The latest releases reviewed

MARK KNOPFLER & EMMYLOU HARRIS All the Roadrunning Mercury ***

This is the fruit of seven years' labour. In that time these two seriously respected artists have stolen time from their schedules to meet in studios and continue a collaboration that first began on a tribute album many years ago. And while all 12 tracks share the classic touches that have made these two such signal figures, from Emmylou's ethereal voice to Knopfler's weary vocals and his trademark fluent guitar, they also seem unconnected, lacking emotional glue to hold them together. The performances of all, but particularly the two principals, are impressive, though the songs generally lack the kind of visceral triggers to fire them into memory. It feels less like an album and more like a series of one-offs. www.mark-knopfler.co.uk

Joe Breen

KARINE POLWART Scribbled in Chalk Spit & Polish *****

This is a little gem, an album of small, beautifully formed tunes and observations that are not afraid of big questions and soft emotions. Karine Polwart is Scottish, a relative veteran of the music scene at 35 with a history in the likes of the traditional-influenced Battlefield Band, a master's degree in Philosophy and a strong commitment to human rights issues, particularly those of children. But this is neither bleedingheart angst nor pretentious waffle. Polwart frames her thoughtful questions and observations in simple-sounding couplets - "Raise a flag, raise your hands/Praise your Lord and then raze his lands" - that dig deep. In addition, the folkbased arrangements and her soft lilting voice create an intimate, beguiling mood of rare sensitivity. www.karinepolwart.com

Joe Breen