John Prine: In Spite of Ourselves (Oh Boy)

I've grown to love this determinedly low-key album, from its evocative black and white sleeve photographs to the craggy delivery of Mr Prine as he and his stellar line-up of female co-singers wind their way home on this collection of favourite country duets plus one minor warped gem of his own. This is his first album since his bout with throat cancer, so his less-than-pure vocals can be excused. But it's the little imperfections, along with the bright-eyed enthusiasm of collaborators such as Melba Montgomery, Emmylou Harris, Iris DeMent, Dolores Keane and Lucinda Williams, that actually gives the music real heart. The faithful old sound, and his unerring selection of material, complete the package.

- Joe Breen

Guy Clark: Cold Dog Soup (Sugar Hill)

This great Texan storyteller returns with one of his best recordings in some time. Clark is most at home when the distance between him and the listener is shortest. This collection of mainly original songs is so intimate that it feels like the laconic tunesmith is singing next to you. There is no clutter. The players, mostly just Clark plus the brilliant Darrell Scott on mandolin and Verlon Thompson on acoustic guitar, embellish each track with intricate stringed flourishes without ever detracting from Clark's storytelling mission. Old fans will notice another paean to his beloved Red River, while his cover of Steve Earle's Fort Worth Blues aches with weary experience. Great stuff.

- Joe Breen

More CDs reviewed in tomorrow's Weekend supplement.