The master of swamp rock is back with a new batch of Bayou ditties designed to stir your Cajun soul. Best remembered for his 1969 hit 'Polk Salad Annie', White has written a number of great songs over the years including 'I've Got A Thing About You' which was covered by none other than Elvis. Hot tracks on the new album include 'Gumbo John', 'The Delta Singer' and the cleverly titled 'I Want My Fleetwood Back'

So what’s Bill Kirchen’s Top 40 connection? Well he was a vocalist and guitarist for Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, a group that cracked the charts in 1972 with a remake of the novelty hit ‘Hot Rod Lincoln’. Kirchen has churned out a string of great solo albums that can best be described as a mix of honky tonk, swing and rockabilly. His latest, Raise A Ruckus may be the best of the bunch. The title track is a throwback to Chuck Berry and contains the memorable line "I got a 30 year mortgage for a ten second thrill". Kirchen’s paean to the 45 rpm single, Little Bitty Record, is also a killer. You can’t resist lines like "It’s just a little bitty record with a great big whole; a little piece of vinyl with a whole lotta soul."

If you recall the Amazing Rhythm Aces only from their 1975 hit Third Rate Romance, you've missed an impressive body of work consisting of six brilliant albums. The Aces, as much as The Eagles or CCR, were responsible for giving rock some country sensibility. The band broke up in 1980 and regrouped a couple of years ago for an R & B-flavoured album called Out Of The Blue. With their new disc, Chock Full Of Country Goodness, the band recaptures the timeless sound of their early records. Highlights include 'Fake It 'Till I Make It', and the drinking and driving lament 'DUI/SOL'.

What's there not to like about this amazing set of rhythm and blues covers by Alex Chilton and the other four original members of the Box Tops? If you've followed Chilton's career you're aware that he founded the critically acclaimed band Big Star, became an alternative icon with his solo career and then assumed a lounge lizard persona, delivering cool takes on songs like Volare. (Sung in Italian!) The reunion album is a tongue-in-cheek affair all the way, but you'll be transported back to 1969 when you listen to 'Last Laugh' and hear those fabulous Memphis horns and the 'Tops patented electric sitar. Check out their tour dates at http://www.boxtops.com/

Although he's never been on Top 40 radio, he certainly should have been. Gordon rose from the New Wave ashes of The Tuff Darts to launch a decent solo career in 1977. The man kicked rockabilly butt when The Stray Cats were just kittens and, as his latest effort proves, his voice has lost none of its power. Although there's nothing quite as strong as old nuggets like 'The Way I Walk' or 'Fire' (originally written for Gordon by Bruce Springsteen and later made famous by The Pointer Sisters), his takes on 'Hello Walls' and 'Train Of Love' are outstanding. You can read a little more about Robert Gordon at www.rockabillyhall.com/RobertGordon.html

This one is a real joy, especially for fans that loved Ringo's early solo material. He's assembled a crack band, including Joe Walsh on guitar, and they give new life to chestnuts like 'Back Off Boogaloo' and 'It Don't Come Easy'. The highlight has to be his stirring performance of Photograph; the opening crescendo of this great song simply takes your breath away. Mr. Starkey even dusts off a couple of the numbers he sang with the Beatles such as 'Don't Pass Me By' and 'Octopus' Garden'. While songs from his latest studio album Vertical Man are not as strong, these live renderings are an improvement. As it is part of the Storyteller series, there are also some interesting monologues before many of the songs. For example, did you know that it was Ringo who shouted "I've got blisters on my fingers!" at the end of 'Helter Skelter'?

The master of space and time is back with his third country recording under the pseudonym Hank Wilson. If you liked the first two (although the second is virtually impossible to find), you're sure to enjoy this.

Once again Leon covers some country standards including 'Sweet Dreams', 'Daddy Sang Bass' and a duet with Willie Nelson on the George Jones classic 'He Stopped Loving Her Today'. Not for everyone, to be sure, but if you simply can't do without this in your CD collection, give yourself a pat on the back for having such good taste. A good Leon page can be found at http://members.aol.com/leonrussel/framesetup.htm

O.k.,we've saved the best for last. The late leader of the Sir Douglas Quintet and master blues, rock and country musician has released an album for the ages. You'll find some of the patented Tex Mex licks he brought to the Texas Tornados, old-time ballads, a great country cover and lots of out-and-out rock & roll. It's a feast for the ears, particularly the reggae-infused title track. A good Bio on Doug can be found at http://www.laventure.net/tourist/sdq_hist.htm