John Barry - Ready When You Are, JB (1971)

I, like many others, want to pay tribute to John Barry.  Hastily ripped this evening so apologies for any crackles.

RIP John.

Alternate Megaupload link.

Laurie Holloway Quartet - Hit Parade Holloway Style (1966)

Jazzy takes on hits from the fantastic Laurie Holloway.

Ray Martin and His Orchestra - Dynamica (1962)

These Stereo Action albums are great, this is an early 70s re-release of Ray Martin's classic early 60s album.

Nelson Riddle - Nat (1965)

Lovely album this.  Just right for a Friday afternoon while you're winding down the working week and waiting for the weekend to start.

Pete Winslow and The King Size Brass - Up, Up and Away (1972)

Some nice versions of popular standards on here.  Title track is very good.

The Border Brass - The Sweet Sounds Of Tijuana (1970)

OK, so there's the standard fare of Guantanamera and Love Is Blue on here, but the Border Brass also chuck in a few surprises with a cracking version of Galveston being the highlight for me.

Button-Down Brass - This Guy's In Love (1968)

You can't go wrong with that funky trumpet, can you?

The Phase 4 World Of Latin Fire (1972)

Just a little something to warm us up a bit.

Norrie Paramor - Lovers In Latin (1959)

For VR, hoping it's the album he wanted.

Mike Hankinson - Shangani Patrol - Original Soundtrack (1970)

Nice, stirring soundtrack from Mike Hankinson.  Never seen the film.

Roger Webb - Plays Gershwin (1973)

Best known, I suppose, for composing the music for the excellent ITC series Strange Report. 

Elektrik Cokernut - Go-Moog! (1973)

And a happy Moog year.

BBC Space Themes (1978)

Thirty-two years ago tonight my late Mother put this record under the Christmas tree for me, along with Parallel Lines, Another Music In A Different Kitchen by the Buzzcocks and The Man Machine.  She always knew the records I wanted.

However, this record was a surprise as I hadn't asked for it (or knew it existed).  She said she got it as she knew I loved Blake's Seven.  I've not listened to this album for years and only recently dug it back out of the loft due to positive comments received for its sister BBC album, Sporting Themes.

So, three decades later this is a Christmas present for you lot now.  I hope you and yours have a good one.

Mantovani - An Album Of Christmas Music (1958)

An absolute Christmas favourite in our house for many years.  Side one is a little crackly but side two isn't bad at all.  A truly wonderful Christmas record.

Bert Kaempfert - A Drop Of Christmas Spirit (1963)

Another repost from last Christmas.

John Williams - We Wish You A Merry Christmas (1980)

A classic from John "Star Wars" Williams.

Franck Pourcel - The Sound Of Magic (Studio 2 Stereo, 1967)

Not a Christmas one, but a cracker nonetheless.

Something Festive! (1970)

Nice Christmas compilation from those lovely people at A&M.

Paul Mauriat - Salutes The Beatles (1973)

Because it was thirty years ago today.

Christmas At Home (1962)

Another one from last year.  Some great traditional carols and Christmas songs on here.

Swingin' In A Winter Wonderland (1968)

The start of some Christmas reposts from last year.

Martin Denny - Plays (1966)

Includes my favourite version of A Taste Of Honey.  Basically, the same album as Martin Denny!

Ronne Aldrich - This Way 'In' (Phase 4 Stereo, 1968)

Some great stuff on here from the prolific Ronnie Aldrich who seemed to release Phase 4 albums on a weekly basis!

Laurindo Almeida - Viva Bossa Nova! (1962)

One of the best bossa nova albums ever made.  Unfortunately, I only own a mono copy, but that doesn't ditract from the fantastic music too much.   Just the thing for a snowy English day.

Eric Winstone - Supersonic Sounds (1972)

Some nice interpretations on here and a couple of storming Winstone's compositions thrown in for good measure.