The latest releases reviewed

VICTOR DAVIES Hear the Sound Afro Gigolo/V2 ***

Fans of the perfectly executed cover version will admire how London soul-folkie Victor Davies treats Thin Lizzy's Don't Believe a Word. With just guitar and voice, Davies recasts Phil Lynott as Shuggie Otis and it all sounds quite divine. It's not the only treat on Hear the Sound, as Davies, on his third album, concentrates on crafting chilled, slow-motion soul rather than calling in the remixers for the jazz-dance fusions that have served him well before. Comigo, a duet with Bebel Gilberto, shows that Davies possesses a voice that has perfect grace and pace, albeit with traces of Terry Callier and Jon Lucien (there's even a cover version of Lucien's lovely Would You Believe in Me?). While there are a few tracks that don't quite gel - there's far too much syrup for comfort on If I Ruled the World - Davies has the grace and pace to hold your attention throughout. www.myspace.com/victordavies

Jim Carroll