Kevin Bryan explores some of this week's alternative CD releases.

Doug Sahm, "Hell of a Spell / Nuevo Wave Live / Texas Hero " (Floating World)- The late Doug Sham is best remembered these days as the leader of sixties rockers the Sir Douglas Quintet of "She's About A Mover" and "Mendocino" fame, and this album serves up a broad cross-section of the Texan's varied and eclectic output, running the gamut from late fifties offerings such as"Crazy Daisy" to two splendid albums from the eighties in the shape of "Texas Hero" and "Nuevo Wave Live." The latter was a euphoric celebration of the rich musical landscape of Sahm's home state, showcasing fine covers of T-Bone Walker's "T-Bone Shuffle" and Buddy Holly's "Oh Boy" alongside some choice extracts from Doug's own illustrious back catalogue. Splendid stuff.

Donnie Fritts, "Oh My Goodness" (Single Lock)- This veteran session player has been one of the mainstays of Kris Kristofferson's backing band for more than four decades now as well as contributing to many of the classical soul recordings which emanated from Alabama's legendary Muscle Shoals studio during its golden era half a century or so ago. Donnie's fourth solo album mines a rich vein of mellow reflection, with the septuagenarian's fractured vocals expertly underpinned by some fine Wurlitzer piano work on stand-out tracks such as "Errol Flynn," "Lay It Down " and "Oldest Baby in the World."

John McCusker, "Hello, Goodbye" (Under One Sky)- John McCusker first established his impeccable folk credentials during a lengthy stint with the Battlefield Band, and this versatile Scottish performer has now returned to solo activity after immersing himself in creatively rewarding collaborations with the likes of Kris Drever and Roddy Woomble for the past few years . "Hello, Goodbye" is the result and this sprightly collection of jigs, reels and tunes also boasts telling contributions from folk luminaries such as Andy Cutting, Phil Cunningham and American mandolin ace Tim O'Brien.

Shonen Knife, "Adventure" (Damnably)- The Japanese pop punk trio who were once hailed as the Osaka Ramones celebrate their 35th anniversary this year with their initial verve and vitality still remarkably intact. "Adventure" serves up an appetising blend of crunching guitar riffs and infectious girl group harmonies as Shonen Knife unveil a string of ingenuously memorable ditties for your listening pleasure. "Green Tangerine," "Rock'n'Roll T-Shirt" and "Iml" are the best of the bunch.