Were musicians to be awarded medals for time spent spreading the rock'n'roll word, then Pete Cummins would boast a chestful. The Dubliner has been playing music on and off for almost 50 years, including spells in the seminal Granny's Intentions and, somewhat later, the much-loved Fleadh Cowboys. This is his second solo album after 2008's Brilliant Architect. Both share Cummins's love of Americana and 1970s rock. Sacred Ground, his tribute to journalist Eugene Moloney, senselessly killed on his way home, and The Harder the Rain, his thoughts on the financial crisis, are heartfelt and strongly expressed. Other songs such as Distant Starlight, Mercedes Keogh and the Lynott-like Same Old Rounds recall earlier, happier days (or maybe not), while the gentle reggae shuffle of The Gypsy Rose celebrates friendship. petecummins.com