George Jones: My Favourites of Hank Williams/Trouble In Mind (Capitol)

Country is often described as being the white man's blues. At its best that is true, and there are few better white blues singers than George Jones. Both these albums, available under a two-in-one mid-price offer, were recorded in the early 1960s when he was already a living legend for wild living and his ability to squeeze every last drop of honest emotion from a song. Listening to these (mostly) grim tales of haunted daily life evokes images of dusty ramshackle bars illuminated by a crackling jukebox. The Williams tribute, in particular, shows Jones at the peak of his powers before alcoholism took its toll. His strong, lonesome voice is paradoxically vulnerable as he winds his way through sepia-toned odes to divorce, drink, love lost and paradise never regained.

By Joe Breen

John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers: Padlock on the Blues (Eagle Records)On this album, made in just three weeks last year, long-time English bluesman John Mayall and his Bluesbreakers are not on top form. There are a few real flaws, but all is not bad: in fact, the last track, White Line Fever, shows Mayall at his best. His special guest is the legendary John Lee Hooker, who tries to boogie things up - after all, he is the Boogie Man - but he doesn't mix with Mayall's kind of music. Mayall wants to padlock the blues, but can't seem to find the right key this time. He is a great master, but he and his band could do better - and they will.

By Colm Banville