Megson: The Longshot

Their last album, Take Yourself a Wife , established duo Stu and Debbie Hanna as a force in folk revival, giving ballads from their native north-east of England a ringing update. Vocal harmonies and pacey accompaniments (guitar, mandolin, accordion) add polish on this follow-up. The traditional repertoire is well handled, but the standouts are original songs. The title track is the droll lament of a Middlesbrough FC supporter, and "Working Town", rather than hymning bygone industry, celebrates modern life in a folky echo of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues". Less old, more new, please.