. We'll do a few more of these from time to time. But we haven't forgotten you others. Our next contest will be web-based. Congratulations to Ken for winning the CD. You should have it in no time. And thanks to all that entered.

For fitness fans: I have a friend who has put up a website called Fitness is For Everyone. If you are interested, hop on over and give it a look over.

We have no new reviews today. But Monday will have a few including Mo-Fi SACDs of What's Going On? and Let's Get It On from Marvin Gaye. and Fool for the City by Foghat. We also have an indie release review for Tommy Bones.

As a kind of mouthwash, we're going to introduce a new 'Best of Band' Poll. At least, I know you like these Polls. The reality is, we tend to stray away from negativity on this site because, like it is for us, there's no room in your life for the bad stuff. Since we so rarely mention bad music, it is safe to assume we like, even love, the music that we review. And we don't do it as a matter of putting something up for content, we do it to introduce you to something we think you might like.

We don't just put stuff up we strongly favour ourselves. If we hear it fresh and we like it, we bring it to your attention. The old school method of word of mouth.

Our new Band Poll is going to be Deep Purple. They have several Mark versions of the band making it interesting to pit versions up against each other. My brother is a HUGE Deep Purple fan but LOVED Bolin over Blackmore. I already know which album he'll choose. So, this one should be quite interesting to see which gets favourite album. Machine Head? Good Vegas pick, but don't bet too heavily. Get it started at Best of Deep Purple Poll. Remember, pick the best album of Deep Purple and, if you want, add commentary (I love reading basis material).

This ends the first quarter of 2009. Wow! It just goes by so, so fast. I'm also taking this time to let you know that we will not have a Friday, April 3 post up. The reason is that April 2 is my official birthday and we have a traditional 'out to dinner and stuff night' policy on all TAP household birthdays. On April 2, I'll be 52 BIG ones - just three years away from the senior prices at the theatres; a milestone! But I'll be back on Monday, April 6. See you then.

Eastworld Records will continue with their reissue campaign with the release of a 22-song collection for Gong.  The compilation is called The History and Mystery of The Planet Gong.  This collection will contain many pre-Gong recordings, and radio recordings.  Planned for May 5.  In the future, watch for Australia Aquaria (Daevid Allen); Gongmaison (Gongmaison); The Gathering (Killing Joke); Wild Child (Mothergong); The Owl & The Tree (Mothergong) coming soon.

Universal/Motown Records will release Absolutes from Seattle indie band, Barcelona on April 28.

Verve Records is releasing My One and Only Thrill by emerging Jazz singer, Melody Gardot.  Ms Gardot has been discussed as “…a touch of Peggy Lee’s poetry, a hint of Norah Jones and Joni Mitchell…” by a critic.  Her new album is expected on CD and DD on April 28. It is preceded by the LP release planned for April 7.

The new album by Paper Route is scheduled for April 28 by Universal/Motown Records.  We liked their last batch of songs so we’re looking forward to this new one, Absence.

Varese Sarabande Records will release a collection of tunes of Ace Records’ Huey “Piano” Smith classics.  The album will offer 20 tracks including the timeless “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu.”  This collection will also add some rarities and some previously unreleased tracks.  A Definitive Collection, it is planned for April 28.

UMe will be releasing the new album by Yusuf (Cat Stevens) called Roadsinger (To Warm You through the Night).  It is being planned for May 5. Vinyl LP will follow.

Concord Records will reissue a re-mastered version of the Out of Print concept album from Ray Charles called A Message From the People (1972).  The album contained covers of then current popular tunes.  It is being scheduled for release on May 5.

Lost Highway Records will release Roadhouse Sun by Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses.  It is currently on the calendar for May 5.

ECM Records will release Berlin-based band, Cyminology and their debut album called As Ney.  The label will also release Being Dufay by Ambrose Field/John Potter with music based on vocal fragments by Guillaume Dufay.  Finally, ECM will issue Cartography by Arve Henriksen.  All titles are slated for May 5.

Dramatico Records will release an interesting album by Katie Melua called Pictures.  It is expected on May 5.  Check out her MySpace page for a sample of her talents.

Concord Records will release the previously unavailable Frank Sinatra performance set, Live at the Meadowlands.  It is scheduled for May 5 with a 24-page booklet with photos and notes.  In addition, Concord Records will deliver a 40th Anniversary edition of My Way (1969).  The album is re-mastered from the original tapes, and is expanded with 2 bonus cuts (a rehearsal track of “For Once in My Life,” and a Live cut of “My Way”).  Liner notes in the booklet will be from Bono (U2).

Motown will reissue classic titles in vinyl LP (180g) form on May 5.  These great titles include Songs in the Key of Life (Stevie Wonder); ABC (The Jackson 5); I Hear a Symphony (The Supremes); Street Songs (Rick James); Cloud Nine (The Temptations); A Quiet Storm (Smokey Robinson); United (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell); Reach Out (Four Tops); and Diana Ross (Diana Ross).  They will be presented in original packaging and -from what I understand – will only be available for three weeks from their release date.  That may be inaccurate info but, if you want any or all of these, don’t hesitate.

Fantasy Records will release Essential Standards series titles for Art Pepper; Chet Baker; Dave Brubeck; Vince Guaraldi; and Bill Evans on June 30 in both CD and DD.  Fantasy Records plans a Definitive Vince Guaraldi for September.

Verve Records will release The Complete Louis Armstrong Decca Sessions on June 1 for Louis Armstrong.  Verve has announced the release of Twelve Nights in Hollywood for Ella Fitzgerald, scheduling for August 18.

Concord Records plan to release a Live album from Robbin Ford called simply, Live Album – for now – on August 25.

Leonard Cohen is one of the world's living legends, who is currently undertaking a massive tour. This album, Live in London, and a separately available DVD, is the grand documents of this man's creativity and perfection.

This Canadian folk-rock band has given an album of depth and perception. Lost Channels is an album that delivers as much wonderful music as the capacity of the CD allows. Great Lake Swimmers is one band to pay attention to.