Abrasive, aggressive, and antagonistic, Britain's Throbbing Gristle pioneered industrial music. Exploring death, mutilation, fascism, and degradation amid a thunderous cacophony of mechanical noise, tape loops, extremist anti-melodies, and bludgeoning beats, the group's cultural terrorism – the "wreckers of civilization," one tabloid called them – raised the stakes of artistic confrontation to new heights, combating all notions of commercialism and good taste with a maniacal fervor.

Despite it’s title, This is NOT the end, is, indeed, the final release by the legendary Rock In Opposition band Present, as founder and composer Roger Trigaux died during its recording. Present's music is a striking blend of heavy rock with classical and zeuhl influences. The compositions, all penned by Trigaux, utilize repetition, complex counterpoint, intricate interplay between the instruments, rapidly shifting time signatures, and a strong instrumental attack. The final result is blindingly precise works of syncopated instruments, all seemingly coming from different angles but ultimately working together as a cohesive whole.

Multiple Grammy and Blues Music Award winner Joe Louis Walker's second release for Stony Plain is a landmark album that follows on the heels of his highly acclaimed 'Witness To The Blues.' Both produced by guitar legend Duke Robillard. Kevin Eubanks, the longtime leader of the Tonight Show Band is featured on two tracks along with Doug James, Duke Robillard and members of Duke's band.

This warmly recorded, naturally balanced disc is delightful. The Minetti Quartet offers three late Haydn masterpieces, played with plenty of high spirits and, in the slow movements, a fresh songfulness (both Opp. 64's and 76's are marked "cantabile") that's most affecting. There's practically nothing to criticize here. Highlights include the really zippy final prestos of Opp. 64 and 76, and the intense Largo assai of the "Rider" quartet. In the finale of the latter, the group's articulation is a touch clipped in the main theme, and as a result the music doesn't quite speak as it should, but better too much energy than too little. The minuet (really a scherzo) of Op. 76 also is terrific, smooth as silk until Haydn's disruptive syncopation sets in. If you're looking for a very attractive single-disc collection of late Haydn quartets, I can recommend this without hesitation. Playing time is a bit short–under an hour–so there was still room for another full quartet, but if this doesn't concern you terribly, then go for it.

The 1973 album was her fourth solo release – another collaboration with John Cale – and was recorded in 1973 in London. Cale chose Brian Eno and Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music to work on the album with him; between them they provided the entire instrumental framework for Nico and her harmonium.This issue of The End is remastered here for the first time, and comes with a bonus disc of tracks including The End and a previously unreleased version of Das Lied der Deutschen performed live at London’s Rainbow Theatre on June 1, 1974, and some John Peel session tracks which are either unreleased or new to CD.