Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some of this week's alternative CD releases.

Teenage Fanclub, "Here" (PeMa)- The Scottish alternative rockers' rather belated follow-up to 2010's "Shadows" represents an impeccable exercise in musical democracy, with the songwriting credits shared equally between the band's three songwriters, Norman Blake,Raymond McGinley and Gerard Love. The multi layered musical content won't spring too many surprises on diehard Teenage Fanclub devotees but their curiously timeless sound continues to entrance and enthrall the discerning listener, with "I'm In Love," "Hold On" and "The Darkest Part of the Night" emerging as the pick of a tuneful package.

Allen Toussaint, "Live 1989 Chicago Blues Festival" (Retroworld)- Allen Toussaint's death late last year deprived New Orleans of one of its greatest musical ambassadors, but the gifted songwriter, producer and arranger certainly bequeathed a fine body of work to posterity, and this newly released live offering captures his celebratory performance at 1989's Chicago Blues Festival. The impressive set list found Toussaint plundering his illustrious back catalogue to revive classic creations such as "A Certain Girl,""Shoorah Shoorah" alongside the song which gave Glen Campbell a massive singles success in 1977, "Southern Nights."

Chris While and Julie Matthews, "Shoulder To Shoulder" (Fat Cat Records)-The latest album from this hugely influential acoustic pairing serves up the familiar blend of pointed political commentary and perceptive insights into the human condition which has become their trademark during the past twenty years or so, all of it embellished with impeccable vocal harmonies and some top notch musicianship from all concerned. The current single "Here It Comes Again" captures the duo at their most commercial but they also deliver much more substantial ditties such as "Pride" and the poignant "Pinjarra Dreams," the latter highlighting the tragic plight of the underprivileged British children who were uprooted from their homes and transported to Australia before the practice was finally outlawed in 1967.

Mutter Slater Band, "The Champ" (Angel Air)- Mike "Mutter" Slater was formerly the frontman of deliciously quirky Bristolian prog rockers Stackridge, and he's been pursuing a fairly low key solo career since his departure from the band in 2010. The man who Billy Bragg once hailed as "one of the greatest voices of British rock" still turns out effortlessly melodic albums from time to time, marrying his enduring love of sixties blues and soul with a lyrical sensibility which couldn't be more quintessentially English as he unveils the freshly minted charms of "I May Not Be An Angel," " Even Love?" and the majestic title tune.