The Sampler for Tuesday 30 August 2011

Nick Bollinger reviews a fresh set of gypsy-tinged pop from Brooklyn-based band Beirut; an album of political broadsides from Ry Cooder; and speaks to Nelson singer-songwriter Aly Cook about her debut album, fan fundraising and recording with ‘How Bizarre’ producer Alan Jansson.

Beirut - The Riptide
A Candle's Fire
Payne's Bay
Vagabond
Santa Fe
East Harlem
Goshen
(all Condon)

Aly Cook - Brand New Day (Ode, CDMANU5107)
Grow (Cook/Jansson)
Midnight Sun (Cook/Jansson/Van Vulpen)
Ruby Jean (Cook/Jansson)
Brand New Day (Cook/Jansson)
The River (Cook/Jansson)

Ry Cooder Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down (Nonesuch, PRO400159)
No Banker Left Behind
El Corrido De Jesse James
Christmas Time This Year
Quicksand
John Lee Hooker For President
If There's A God (all Cooder)