Roots

Eliza Carthy: Angels & Cigarettes (Warner Bros)

For her major label debut this young British folk star of impressive parentage (Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson) has wisely shifted the goalposts. There is no revisiting of the traditional playing pitch, no attempts to update ancient songs with modern noises. This is Eliza Carthy's music - a little self-conscious, a touch over-packaged, but undoubtedly the product of a talent richly endowed. Yet though she and her faithful band embrace the modern world with songs, many copenned, full of colourful mood, anarchic spirit, and hummable melody, her traditional roots are still part of the mix. And the manner in which she has integrated her smouldering voice, her willowy violin and her knowledge of traditional styles into her own songs is exciting and promising. She will get better. But this will do mightily for now.

Joe Breen

Van Morrison/Linda Gail Lewis: You Win Again (Virgin)

It can't be easy being Van Morrison. When he's all serious and intense, he is slammed as a sourpuss; yet when he has a little fun, such as on this excursion back into his formative years, he is likely to be accused of trivialising his talents. This good-time collection, recorded with singer/pianist Linda Gail Lewis, sister of ace piano stomper, Jerry Lee, and the sparky Red Hot Pokers, mostly pulses with life and memories. The 13 tracks feature one Morrison original, the honky tonk-styled No Way Pedro; the rest include standards by Hank Williams, John Lee Hooker and Dave Bartholomew. Lewis's lively voice proves a good foil for Morrison's loveable growl and her piano style displays the same flourishes as her brother's. Following on from his skiffle chapter, perhaps this is the latest in Van's musical autobiography. What's next? Flower power?

Joe Breen

More CDs reviewed in tomorrow's Weekend supplement.