Joseph Arthur returns with the release of the double disc album The Ballad of Boogie Christ - a new high point in his critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated career that has spanned nine full-length albums and 11 EPs...

The Ballad of Boogie Christ is a 2-disc album containing 24 tracks, with a running time of 1 hr, 45 min, 53 sec.

This is an impressive album, that at times reminded me of the work of John Cale - in fact Joseph Arthur's voice is incredibly similar in style. Especially on tracks like ''The Ballad Of Boogie Christ' and 'I Miss the Zoo'.

While there isn't a bad track 'All The Old Heroes' was by far my favourite on the album. It's a slow, haunting track that starts with the vocals and acoustic guitar and slowly builds to include a lone choral singer.

Other noteworthy tracks include the showy 'Currency of Love'; the tongue in cheek 'The Ballad of Boogie Christ' and 'I Miss the Zoo'; and 'Blue Lights in the Rear View'.

This is an album that will appeal to his hardcore fan base, as well as being accessible to a new audience. If you buy only one album this month, make sure it's this one.

10

Nick Smithson