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

Richard Hawley,"Further" (BMG)-Former Pulp guitarist Richard Hawley celebrates twenty years as a solo performer with the release of his eighth studio set and his first offering for the BMG label. The contents find Hawley musing on mortality via lyrical gems such as "My Little Treasures" and "Midnight Train" alongside the lush romantic balladry of the string laden title track and the Britpop inspired symphonic rock of the album's centrepiece,"Is There A Pill? Splendid stuff.

Roseanne Reid,"Trails" (Last Man Music)- This supremely talented young acoustic balladeer is the eldest daughter of The Proclaimers' Craig Reid, and her subtly captivating debut set was produced by another gifted child of an illustrious musical father in the shape of Teddy Thompson. Gentle understatement is the order of the day throughout a package which is informed by the spirit of Americana in general and sixties southern soul in particular, with the great Steve Earle joining forces with Roseanne to deliver one of the album's stand-out tracks, the beguiling "Sweet Annie."

Michael Lee,"Michael Lee" (Ruf Records)- A feast of gritty electric blues is the order of the day as Ruf Records unveil the debut album from Texan singer-guitarist Michael Lee, who secured this all important record deal after making a memorable appearance on TV show "The Voice" and attracting more than six million "You Tube" views for his soulful cover of B.B.King's classic "The Thrill Is Gone." The latter track is one of the highlights of a brass boosted set which provides an eloquent vehicle for Michael's abilities as a writer and performer of rare immediacy and power.

Malinky,"Handsel" (Greentrax)-The latest collection from highly regarded Scottish folkies Malinky extends over two CDs, including a free bonus disc showcasing selected highlights from the group's illustrious back catalogue and an assortment of live tracks and demo recordings. Malinky have gone through quite a few line-up changes since their formation more than two decades ago but their determination to spread the word on behalf of Scots traditional music has remained undimmed throughout, and "Handsel" finds them working with a number of guest singers as they deliver compelling ditties such as "The Baron o Brackley," "True Lover John" and "The Groves of Donaghmore."