The Obi Strip: How a Japanese Paper Band Became a Collector’s Grail

Nick Zanca, writing for Discogs.com, discusses the ubiquitous obi strip, which is so common in Japan—and even in China—that it has become a significant part of record collecting culture. Ironically, these strips were originally intended to be discarded. Today, a mint condition obi strip can actually enhance the value of Continue Reading

Andy Summers & Robert Fripp – The Complete Recordings

No reviews today thanks to having to have a hospital visit, but I would like to announce one of my favorite guitar albums in its most complete glory.  DGM Live Records offers the original albums remastered plus previously unreleased material.  From the website: “‘The Complete Recordings 1981-1984’ by Andy Summers Continue Reading

The Baltic Sisters – Värav / Vārti / Vartai

Our dear friends at CPL-Music have a release I am rather excited about.  It should be available on the 31st of January, 2025, so our wait time is not so long.  You can pre-order the disc here. From the label’s press release: “The Baltic Sisters are a cross-border folk ensemble Continue Reading

Pray For Your Prey – Pray For Your Prey

At least as I understand it, there is a magnificent label out of Greece, Defkaz,  releasing some really fine free jazz and world music.  This particular album features one name whose work I’m very familiar with – the Hungarian drummer Balázs Pándi, who is magnificent.  After hearing him work with Continue Reading