THE CAKE SALE The Cake Sale Oxfam Ireland *****

Going anywhere near albums specifically created for charitable causes is rarely advised - you're damned if you don't review it, and if you do put key to screen and don't love it to bits then you're also damned for being a spoilsport. A big Jeff Bridges "phew! rock'n'roll", then, for this effort, which was organised by members of BellX1 for Oxfam. The Cake Sale is not just the best "charity" record we've heard in years, it's one of the best records of the year.

Not all of its nine songs were written specifically for the album, so whatever theme there might be has possibly come after the fact. This matters little; what's important is that the album - in the creative sense, at least - is a veritable showcase of songs written and sung by Irish and international musicians. Highlights are too numerous to mention - there isn't one weak track here - and what gels everything together is the sense that everyone concerned is giving their best shot.

And what bullseye shots there are: a brace of superb songs by Bell X1's Paul Noonan (Vapour Trail, sung by Josh Ritter, and Some Surprise, sung by Lisa Hannigan and Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody); Matt Lunson's Aliens (sung by Neil Hannon); Glen Hansard's All the Way Down (sung by Gemma Hayes); Dave Geraghty's Last Leaf (sung by Hannigan); Emm Gryner's Black Winged Bird (sung by The Cardigans' Nina Persson); and Ollie Cole's Too Many People (sung by Hansard).

The first "charidee" record in years that's foolproof-safe to buy? Salve your creative instincts and your conscience in one fell swoop. www.thecakesale.com Tony Clayton-Lea