JOHNNY HARRIS
Movements (Warner Bros, CD)
     Harris' '69 cult gem finally gets a long-awaited CD re-issue and is set to become a favourite of late '60s soundtracks, library music and David Axelrod buffs (aka The Groovy Set). The typically laid on with a trowel period production consisting of rich layers of Wah-Wah, lush orchestration, vibrant horns and heavy Hammond (supplied by such talents as Herbie Flowers (bass), Roger Coulam (organ) and Chris Speeding (guitar)) is splendid, full of OTT swells and crescendos. Of course, this as dated as hell - which is exactly where the interest lies. Movements is totally of its era, and somehow sits in perfectly with the Post-Modern love of overdone kitsch. 'Stepping Stones' (from the movie Fragment Of Fear) is the greatest a-go-go instrumental EVER; a slew of easy-come-groovy versions of '60s hits ('Paint It Black', 'Something', 'Give Peace A Chance', 'Light My Fire' and 'Wichita Lineman') are fun, and as a bonus, inclusion of the brassy theme tune for the Lulu Show, make for a start-to-finish joyride of dance-floor friendly, cocktail party cool.
Jon 'Mojo' Mills

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Get Smarter -60s Instrumental Grooves From Around The Globe (Gumbubble, LP)
     This hammond heavy instro platter is sure to be a hit with the Blow Up club crowd. If you like the Blow Up series, this fits snugly in. The hip of name (Tony & The Mulestation) sit side by side with the library music composers (the Reg Guest Syndicate). Throw in a few beat groups (The Bad Boys - Black Olives) and their B sides which are the A side sans vocals (The Wild Ones - Come On Back) and go-go hammond shimmies like the increasingly ubiquitous Julian Covey & The Machine's Sweet Bacon (the flip of their sole 45 and which is erroneously described in Tapestry of Delights as a prog rock band!) and The Mohawks Pepsi, and you have a veritable party in a 12 inch sleeve. Groovy colour sleeve repros on the back add to the atmos. All in all a feel-good party perennial.
Paul Martin