kevin ayers The Unfairground (CD, £8.95)

The songs on ‘The Unfairground’ have been described by Andy Gill of Uncut as “replete with the languid charm that has been Ayers’ stock in trade throughout his performance career; whatever the situation, Ayers amenability shines through, a wave of warmth that can lighten the heaviest soul”. Nick Kent recently cited Kevin Ayers and Syd Barrett as “the two most important British artists of the late sixties”, noting that “they defined and influenced how every act from Bowie to Roxy presented themselves”. ‘The Unfairground’ was heralded by Mike Barnes of Mojo as “a vintage harvest that stands comparison to his best work”.