Playlist 16.05.11

Even when John Martyn was in failing health, the voice endured. Now there's a posthumous record that proves it. 'Heaven And Earth' was mostly recorded around his house in Ireland and the domestic havoc reveals itself in improvised lyrics about his dog, who randomly joins in the session. You will find more concise songs on other albums, and the guitar playing is also more impressionistic than anything, but still there's a freedom in the art - the instinct to soar through gaps in the music, to rail and murmur and extemporise when the moment requires. Phil Collins put some backing vocals on the tracks later and he rightfully keeps himself in the background. It's John's final gig, the leave-giving of a voice supreme.

BBC Radio Ulster, 92-95 FM

Online: www.bbc.co.uk/radioulster

Blog: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/stuartbailie/

Mondays, ten - midnight

Althea And Donna - Uptown Top Ranking (Virgin)

Brett Dennen - Sydney (Dualtone)

Anna Calvi - Desire (XL)

John Martyn - Heel Of The Hunt (Hole In The Rain)

Austra - The Future (Domino)

Mundy, Gemma Hayes - Reconsider Me (Camcor)

Warren Zevon - The French Inhaler (Rhino)

Ane Brun - Do You Remember (Baloon Ranger)

Kate Bush - Flower Of The Mountain (Noble & Brite)

Voodoun Moi - Monthly Lulabye (Palawan)

Duke Special - Themes From Sesame Tree (Duke Special)

Graham Parker - Sweet On You (Mercury)

Villagers - The Pact (Domino)

Brett Dennen -I Think I'm Losing My Mind (Dualtone)

Kate Bush - Rubberband Girl (Noble & Brite)

Mama's Gun - On a String (Candelion)

Colenso Parade - Tomorrow Everything Will Be Alright (white)

The Innocence Mission - Gentle The Rain At Home (Badman)

Rory Gallagher - Wheels Within Wheels (Strange Music)

Warpaint - Undertow (Rough Trade)

John Martyn - Stand Amazed (Hole In The Rain)

Duke Special - Hard Times Come Again No More (Duke Special)

Kate Bush - Moments Of Pleasure (Noble & Brite)

Thurston Moore - Benediction (Matador)