REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

Comprehensive double CD overview of songs written and recorded by this musical maverick between 1981 and now, of whom I first heard in the early 80's - recommended by an arch-traditionalist friend! He's seldom been idle over that period - Rory truly is a one-off whose distinctive delivery makes his voice jump through hoops whilst his eccentric tunes are rendered all the more so by accompaniments as diverse as trombone, finger cymbals, foot percussion and spoons! Eclectic? I sometimes think the word was coined for him. Strong, incisive songs of human relationships, religious bigotry ('What Would Jesus Do?' is a special treat) and politics, sexual and otherwise, all feature whilst 'Learning To Walk Again' is perfect for heart-broken insomniacs. A wonderfully vibrant, assured quality prevails throughout and there's little to complain about here. Seeing Rory live is invariably a life-affirming experience and this recording captures that invigorating sense of clout fairly successfully. You should clear some space in the "M" section of your CD shelving for this one.

Clive Pownceby