Back catalogue: Progressive Rock

Review: Legendary Norwegian eight-piece Jaga Jazzist always mixed up post-rock, jazz and psychedelia influences in their own unique way. Never more so was that better exemplified than on The Stix. It was the band's third album released back in May 2003 on Ninja Tune with all songs produced by Jorgen Traeen as well as plenty of musicians playing saxophone, flute, clarinet, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and viola amongst much more, which means it is a texturally, melodically rich album with plenty of soaring highs and emotional themes that ebb and flow in captivating fashion. This special anniversary reissue comes on orange and red double gatefold vinyl.

Review: With its use of a motorcycle engine speeding off into the distance, an emerging drum pattern that vaguely recalls Brad Fiedel's The Terminator Theme and slowly building tension created by the synth refrains and piano underscore, Magnus Javerling knows how to create atmosphere. As the opening to Bowdark proceeds, that sense of feeling transforms into a sense of place, which makes sense given the album title is 'borrowed' from a fictional US town where strange things happen, here rendered in music form through quirky electronic keys, whirs and tones, melodies that are not dark, but certainly steeped in mystery. Gothenburg-based Javerling spent no less than six years conceiving and recording the contents of this latest example as to why Sweden's second city is a hotbed of leftfield and avant garde musical talent. Owing at least something to the likes of John Carpenter, the result is a record that transports you into a visceral adventure through the unknown.

Review: Ending their 1970 US tour with this Sunday evening date at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, this Jethro Tull live album was initially broadcast on Long Island's WLIR-FM before being stowed away in the station's archives. Capturing the band in lo-fi but charming quality, we witness the flauting classic rockists at their riffing, deliciously baritone musical peak. Of course, their folk influences shine brightest when heard in the raw like this. The CD edition documents this career highlight, coming with exclusive historical notes and images.