This week's CD reviews

This week we're reviewing new releases from Christy Moore, The Maccabees and Alessi's Ark

Roots

Christy Moore: Listen (Sony)

Irish singer/songwriting troubadour Christy Moore is in imperious form on this new release, Listen.

It's an album with many highlights, including the elegiac Rory is Gone, a tribute to the late, great Rory Gallagher, and a cover of Shine On You Crazy Diamond, a tribute to Syd Barrett complete with uileen pipes. This is Moore's first studio album since 2005's Burning Times and he's invested great effort into it.

It was recorded with his longtime collaborator Declan Sinnott and it's a classy offering. ***

Indie

The Maccabees: Wall Of Arms (Fiction)

The debut album from The Maccabees, Colour It In, marked them out as being puppishly playful. This follow-up, however, is a more brooding affair that resonates to the sound of feverish, jerky guitars and edgy tunes.

It's evolution, rather than revolution, however, and their trademark melancholy melodies are fused with observational humour and see-sawing basslines.

Wall . . . evidences a band that is learning its craft. It's a giant step in the right direction. ****

Alternative

Alessi's Ark: Notes From The Treehouse (Virgin)

It's almost impossible to believe that London chanteuse Alessi is just 18. The prodigiously talented singer/songwriter has composed a record of rare grace and beauty.

Brought up on Graham Nash and Joni Mitchell, she's absorbed those influences while her literary leanings towards JD Salinger and Edward Gorey inform a collection of erudite lyrics.

Sweeping strings, orchestral arrangements and lullaby-like love songs make this an auspicious debut. ***

Reviews by Andy Richardson