The latest releases reviewed

LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III

Recovery

Yep Roc Records

***

This is the fourth album of a proposed four-disc retrospective box set. Apparently no label was interested in a box set (for shame), but a proposal to rethread a number of lesser known songs, some from Wainwright's very early days, received the go-ahead.

The idea is good.

At 62, Loudon Wainwright has a body of fine work stretching back almost 40 years. At their most basic his songs can be funny, but they are more than that; the laughs hide the pain of growing up in public, for him and his family, including his children Martha and Rufus.

To revisit these songs with the wisdom of age must have been an attractive concept for him and producer Joe Henry, but there are no surprises in Wainwright's rereadings. And the use of expert players such as Greg Leisz and Bill Frisell adds little. The best songs ( School Days, Motel Blues), don't especially thrive in lavish arrangements. They are simple songs about complex emotions best sung simply. And the selection is, of course, unbalanced - bring on the box set.  www.lwiii.com JOE BREEN

Download tracks: School Days, Motel Blues

ELIZA GILKYSON

Beautiful World

Red House

****

American folk singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson is enjoying an Indian summer in her career. Her most recent work, including this stirring collection, are imbued with a real sense of mission, whether it be politics of the heart or politics of a more public kind.

The environment and our treatment of same is the theme of the title track, but the Bush administration gets the hammer in the memorable Great Correction, a song that surfs sweetly on a wave of hard-edged indignation.

Gilkyson's ability to harness strong melodies to fiery articulate lyrics is further shown in Dream Lover, about a bitter porn star, while Eliza's own happy love life is captured well in the opening Emerald Street.

Mark Hallman's production gets the balance right between an excellent band and a singer at one with her passion. Make sure to catch her on her forthcoming Irish tour. www.elizagilkyson.com JOE BREEN

Download tracks: Emereld Street, Great Correction, Dream Lover