The latest releases reviewed

KEVIN DEAL Roll Blind Nello ***

They say God loves a tryer, so Kevin Deal is in good shape for the afterlife. By day, Deal is a master mason. Then the night comes calling and lures him into the embrace of the Texas honky-tonk where his honest, brash, vulnerable bluesy country songs of love, regret and the light in a bottle ring very true. Deal, a minor figure in the US, is one of those veterans for whom the rock'n'roll road has no end, who hit that stage night after night because that's what they do. His Texas music is full of mud, blood, beer and guitar solos that scream into the night. Under the agile direction of Lloyd Maines (guitarist, producer and father of Dixie Chick Natalie Maines), Deal coaxes confident performances from his band over the course of the 14 tracks; no plastic celebrity here, just honest sweat. www.kevindeal.com

JOE BREEN

Download tracks: Texas & Beer, I've Got to Believe, Just the Way I Roll

OH SUSANNA Short Stories Rounder ****

Suzie Ungerleider is Oh Susanna, and a more graceful and haunting voice you will not hear this year. This is Ungerleider's fourth album in 10 years, not exactly the sort of productivity that would make the IMF take notice. But what the Canadian lacks in output she makes up for in quality, though not the sort that will sell millions. There is a sombreness and thoughtfulness to this alt.country collection, whether it be the yearning pedal-steel of Schoolyard or the unhurried reading of Billy 4, Bob Dylan's ode to Billy the Kid. Ten of the 11 songs are Ungerleider's own, many of them stories of vulnerability tenderly told (Bullies, Greyhound Bus). Her band, including drummer, husband and co-producer Cam Ciroux, is sensitive, expressive and brilliantly at one with the singer. Don't expect fireworks; this is a slow-burner that will provide longtime warmth. www.ohsusannamusic.com

JOE BREEN

Download tracks: Pretty Face, Greyhound Bus, Billy 4