Latest releases reviewed

SHERYL CROW
Wildflower Tour: Live from New York
Universal
**

Much as we like Sheryl Crow, there's something about her that so desperately wants to be Lucinda Williams but just can't be because the bite and the bitterness (as much as anything else) simply aren't there. Crow's music is fine, slightly generic adult roots/rock/ pop, and it benefits from measures of depth, melody, integrity. Think facets of the aforementioned Williams linked in with hints of Tom Petty and Dylan/Cash influences. However, in a live setting Crow goes through the motions so steadfastly it's a wonder someone close to her doesn't pull her aside and ask her what's happened. This lacklustre concert from 2005 is a no frills/no thrills run-through of hits and near misses that does her no favours. Some good songs, but no emotion, no charisma, no reaction, no extras worth mentioning. Just Sheryl Crow looking bored.

BLACK 47
The Story So Far
Black 47
***

New York-based Black 47 have toiled away on the edge of crossover success for years, with frontman and mainstay Larry Kirwan (formerly of Wexford's Major Thinkers - ask your elderly uncle) keeping the home fires burning through a mixture of resilience, resourcefulness and dogged determination. The band's schtick is punked-up céilidh music, a rousing mix of hard riffs, rocking reels, full-on tin whistles and a clearly defined sociopolitical ethos. On record, this blend sometimes comes across as forced. But here, in a mixum-gatherum collection of videos, gig clips, TV appearances (Conan O'Brien, Jay Leno) and band interviews, the result is a winning snapshot of a Gaelic crew that are in it for all the right reasons. www.black47.com