The world is populated by so much good music and so many talented musicians – if you’re trying to broaden your tastes, it can be impossible to know where to start. Luckily, we have a team of very knowledgeable and very insightful music buyers who can help you out.

We had a chat with Declan Murphy, the music buyer at our St Kilda store, to see what artists he’s been enjoying lately. Read on for his recommendations.

Doves – Lost Souls

The plight of the underrated band. Manchester trio Doves released four albums from 2000–2009, every one a gem, that were somewhat lost in the post-Britpop bubble burst. As is so often the case with such bands, they disbanded in a state of dejection in 2010. The good news – their first three records are finally seeing the light of day on vinyl again for the first time since their initial release. Kinda makes me wish I hadn’t dropped some decent coin on procuring the hard-to-come-by originals! The great news – they’re back together, and touring with the promise of new music to come…

Lee Moses – How Much Longer Must I Wait – Singles & Rarities 1965–72

The fabulous Light in the Attic label has issued a ripping collection of non album singles, B sides and three never-before-released tracks from this mysterious and seriously under-valued soul singer. Perhaps best known for the blistering and undisputed classic Bad Girl, it was a track that was not included on Moses’ one and only album, Time & Place, which the label also reissued in 2016. An original 45 copy of Bad Girl will cost you close to $1000 Australian. Guess what – it’s on here!

Curtis Mayfield – Keep On Keeping On: Studio Albums 1970–74

A tasty box set of newly remastered versions of the first four solo albums from the man they called the “Gentle Genius”. Truly inspirational , sublime soul music. This is what we should be teaching our kids. Compulsory listening.

Dave Rawlings Machine – Nashville Obsolete

Fans of Gillian Welch / David Rawlings have had to endure a long wait for vinyl releases but good lord has it been worth it! The effort that has been put into ensuring the quality of these releases can be heard in every glorious groove. I have rarely if ever heard better pressings than these. They are in short stunning. And so much more goodness to come….

Jon Savage’s 1965–1968 The High Sixties on 45

Jon Savage is without doubt one of the very best music writers in the business. Naturally he has fantastic taste. This is the latest in a series of fabulous 60’s compilations he has curated for Ace Records. On vinyl this time! All killer and no filler.

The Beta Band – Heroes to Zeroes

Finally available again on vinyl for the first time since 2004. This Britpop-era Scottish band produced brilliantly skewed pop music that set them both ahead and outside of their pack mates of the time. It goes without saying they sadly weren’t around for long…