John Foxx - S/T [Metal Beat, 1981]

Somehow I was under the impression that Foxx was some smooth n' syrupy 4th-tier Love Boat/Howard Jones/Duran Duran cad. I definitely did not expect such cold, airy urban wasteland synth-pop. This is a compilation culled from his first album(Metamatic and his early singles. Foxx's musical concept here (the serene mechanical pulse of Kraftwerk wed to the chilly post-apocalyptic atmosphere of Bowie's Low) is not unique for its time but his results are stunning. John Foxx's best moments are simultaneously soaring and unsettling. These are undeniably catchy songs here, but the sweetness is tempered by lyrical themes of industrial decay and post-human ideals.

Michael Shrieve with Klaus Schulze and Kevin Shrieve - Transfer Station Blue [Fortuna, 1984]

This here is what Harvey refers to as "adult dance music" (some would say this is merely a euphemism for "EZ cheese slop"). If you're not already turned off, just take a look at the garish cover, which resembles nothing so much as a corporate brochure for IBM or perhaps a family of cleaning products. Still interested? Well, brace yourself for the rainforest funk within.

Transfer Station Blue is supposed to be a showcase for Michael Shrieve's dynamic percussion workouts, but it's really all about Klaus Schulze's sleek production, which gives everything a misty, minty fresh aura. The title track is definitely the real stunner here, an immortal funky guitar lick over a crystalline cosmic beach groove.

Gato Barbieri - Chapter One: Latin America [Impulse!, 1973]

A wild latin jazz party. Barbieri really cuts loose and his band here is more than happy to come along for the ride. Open the gatefold sleeve and photos from the sessions show all 14 band members sitting down looking way too chill and in control for such a riotous freak-out. All manner of instruments are present here; Indian harps, bandoneons, and at least 10 which I've never seen or heard of before.