It’s a busy autumn for Mark Rae’s label.

This month, Grand Central Records clock up nine years in the business. And to prove they’re as busy as ever, they’re putting out a host of releases. As well as going on the road, as a family.

“Family” is a good way of describing the Manchester imprint’s approach, and the Kate Rogers vs Grand Central mini album proves it. Kate has added vocal flourishes to several GC albums from Jon Kennedy, Tony D and Aim. And the singing gunslinger is set to release her solo album, St Eustacia, next February.

In the meantime, this compilation brings together the rest of her collaborations - some great tracks, but not really enough to fill an album: three out of nine tracks are repeated as remixes. That said, Jon Kennedy’s mix of Aim’s The Girl Who Fell Through The Ice is worth the £5 purchase price alone. Kate also gives us the first taste of the new album with the Welcome EP, a 10-inch containing four new tracks.

GC also release their second “housebag” collection of recent 12-inchers, plus sneak previews of forthcoming albums by The Nudge, Riton and Niko. Once again, it’s a good assortment which, as well as being a good way of discovering new Grand Central artists, makes a satisfying listen in its own right. Niko’s You’re My Favourite Music is particularly impressive - a good sign for her solo album which is also due next year.

You can also find a good selection of these artists touring as one big, happy family to celebrate their birthday. Aim’s 10-piece band is joined by Kate Rogers, Niko and Jon Kennedy. So, if you’re a Grand Central fan you should get your money’s worth. And to top it all they’ve also revamped their website. Phew. Matt Walton 24 October 03

Kate Rogers vs Grand Central, released 20 October 03.

Kate Rogers - Welcome EP, released 27 October 03.

Grand Central #2, released 03 November 03.

useful link: www.grandcentralrecords.com