Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some of this week's CD releases Suzanne Vega,"An Evening of New York Songs and Stories" (Cooking Vinyl)- Suzanne Vega returns to the fray after a four year hiatus with a stunning live package recorded in the glamourous surroundings of the Cafe Carlyle in New York City. Singer-songwriter Vega took the opportunity to revisit some choice extracts from her back catalogue, with her top notch backing band in fine fettle throughout as she breathed new life into much loved old favourites such as "Luka," "Marlene On The Wall" and "Gypsy" as well as turning in a heartfelt rendition of the late great Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side."

Big Country,"Out Beyond The River-The Compulsion Years Anthology" (Cherry Red)-This all embracing anthology extends over six discs and brings together all the recordings that Stuart Adamson's instantly identifiable outfit made for Chris Briggs' Compulsion label during the early nineties. The contents include a fascinating assortment of rare B-sides and demos, and the compilers have also found space for a rousing DVD featuring highlights from the group's show at Glasgow's Barrowlands Ballroom in December 1993, capturing Big Country at their rabble rousing best.

Ben Kunder,"Searching for the Stranger" (Comino Music)- Canadian singer-songwriter Ben Kunder is one of the leading lights of the country's indie folk scene, earning a whole host of criticial plaudits for his skilfully crafted musings on the vagaries of the human condition. The Toronto based musician's captivating follow-up to 2018's "Better Human" represents a distinct creative progression from its well received predecessor as Kunder embraces his deeply held belief that "the strange and weird can be beautiful too," unveiling subtly memorable gems such as "Berlin," "Stranger" and "Breaker" in the process.