Playlist 05.09.11

There's no law that says every Paul Simon record should be great. Every the artist himself might admit that he's put out a few lesser efforts. Certainly, few fans got into a lather over 'Songs From The Capeman' and on other occasions he's been out of synch with the people.

Still, many good songs. I liked his slightly barmy adventures with Brian Eno on 'Surprise' and his recent album, 'So Beautiful Or So What' is gently compelling. You all know that he writes well about the minor distress of adult life. But the new songs are also about the little illuminations out there. He lifts you, he sings like he really cares and he can muster an inventive groove more often than not.

BBC Radio Ulster, 92-95 FM

Online: www.bbc.co.uk/radioulster

Mondays, ten - midnight

Aretha Franklin - The House That Jack Built (Atco)

Gabe Dixon - Strike (Fantasy)

Yuck - The Wall (Fat Possum)

William Burroughs - musical tribute

Piney Gir - Oh Lies (Damaged Goods)

Mr Heavenly - I Am A Hologram (Sub Pop)

Paul Simon - Dazzling Blue (Universal)

Paul Thomas Saunders - Appointment In Samara (RT60)

Booker T Jones - Progress (Anti)

Crystal Fighters - Champion Sound (Zirkulo)

Elvis Costello - There's A Story In Your Voice (Lost Highway)

Slow Club - Horses Jumping (Moshi Moshi)

The Answer - Vida (Spinefarm)

Nick Cave - Nobody's Baby Now (Mute)

Gabe Dixon - My Favourite (Fantasy)

Blue Flint - Take Your Shoes Off (JRR)

Willie Nelson - Graceland (Columbia)

Paul Simon - Questions For The Angels (Universal)

Lucy Wainwright Roche - American Tune (Strike Back)

Emmy The Great - Iris (Close Harbour)

Tom Rush - Shadow Dream Song (Elektra)

Don Gallando - Wichita (First Floor Story)

Love Inks - Rock On (City Slang)

The Waterboys - Politics (Puck)

Shelby Lynne - Revelation Rd (Everso)

Ciaran Lavery - Until You're Leaving (white)

Paul Simon - Love And Blessings (Universal)

Linley Hamilton - Have A Good Time (Lyte)