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

Richard Ashcroft, "These People" (RPA)- Richard Ashcroft's latest solo set represents a pleasing throwback to his hugely successful work with The Verve two decades ago, with skilfully deployed strings underpinning stand-out tracks such as "Ain't The Future So Bright" and "They Don't Own Me." Wigan's finest musical export also embraces this opportunity to wag an accusing finger at duplicitous politicians and the evils of media manipulation,and the finished product must rank as his finest offering since Ashcroft's 2000 chart-topper,"Alone With Everybody."

Johnny Cash, "Sings The Songs That Made Him Famous" (Org Music)- This memorable package first saw the light of day in 1958 and helped to cement Cash's position as one of the leading lights of the legendary Sun Records operation. Cash and his backing band The Tennessee Two always made a virtue of their obvious musical limitations , and self-taught guitarist Luther Perkins was in particularly sprightly form as the three men served up uncluttered gems such as "Big River," "Ballad Of A Teenage Queen" and the classic "I Walk The Line."

"Folk Awards 2016" (Proper Records)- The future of British folk music seems to be in safe hands on the evidence presented by this fine 2 CD set, which features performances from all the nominees for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award in 2016. The participants are a refreshing blend of tried and tested veterans and aspiring newcomers, with the former category well represented by the likes of Richard Thompson and Show of Hands and the latter boasting show stopping contributions from Emily Portman, False Lights and vibrant Dubliners Lynched.

"Dada" (Esoteric / Cherry Red)- This interesting historical artefact dates from 1970 and captures vocalist Elkie Brooks in fiery form as she struts her funky stuff with the short-lived Dada some years before going on to achieve solo success via easy on the ear singalongs such as "Pearl's A Singer" and "Don't Cry Out Loud." The band's innovative but uneven blend of gospel, folk, soft rock and blues was never likely to bring them too much in the way of fame and fortune but their first, and sadly also their last ,album is well worth a few minutes of anyone's time nonetheless.