Johnny Boy Would Love This! A Tribute to John Martyn Hole in the Rain/V2****

There aren't many singer- songwriters who create era- defining albums, but John Martyn – who lived in Co Kilkenny until his death in 2009 – did just that with 1973's Solid Air. Martyn embraced atmosphere and improvisation over structure while remaining a singer-songwriter of no small skill. This two-CD tribute features some fine cover versions from a range of artists (including Snow Patrol, Swell Season, Lisa Hannigan and Ultan Conlon). Most involved treat the material with due regard, and we're glad to report that clunkers are few (take a bow Nicholas Barron with Angeline). Highlights, then, are many, including Snow Patrol's May You Never,Robert Smith's Small Hoursand Bombay Bicycle Club's Fairytale Lullaby.See john martyn.com

Download tracks: Robert Smith, Small Hours; Snow Patrol, May You Never; Bombay Bicycle Club, Fairytale Lullaby