INDISPENSABLE REISSUES & COLLECTIONS
May 2026
by Kristine England
Funkadelic
Free Your Mind… And Your Ass Will Follow
The second studio album (and first official appearance of keyboardist Bernie Worrell) by Funkadelic was an amalgam of psychedelic rock, funk, gospel, and blues. Songs like "Funky Dollar Bill," "I Wanna Know If It's Good to You?" and the title track, and (my favorite) "Friday Night August 14" are classics. Mastermind George Clinton reported the group wanted to see "if we can cut a whole album while we're all tripping on acid." Westbound Records promises "this edition restores the album’s full sonic impact across multiple formats." Mastered direct from tape to lathe, the LPs are housed in a case-wrapped, gatefold jacket.
FEATURED TRACK: "Friday Night August 14"
Out of the Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
ELO's 1977 double album was one of the group's most successful, spawning five hit singles in several countries, including "Turn to Stone," "Mr. Blue Sky," and "Sweet Talkin' Woman." Frontman and producer Jeff Lynne considers the record one of the group's "crowning achievements" (along with the previous year's A New World Record). The reissue is 180g black vinyl with a gatefold jacket.
FEATURED TRACK: "Sweet Talkin' Woman"
Kenny Dorham
Whistle Stop
Kenny Dorham's return to Blue Note Records in 1961 brought with him seven originals to create "a set of lively, fresh, and consistently swinging music." (All Music) With heavy-hitters like Hank Mobley (ts), Kenny Drew (p), Paul Chambers (b), and Philly "Joe" Jones (d), that's to be expected. Part of Blue Note's Classic Vinyl series, the record was mastered from the original tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl.
FEATURED TRACK: "Philly Twist"
Radio-Activity
Kraftwerk
One of the pioneers of electronic music, Kraftwerk was originally part of the Krautrock scene before they began their exploration of synths, drum machines, and vocoders. By the time their fifth album was recorded, the group had embraced electronics entirely. Radio-activity was also a concept album with themes centered around radio transmissions and radioactive decay. The anniversary release is reconstructed from the original 16-track master tapes, featuring a brand-new Dolby Atmos mix available as a Blu-ray audio disc and 12" vinyl picture disc.
FEATURED TRACK: "Transistor"
Slayer
One of the "big four" thrash metal bands, Slayer's second album achieved praise due to its improved production (after the band's self-financed debut) and "darker sound." The album was very influential to metal fans who would ultimately form their own groups, like Phil Anselmo of Pantera. The limited release is pressed on “blood” filled vinyl, producing unique liquid-filled effect.
FEATURED TRACK: "Hell Awaits"