Claire Lynch: Lovelight (Rounder)
There is something about great bluegrass music that actually encourages you to swallow all manner of cornball sentiment. It is a combination of the heartwarming simplicity of the themes, the shimmering purity of the vocals and the dazzling picking of the instrumental backdrop. Lovelight has all three in abundance. This is finger-picking good acoustic American music. Lynch has been a mainstay of the bluegrass scene for some time, but has generally played the bridesmaid to Alison Krauss's celebrated bride. Better known as an interpreter of songs, on this collection she reveals a talent for writing such as the bluesy Jealousy or the sensitive These Flowers. Elsewhere, supported by the quietly accomplished Front Porch Band, she repeats her habit of covering great songs such as Leslie Tucker's Sweethearts Again or the jaunty opener I'm Movin'. Recommended.
- Joe Breen
LoneStar: Lonely Grill (BMG)
First released in the US in the middle of last year, this third album by four Texans with an eye for the main chance is as good as pop country gets. The problem is that pop country rarely gets very good, but, that said, this is a professional, superbly packaged, air-brushed collection of heart-tugging last dance, last chance ballads and fist-waving soft rockers. The best of the ballads are the gnawing Smile and their big hit, Amazed, while the beer-drenched Saturday Night, Simple As That and What About Now will help keep America driving down those long highways. With ace producer Dan Huff at the controls the sense of music by numbers is strong, but there is no denying its commercial appeal.
- Joe Breen