SHARON SHANNON,Saints & Scoundrels, Daisy Records***

There are precious few saints and a slew of scoundrels on Sharon Shannon's latest collection. Determined to celebrate life's curious pleasures, Shannon has gathered a motley but infectious collective together for this distinctly New Orleans-leaning party of an album. Dr John would surely smile wryly at the contributions of Shane MacGowan on Rake at the Gates of Helland The Cartoon Thieves' Whitewash Station Blues. Shannon's been busy writing new tunes, as well, and the joi de vivre of Hillbilly Lilly Buffalo Benjyspeaks volumes of her tenacity and imagination. Amid the jazz funeral mayhem that pervades the collection, there are welcome interludes of clear-eyed reflection, epitomised by the delicate Cape Clear. Imelda May, The Waterboys and Jerry Fish all put their shoulders to the wheel, too. www. sharonshannon.com

Download tracks:Mama Lou, Let's Drink for Once Dead