Just when I begin to think that every important album or rare out-of-print single is available somewhere in the digital mist in a glossy remastered edition or included in a fancy box set, along comes the long-lost gem of Fresh Maggots' 1971 debut, an album that until this week's CD reissue consistently brought more than $400 on eBay for its original LP. Known and coveted by connoisseurs of the psychedelic British folk sound that reaches from The Incredible String Band, Pentangle and Bill Fay to Robyn Hitchcock, Beta Band, Devendra Banhart and other new cosmic travelers, this five-star masterpiece of hypnotic vocals, electric fuzz guitar, trippy tin whistle and shimmering six- and 12-string guitars is a must seek out aural experience. It's too bad the neighborhood planetarium isn't still running the eternal Pink Floyd laser show, as this would make the perfect seating music until the lights came down. Released by England's Sunbeam Records and available on audiophile vinyl LP reissue on Germany's Soundroom imprint, these sessions capture the young duo of Mick Burgoyne and Leigh Dolphin, both 19 at the time of this recording, gelling together into a golden, magic moment, which unfortunately the stiffs at RCA Records didn't know what to do with at the time. Bonus tracks, interview introductions and enlightening new liner notes, complete with clippings of vintage UK music press, round out the CD nicely. ...

Another reason to find a record store that carries import-only titles is this week's release of Extended Seventies: The Dawning of the 12 Inch Era from Optimum Sounds, a three-CD set that packs the wollop of a peach crate full of well-worn vinyl. Each disc has its own distinct flavor, collecting the super rare extended versions heard only in the clubs and held close to the chests of a nation of DJ's. Break out the mirrored ball -- discs one and two serve up the eight-minute spin of Anita Ward's "Ring My Bell," the 16-minute jam of Donna Summer's "Love to Love You Baby," Diana Ross' seven-minute "Love Hangover," and the full 14 minutes of the Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight." The fun really begins on disc three with the New Wave pep of Blondie, Ian Dury, P.I.L. , Grace Jones, Lene Lovich and The Flying Lizards.

New Releases Coming Tuesday:
And like the winds, young grasshopper, are subject to change...

Christina Aguilera - Back to Basics (RCA); Carmine Appice Project - Ultimate Guitar Zeus (Escapi) new squawk-rawk showcase from the iconic drummer, pounding the skins behind a world class ensemble of shredders highlighted by Brian May, Ted Nugent, Slash, Pat Travers, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Morse and Mick Marrs; Blowoff - Blowoff (Full Frequency) new from Husker Du founder Bob Mould and producer/remixologist Richard Morel; The Heads - Under the Stress of a Headlong Dive (Alternative Tentacles) brutal art-core for space rock tweakers, wrestling between dimensions like Helious Creed reeling in a monster swordfish with Mark E. Smith of The Fall at the wheel of the ship; Skip Heller Trio - Mean Things Happening in This Land (Rope-A-Dope/Skyeway) fitting perfectly on the shelf between the shadowy Los Lobos side project, the Latin Playboys, and the cascading tones of Tom Verlaine's Warm and Cool album; The Illusionist - original motion picture soundtrack (Rykodisc) score by Phillip Glass; Mahavatar - From the Sun, the Rain, the Wind, the Soil (Escapi) international metal collective featuring members from Jamaica, Israel and Poland; Meg & Dia - Something Real (Doghouse) soon to wrap up this summer's Vans Warped Tour, this Utah quartet led by two petite sisters rocks big riffs and proud, majestic songwriting; Leigh Nash - Blue On Blue (One Son/Nettwerk) all new from the former Sixpence None the Richer vocalist, featuring the single "My Idea of Heaven"; Panic Channel - ONe (Capitol) new from Jane's Addictions former guitarist Dave Navarro and former drummer Stephen Perkins; Snakes on a Plane - original motion picture soundtrack (Decaydance/New Line) features a terrific soundtrack sprinkled with dialogue from the film, led by the infectious beat of Cobra Starship's "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)," a Tommie Sunshine "Brooklyn Fire" remix of Fall Out Boys' "Of All the Gin Joints in All the World," a theme song by Trevor Rabin and Coheed and Cambria's acoustic take on "Wake Up"; Sublime - Sublime: Deluxe Edition (Geffen) expanded two-CD reissue packed with goodies.