Country

Keith Urban: Be Here (Capitol Records): I make no excuse this week for once again mentioning the talent of the Country Music Associations Male Vocalist of the year Keith Urban. Over the last few months I have been extolling the virtues of one of the freshest new talents to emerge from Music City USA and through some strange quirk of fate overlooked this album. It's a 14-track offering complimenting the best of modern country sounds with one of the most enjoyable male voices around. With a freshness comparable to Vince Gill, Urban went through the Pure Prairie League Bands etc, before deciding to release his first single four-track vinyl. If that sounds like a slight contradiction of terminology, I still have that release in my possession. Having already proved his worth, I would reckon that this young fellow is the one to look out for in 2005 having already proved his worth in 2004. The release sets modern standards and in no way could be classed as a traditionalist album, but if enjoyment of good music and brilliant musicianship can encompass the newer sounds of country then it's a treat to behold. There's an eclectic mix of songs with great light and shade with moods changing from melodic to raucous each delivered with the Urban vocal style. It's a cracking Christmas stocking filler and great for a party.