Apollo Sound - the name behind some of the finest sounds in light, popular and funky easy listening are about to release another addition to their celebrated Testcard series.

Testcard Music Volume 9, (From the Archives) features a sparkling array of sounds from some of the finest composers and musicians in Europe. The 20 digitally re-mastered tracks include classic testcard tunes from the likes of the Polish Radio Orchestra, Franz Thon Big Band, Budapest Radio Orchestra, Simon Gale and Joze Privsek.

The Apollo Sound archive features the very best Test Card Music. The recordings were originally prompted by the need for 'quality' music to be used during the long hours of Testcard transmissions. At that time the BBC was severely restricted in the repertoire that could be used, partly due to Musician's Union practices and partly due to constraints which ruled our commercially available recordings. Meeting this demand prompted a golden age of music productions which encompassed a wide range of styles. The music was recorded in a variety of different countries (invariably outside the U.K.) and featured pieces written and played by composers and musicians who were and remain at the top of their profession.'