Album

Blaxploitation movies were suddenly so hot in 1972 that it was deemed a smart idea to bash out—as the title may have tipped you off—a black vampire chiller. It wasn't. It was horrible, in unintended ways. But Gene Page came up with a very appetising soundtrack, which you could happily stick on between Isaac Hayes' Shaft and Marvin Gaye's Trouble Man without anyone noticing too drastic a drop in class.

Disco punk debut from ex-Stereo Total bassist includes cameo from Gonzales

Belated UK release for the little guy's jazz-gospel extravaganza

Solo albums from James Brown's horn section, produced by George Clinton

British trip hoppers curate latest editions of successful compilation series

Gospel singers praise Bob, with bonus visitation by the man himself

Appealing second Peel selection from a post-Weddoes David Gedge

Not-quite-brilliant follow-up to Two Against Nature from US collegiate pop's Lennon & McCartney

When we speak of Anton Karas' score to Carol Reed's 1949 classic of dodgy penicillin and cuckoo clocks, we speak of the zither. Most of us couldn't describe a zither if the lives of the Swiss nation depended on it, but the Harry Lime theme is nonchalance personified. Karas—the chap with the zither—was discovered by Reed playing in a Viennese tavern and had no experience, but proved to be an inspired choice.

Former Stiltskin/Genesis singer goes solo