Roots

JOE BREENreviews the roots album of the week...

Live in Europe

Blue Rose ***

This relatively unsung tunesmith from Austin follows in the rich line of Texas singer-songwriters. Son of noted novelist Larry McMurtry, he has created a small but voluble band of supporters for his thoughtful, incisive and often delightfully boisterous songs. (One fan is novelist Stephen King, who has cited him "as the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation".) This live album was recorded on the tour to promote his last album, the excellent Just Us Kids, and the bulk of the eight tracks are taken from it. But don't let that put you off; McMurtry and his band the Heartless Bastards (with British keyboard player Ian McLagan onboard) work these songs well, giving them a visceral edge over the inevitably more restrained studio recording. It augurs well for his Irish shows in the Errigal Inn, Belfast; Langtons, Kilkenny; and Whelan's Dublin on, respectively, next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Recommended. www.james mcmurtry.com

Download tracks: Freeway View, Bayou Torture

Micah P Hinson

All Dressed Up and Smelling of Strangers

Full Time Hobby****

With his signature voice splintering like a would-be Sinatra reworking My Way one more time, displaced Texan Micah P Hinson certainly cannot be accused of hiding his shortcomings. But, in a way, this double CD of "covers" is all about being personal, of revealing himself by revealing the songs that move him. One can only presume that these 16 songs have a personal resonance for the British-based singer. The first eight, mostly solo, include the intriguing Slow and Steady (Pedro the Lion), an unadorned The Times They Are a Changin' (Bob Dylan) and Not Forever Now, a haunting Centro- Matic song perfect for Hinson's lived-in voice. The second set is more band-based but no less fascinating or idiosyncratic, with songs by Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley and George Harrison. Thoughtfully selected and lovingly performed. www.micahphinson.com

Download tracks: Slow and Steady, Not Forever Now, While My Guitar Gently Weeps