I'm finding it hard to believe that we have just entered October of  what was already a lightning-fast year. Guess it's time to start assembling those Christmas lists.  Actually, I always start mind around July.  I start to listen carefully to things talked about, items wanted, etc.  By the time November rolls around, I have it all well under control.  I even try to spur Mrs TAP to do some very early XMas shopping to help alleviate the push and rush.  Never any good luck there though.  I have to settle for thinking at my pace and shopping at hers.  But we always get it done.

On another note, I'm very happy to see UMe reissuing a remaster of Argus (1972) for the 40th Anniversary of Wishbone Ash even if it is likely to be the 2007 UK-reissued 2CD version, which is quite expensive to import.  Personally, I'd love to hear tracks from the Wishbone Four period, as well as There's the Rub.  Bet it's good if any exist.  It's a real bummer that the tapes for WB4 cannot be located(?), because a remaster of that would gain new fans, I'm sure.

I'm equally as excited for the upcoming remasters and archival Box sets for Stones classics, Exile on Main Street, and Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!.  If I had two 'must haves' this year, those two are it!

And let's not forget the upcoming remaster of The Unforgettable Fire by U2 that has many of us drooling with anticipation.  Bill Hunt says that he also wants Achtung Baby as well.

OK, into the weekend we go with a review of Destination Beyond, the latest Steve Roach ambient work.  It's a great way to open October.

We'll leave you with a listening party for the latest release from Rhino Records, the compilation of Al Jarreau tunes called The Very Best Of: An Excellent Adventure. Al Jarreau dazzled us with his magnificent voice and his wonderful, unforgettable tunes. Here's a chance for you to enjoy a bit of the man's unique voice.

Listening Party - Rhino

We'll see you once again on Monday!

Epic Records will release Michael Jackson's This Is It soundtrack on October 27.

Columbia Records will release a Digital Longplay issue for Glasvegas fans of their A Snowflake Fell (And it Felt Like a Kiss), scheduling the DD for October 13.

Volcano and Legacy Records will release <groan> a Weird Al Yankovic collection called <groan> The Essential Weird Al Yankovic. This necessary release is expected on October 27. Oi!

Sony Classical plans John Williams - Original Album Classics for November 10.

Arista plans a Christmas title from Barry Manilow called In the Swing of Christmas, scheduled for October 13.

UMe have some reissue titles coming that include Tom Tom Club - 1981 (Tom Tom Club); Different Class - 1995, His 'n' Hers - 1994, and This Is Hardcore - 1998 (Pulp); Rattlesnakes - 1984 (Lloyd Cole & the Commotions); Paul Weller - 1992 (Paul Weller); Hex Induction Hour - 1982 (The Fall); World Machine - 1985 (Level 42), Argus - 1972 (Wishbone Ash); Grace and Danger - 1980 (John Martyn). All titles are slated for November 17.

On November 17, Hear Music will also release Good Evening New York City from Paul McCartney on vinyl LP.

Club Jazz fans should take immediate notice of City Life from the Jazz Quintet, The Dangling Success.  They build their endearing selection of songs, including a gracious rendition of The Rolling Stones' rockier “Beast of Burden,”into a collection of enjoyable instrumentals. 

The Niekrewicz experience is the centerpiece here with his saxophones.  But his accompanying band highlight his instrument with excellence, every note played in perfection.  The band's music is a time capture from the '70s and enjoyably so.  City Life is easy to fall in love with.  I highly recommend the full-album experience because you won't want to break this one apart. - ****

Imagine the AM radio Psychedelic Pop staples from the '60s and you're on target for the sound of the first album by Nurses.  Nurses is helmed by two pals who have recorded the body of this work, Apple's Acre, in attics and basements, delivering ten very cool-sounding retro-blasts that would have been at home in decades past.

This exploration of past musical styles have become the holy grail of bands, many who have dedicated themselves to the perfection of familiar sounds.  I'm not so sure that this is the case with Nurses as they sound like they would have invented the psychedelic/Pop style if it didn't already exist.  And that sentiment is very evident as you go from song to song.  Apple's Acre is a warm collection of songs that will have you interested from the beginning track. - ***

If you ever liked Echo and the Bunnymen, Siouxie and the Banshees, and/or killing Joke, then we have a new discovery for you. The Opposite Sex from DC has returned with an EP that juice those of you who appreciate good talent and that draws influence from the music that you loved in the past.

Their new (09/01) EP, Live + Burn follows their Violent Heartstrings from 2007 with more great music. I'll be surprised if you DON'T like 'em. To get you started, they are gifitng you with a free downloadable MP3 from the EP, "Frozen Heart, Frozen Mind."

They can be sampled further at their MySpace, Facebook, and LastFM. You can even follow 'em on Twitter.