The latest reviews from Kevin Bryan.

Diana Jones, "Live in Concert" (Proper Records)- This compelling live offering was recorded at various venues in the Netherlands, Ireland and the U.K., and provides an ideal vehicle for the pure brand of Americana that has become Tennessee born Jones' musical trademark. The eighteen mesmerising tracks captured here include unadormed and heartfelt performances of the cream of Diana's illustrious back catalogue, as well as three hitherto unreleased songs, "Prayer For My Brother," "Happiness" and the show-stopping finale , "My Last Call."

Pet Shop Boys, " Super" (x2 Records)- Most of their contemporaries may have fallen by the wayside since the Pet Shop Boys made their vinyl debut in 1984 with "West End Girls" but Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe still soldier on regardless, and the duo's second album with producer Stuart Price captures their distinctive brand of synthpop at its timeless and elegant best. "Burn" and "The Pop Kids" capture PSB at their most commercial, but Tennant also finds time for a little intellectual reflection with the haunting "Sad Robot World" and "The Dictator Decides," which explores the troubled psyche of a world weary 21st century despot.

Pete Lashley, "Magic Corner" (Self-released)- Lake District based multi-instrumentalist Pete Lashley has released nine albums since his debut set first saw the light of day in 2002, and this prolific performer's latest offering is a beguiling melodic gem of the highest order. Lashley's music represents a refreshing throwback to the golden age of the singer-songwriter almost half a century ago, and his varied and eclectic approach to music-making is particularly well captured by fine tracks such as "Gladstone Street," "Sunlight in the Morning" and the almost cinematic narrative of "Sleepwalking Emma."

Red Jasper, "777" (Angel Air Records)- Red Jasper returned to the fray in 2011 after a thirteen year creative hiatus. and their subsequent album, "The Great and Secret Show" brought the Wiltshire prog rockers their greatest critical and commercial success to date. The band's eagerly anticipated follow-up set mines a similiar melodic vein as the five musicians explore the vagaries of the human condition via the refreshingly uncluttered delights of "Forth Of Fife," "7" and "Paradise Folly."