Ace's You Heard Them Here First: First Recordings by Famous or Influential Artists is more of an archaeology project than its companion disc, You Heard It Here First! That 2008 compilation featured the first recorded versions of pop, rock, and soul classics that became hits in the hands of other artists, whereas this set unearths the first recordings of superstars, so almost without exception neither the songs nor the names on the back cover of You Heard Them Here First are familiar, but the so...   [ read more ]

CD $21.83

Originally released in the United States in 1992 and reissued by Australia's AIM label in 2005, Double Trouble finds Roy Ayers doing some collaborating with the late funk/soul icon Rick James (who died in 2004 at the age of 56). By 1992, James was long past his prime, both commercially and creatively -- and sadly, he was receiving more attention for his infamous drug and legal problems than for his musical contributions. But James, for all his demons, was seriously talented -- and t...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13

When Rick James died of a heart attack on August 6, 2004 at the relatively young age of 56, some of his admirers were surprised that the funk/soul icon lived as long as he did. Saying that James, who spent a considerable amount of time in the fastest stretches of the fast lane, subjected his body to extensive abuse over the years would be an understatement. Regardless, James was a major talent -- some of the most talented musicians are also among the most self-destructive -- and his die-hard...   [ read more ]

CD $15.18