Roots

The latest releases reviewed

VARIOUS ARTISTS - In the Name of Love - Africa Celebrates U2 Wrasse Records ***

This is an album not without fascination: 12 acts from 10 African countries each take a U2 track and retread it with their individual sound, in most cases borrowing heavily from the original, in others striking a more independent line, though all bring something distinctive to the party. Perhaps reflecting Mr Bono's prominence in speaking out on Africa's behalf, this tribute seems more heartfelt than normal. The songs are predictable enough, and the artists include the formidable Angelique Kidjo (Mysterious Ways), Cheikh Lô (I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For), Les Nubians (With or Without You) and the Soweto Gospel Choir (Pride . . . ). The latter and Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars (Seconds) provide the most compelling covers. An album for world music anoraks and U2 completists alike. www.wrasserecords.com  - JOE BREEN

Download tracks: Pride . . . , Soweto Gospel Choir; Seconds, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars

WARNER E HODGES Centerline Jerkin Crocus Records ***

The subtitle of Warner E Hodges's website is Guts, Guitars, Amps, Attitude, and the trade descriptions act would find no fault with that description of his debut solo album. The man who made his name menacingly slinging his Telecaster for the quintessential cowpunk band Jason and the Scorchers more than 25 years ago has finally got his own album together. Produced by Dan Baird, Centerline crackles with the kind of raw energy that infused early Scorchers' albums. A Chuck Berry riff is never far away and raucous guitar solos break out at the drop of a hat. The mostly self-penned songs celebrate love, life and romance after a rock'n'roll fashion. The reflective Time Marches On is a contrast to more incendiary tracks such as I Love You Baby, How It's Gonna Be and Whole Lot of Fun. www.warnerhodges.com  - JOE BREEN