Eliza Thomas

Originally released in 1998 as half of the two-CD set Red Rice and reissued on its own in 2001, Red shows the alternative pop side of Eliza Carthy. There's a folkish tinge to some of the songs – the opening "Accordion Song" also shows off a facility for zydeco tunes – but the overall feel is a little more Jane Siberry than June Tabor. Even the handful of traditional English folk tunes are given adventurous treatments that stray far afield from purism; "10,000 Miles" and the blinding reel "Stingo," a showcase for Carthy's exceptional fiddle playing, have the same sort of loose, rock-oriented playfulness as the best Fairport Convention (or Cordelia's Dad) blends of pop and trad.

Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs and Chanteys is a compilation album of sea shanties performed by artists representing a variety of genres, ranging from pop musicians like Sting and Bryan Ferry, to folk musicians, including Richard Thompson and Martin Carthy.

Rhino delivers the ultimate great value Christmas package featuring a selection of festive Christmas tracks.