Tom T. Hall was called the Nashville storyteller during his heyday in the 60s and 70s because of his ability to spin a tale. Best known for his story of hypocrisy and cant, Harper Valley PTA - a massive crossover hit for Jeannie C. Reilly in 1968 - Kentucky-born Hall was more literate than most and certainly more thoughtful. In recent years, however, Hall, now 63, has faded from view so this excellent tribute collection serves as a timely reminder of his prowess. There are 17 tracks and n'ere a dud among them. Apart from Johnny Cash, the line-up is very much new generation, ranging from Whiskeytown and Kelly Willis to Iris DeMent, Ron Sexsmith and Calexico, while the songs range from predictable to positively inspired. It's a case of reassessment overdue. Start with this collection.

The Del McCoury Band: The Family (Ceili Music)

Fresh from their triumphant Dublin gigs with Steve Earle, this collection finds this most accomplished of bluegrass bands in particularly fine shape. The McCourys have been on a roll of late, enjoying the greater exposure afforded by their touring and recording with Earle. But you sense that they know that fame is fickle because this album makes few, if any, concessions to a wider market. This is hardcore bluegrass, played with unflagging skill and unstinted heart. These frontporch tales, peppered with flying mandolin and laced with soaring harmonies, are of love lost and dues paid, though the solace of Christian belief is never far from mind. Del McCoury's voice lives every song, colouring the most banal of lines with heartfelt commitment - though his version of John Sebastian's Nashville Cats shows that he enjoys a laugh, too.