Latest releases reviewed

DAVE ALVIN
Live from Austin Tx
New West Records
****

This is a predictably cracking set from the veteran west-coast roots rocker and is one of the best of these collections from the archives of the US television show. Alvin, first with the Blasters and then as a solo artist, has plotted his own course, seeking inspiration for his songs from the dirty underbelly of his native southern California and America's rich musical heritage. This show was recorded in January 1999; the material, accordingly, is drawn both from his work with the Blasters and from his early solo albums, including the steaming opener, King of California. Alvin is a master of the stage and he paces the 13-track set brilliantly, coaxing

fine performances from his busy band. As with all this series, the set is also available on DVD. www.newestrecords.com

Download: Border Radio, Promised Land, Fourth of July

VARIOUS ARTISTS
If You Ain't Got the Do-Re-Mi
Smithsonian
***

This notable compilation, subtitled "songs of rags and riches", scratches the surface of a very interesting area: the influence of money on song, specifically American folk song up to 1960s. Produced in unlikely association with Wall Street's Museum of American Finance, it's a limited perspective as it is drawn from the Smithsonian Folkways archive. It's also limited in that the bulk of the 27 tracks deal with the rags side of the title. So definitive it ain't, but this provocative, left-leaning trawl uncovers a rich seam of US social history, from June Lazare's angled eulogy of financier Jim Fisk to Pete Seeger's Business, Woody Guthrie's title track and Joe Glazer's Ida Mae. More in tune with an Ictu conference than an IMI seminar. www.folkways.si.edu

Download tracks: Nobody Know You When You'e Down and Out, Union Maid, Empty Pocket Blues