Jeff Martin - Spoons: A Collection of Remixes, Collaborations and Interpretations

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A fine way to savour Jeff Martin's songs

Jeff Martin's first two albums - 2001's 'Still' and 2004's 'Spoons' - got somewhat lost in the post-2000 avalanche of Wexford Street troubadours - a shame, because both are special and Martin is a serious and imaginative talent. And, as the line-up for this redux record shows, he has some heavyweight admirers.

Here locals like Decal, Chequerboard, Stephen Shannon and the Dublin Guitar Quartet and bigger names like John McEntire (Tortoise), Minotaur Shock, David Pajo (Papa M, Slint) and John Parish polish up 'Spoons' in their own particular way.

While some tracks are more immediate than others, there are flashes of brilliance throughout - Pajo's work on 'Anyone's Pocket' ranks among his own career's best - and, crucially, your enjoyment is not dependent on having heard the source material.

Martin will have a new collection out soon; in the meantime this is a fine way to savour the past and anticipate the future.

Harry Guerin

Tracklisting: Minotaur Shock: Shuttlecock - Isan: Magnet Line - Stephen Shannon: Make Change - John McEntire: The Promise - David Pajo: Anyone's Pocket - The High Llamas: Spoons - Mice Parade: Plays Music - Decal