Roots

The latest releases reviewed

JOSEPH ARTHUR & AND THE LONELY ASTRONAUTS T emporary People Fargo  ***

Joseph Arthur certainly can't be accused of lack of productivity. This album follows four EPs already released this year and a rake of other material since the singer and guitarist signed to Peter Gabriel's Real World label late in the last decade. Arthur was an odd signing, a New York post-punk rock experimentalist with an ear for a good tune who joined an eclectic roster of world music acts. It could have been inspired, but wasn't. Since then Arthur has put together this strongly guitar-led band to play his songs, which remain punchy, catchy and possibly more orthodox if also derivative of the likes of The New York Dolls, Iggy Pop, David Bowie and others. Faith, Driveand Winter Bladesall carry a decent thump, although Say Goodbyemay be the pick of a moderately interesting bunch. www.josepharthur.com JOE BREEN

Download tracks: Say Goodbye, Faith

CATHERINE MacLELLAN Church Bell Blues True North Records  ****

I've had this album ticking over in the car for a few weeks, and its soft, understated, introspective themes and MacLellan's haunting voice are a fine match, beautifully enhanced by the subtle blending of her acoustic guitar and producer James Philip's electric guitar. This is the Canadian singer-songwriter's second album (but her first for a major label) and, while it does take time to warm to, and her tunes are sometimes redolent of early Joni Mitchell, these aren't bad things. Neither is her penchant for minimalism. The understated production is lit by Philip's guitar, particularly wonderfully resonant songs such as The Long Way Homeand the title track. MacLellan's talent is not surprising - she is a daughter of Gene MacLellan, who wrote classic tunes from another age such as Snowbird. It's obviously in the blood. www.catherinemaclellan.com JOE BREEN

Download tracks: The Long Way Home, Snow Day