Perhaps you're old enough to remember when the Beatles released all their albums on CD. The releases were the British LP versions, so a lot of stuff from the American albums wasn't included. All the extras arrived on two "Past Masters" discs. And they were pretty cool.

Collapse Under the Empire Non-Album Singles Bonus Tracks (Finaltune)

Collapse Under the Empire isn't the Beatles, of course, but it has just re-issued its entire set of recordings on LP and CD (the LP set is a very limited edition, though it is the first time most of the albums and EPs have been available on vinyl). In addition, there are a lot of odds and ends which are collected here. To be fair, this is largely a set for completists, but a listen to the 15 songs here is likely enough to secure an interest in the rest of the catalog.

This German duo has been cranking out compelling instrumental works for a couple decades. This set does show the breadth (and, sometimes, the lack thereof) of the band's work, which I would describe as "dramatic rock." More soundscapey than prog, but definitely propulsive and storytelling. A more muscular version of Alan Parsons Project instrumentals--and that is a big complement from me.

Supposedly this is only available as part of the Works LP or CD set, but I've also found it for sale separately on European websites. I believe it will (eventually) be available for streaming, but in any case I felt it was worth a note. I've always liked the space these guys create, and this is a fine introduction.

Jon Worley