This weeks roots CDs reviewed

BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS
Swinging from the Chains of Love Fargo ***

This mature Canadian "super- group" (so-called – none is well known) are named after a song by the late Canadian roots singer- songwriter Willie P Bennett (YouTube has a good version of the song by him). This is actually a compilation of their previous five albums, with a couple of added songs, including one of the better ones: the Band-like Caves of Jericho. The first five songs are nothing to write home about (though George W Bush thought differently: he included the title track on his iPod selection released to the press in 2005). Matters pick up appreciably with Remedy, a raucous Folsom Prison Blues and the catchy ballad If I Catch You Cryin'. Nevertheless, it is a mixed blessing and, as strong as the production is, the band is not as cohesive or consistent as one would expect. www.rodeokings.com

Download tracks: Remedy, The Caves of Jericho

KELLY JOE PHELPS
Western Bell Black

Hen Records

**

Kelly Joe Phelps is a remarkable guitarist with an impressive track record of skillful, inventive, compelling and engrossing music. Unfortunately, there's little evidence of any entertainment on this hugely indulgent album. A generous soul might describe these solo instrumentals with elegiac titles as impressionistic, but a more accurate description might be musical doodles. There's no doubting Phelps's skill, but Western Bellis for diehards and anoraks alone. www.kellyjoephelps.net