Billy Bragg has been the crown prince of pop (and country and "anti" folk) politics—though the Englishman would certainly hate the elitist leanings of that title—going on four decades. His 13th album has no shortage of sly, damning takes on politics; but it's also full of beautiful life lessons. "Should have seen it coming but I didn't understand/ That hubris is the enemy of best-laid plans," he sings on the slow-Sunday-morning soul song "Should Have Seen It Coming," imbued with warm Hammond as well as both pedal and lap steel. Written during the pandemic lockdown, it's one of many songs that reference the personal instabilities triggered by isolation.

Jackie Leven was a larger than life modern troubadour who led a full on varied life with personal trials and tribulations of addiction to drink, heroin and his attempted murder along the way. He sadly died from cancer just over 10 years ago and this album features 22 artists recording covers of his memorable songs. You do not need to know the story of his life to appreciate the beauty of these songs. They are a unique brand of moody magnificent celtic soul, sometimes celebrating the joys of the countryside, other times tender love songs, but also his unique take on life. Often complex and sometimes melancholy, deep and reflective.