IAN DURY: RARE AND UNSEEN

The British rocker died of liver cancer a decade ago. His work definitely deserves another look. And "Rare And Unseen" offers a golden opportunity. The documentary utilizes film, video, newsreels and photographs. Included are eight live Dury performances, including "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll." The charismatic performer is seen fronting both The Kilburns and The Blockheads. Dury stands among the finest lyricists of the '70s. The DVD covers everything from his struggle with polio, to his rise to fame, to his legacy.

THE ROLLING STONES: 1969-1974 THE MICK TAYLOR YEARS

The departure of brilliant, but erratic Brian Jones led to the arrival of young guitar wizard Mick Taylor, fresh from a stint with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. With Taylor complementing Keith Richards, The Stones created such memorable works as "Sticky Fingers," "Exile On Main St." "Goat's Head Soup" and "It's Only Rock and Roll." On this DVD, fans will find insights into each of those albums (commentary includes Taylor himself), as well as tasty live Stones performance bits.

"GOLD"

This long lost 1968 picture, "Gold," is a treasure indeed for those who value that era's chaotic comedy and anarchic sexual and political revolutions. It plays like a nudie movie conceived by Jerry Rubin on acid. It mixes hippies and elements of a western. The flick is weird, wacky and, in a trippy way, wonderful. The counterculture has never been crazier. The groovy soundtrack features unreleased music by MC5 and other artists. This Wild Eye Releasing and MVD Visual release includes commentary tracks, one by director Bob Levis and star Del Close; another by members of the rad humor troupe Upright Citizens Brigade.

"JOY"

Severin is releasing both "Joy" and "Joy and Joan," glorious examples of '80s French softcore erotica. Both films are not only uncut, but present extra footage (you should pardon the expression). "Joy" adds minutes to the "secret orgy dungeon" sequence. "Joy and Joan" extends the bizarre "Philippine sex grotto" scenes. Created from new anamorphic transfers, these versions offer American audiences their first opportunity to view the films uncut. "Joy" includes a rare interview with its titular star, Canada's Claudia Udy, who retired from acting 15 years ago. Based on the memoirs of a sensation-seeking supermodel, both films benefit from stylish direction and set design, as well as colorful cinematography. All departments unabashedly embrace their inherent tackiness. Music from French pop star Francois Valery enhances the moods. Both DVDs offer senseless, but sensuous silliness and wildly imaginative sexual romps.

EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - "A TIME AND A PLACE"

If you want to recapture ELP's live performances at the peak of their powers, Shout! Factory's new 4-CD box set of remastered rarities and bootlegs is all you'll ever need. The collection hurls the listener onto a wild ride. The uniquely exciting trio employ theatricality, inventiveness and remarkable musical chops. Relishing experimentation, they place into their lab beaker prog rock, jazz and classical inspirations. One three-song run on Disc Two darts from Mancini's "Peter Gunn Theme" to Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exposition" to Scott Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag" In any context, keyboardist Keith Emerson is a magician, achieving majestic heights. Greg Lake's vocals, guitar and bass work are consistently moody and evocative. And Carl Palmer adds drama and power via his phenomenal drumming. Though known for grand flourishes, the band is also adept at finding clever nuances and sublime subtleties. ELP proved to be one of rock's most influential, intelligent and original bands in the '70s. Their music continues to be extraordinarily exhilarating.

STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN & DOUBLE TROUBLE - "COULDN'T STAND THE WEATHER"

The new Legacy edition two-CD set offers a wealth of powerhouse Vaughan performances. The first disc presents the 1984 album, remastered, plus 11 studio outtake bonus tracks. This version of Elmore James' "The Sky Is Crying" really cooks. The second CD is a previously unreleased Montreal concert from that same year. That show also featured tunes from the previous year's "Texas Flood" album. Highlights in this set include "Testify," "Honey Bee" and "Tin Pan Alley." It's clear why Vaughan inspired generations of guitarists.

SETLIST: THE VERY BEST OF...

This new Sony Music/Legacy series offers terrific live sets including "fan faves and gems from the vault," in addition to expected hits. Among the artists who warrant their own collections in the first wave of releases are Johnny Cash, REO Speedwagon, Quiet Riot, Jefferson Airplane, Cheap Trick, Judas Priest, Kansas, Willie Nelson, Ted Nugent, Alabama and Blue Oyster Cult. Some of the live tracks were previously unissued. The Airplane set brings ample thrills, as Grace Slick wails at the height of her vocal powers. Marty Balin shines on "Comin' Back To Me." Together, their harmonies soar, as on "Crown of Creation." Several of the longer tracks allow guitarists Paul Kantner and Jorma Kaukonen to showcase their riveting improvisational skills. The Johnny Cash "Setlist" offers a wide spectrum, spanning country, folk, gospel and rockabilly. One highlight is Cash's "What Is Truth," which, in the Vietnam era, shook the Silent Majority by the shoulders. Metalheads will agree that the Quiet Riot set proves the band packed plenty of voltage into their live shows. This series will certainly please fans of each of these popular artists.

"HELLO IT'S ME: DISPATCHES FROM A POP CULTURE JUNKIE" BY CHRIS EPTING (SANTA MONICA PRESS)

This highly entertaining book exudes warmth, nostalgia and a consistent sense of fun. Author Chris Epting, self-confessed pop culture addict, deftly creates poignant moments, as well as amusing ones. He looks back on his life as journalist and fan, describing in vivid detail his close encounters with luminaries from the worlds of music, TV, movies, sports and literature. Some have accepted his invitation to add their own recollections, providing valuable added perspectives. The fascinating cast of characters includes Alfred Hitchcock, Peter Frampton, Todd Rundgren, Ronnie Wood, John Cheever and Milton Berle. This time machine takes us on a joyful trip from the '70s back to the present, noting all the fads and fashions along the way. And as Epting points out, it's sure to inspire readers to peruse their memory banks and to reflect on the idols who helped shape their own lives. Don't ignore Epting's "Hello." It's a breezy delight, capturing that surrealistic, magical sense of awe we feel when stumbling upon the stars we most admire.