Back in stock: Leftfield

Review: It has been five long decades since the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving episode first hit US TV screens. Originally aired in 1973, the show proved beyond any doubt that Peanuts was the coolest and most sophisticated cartoon of the day, and that's in no small part down to the original scores, which were the responsibility of Vince Guaraldi, and all of which are worth picking up if you see copies on sale.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving has never been available on record before, having only recently been rediscovered in the vaults and then primed for this autumn 2023 debut. Remixed and remastered to elevate some of the details that had been lost in the old recordings, tracks run between lounge jazz and soul funk, with 'Little Birdie' arguably the pick of the lot (and not just because it stands out with those iconic vocals).

Review: For the first time ever, this classic Charlie Brown soundtrack is now available on vinyl, offering the complete 19-track score plus a special bonus track. This timeless Peanuts special, created by Charles Schulz and directed by Phil Roman, is brought to life with Guaraldi's signature jazz-infused compositions, including beloved pieces like 'Peppermint Patty'. 'Easter Theme' and 'Snoopy and Woodstock'. This vinyl edition has been mixed and mastered from the original 2" session tapes to ensure audiophile quality, providing an enhanced listening experience for fans of jazz and Peanuts. 'Woodstock's Medley', features pianist David Benoit with original Guaraldi sidemen Seward McCain (bass) and Mike Clark (drums), recorded fifty years later at the same Hyde Street studio in San Francisco. Guaraldi's score, with its elegant title theme, playful take on Beethoven and the infectious 'Woodstock's Dream', is something for all listeners. The album's warm analogue sound brings the Easter classic to life in a way that's sure to delight both long-time fans and newcomers.