Whilst Christy Moore has released collections of his work in the past, notably the “colours” Six CD Box Set that encompassed his career from 1964 onwards, this however is the first release purely of his own songs. Rather than assembling old tracks, the feted Irish singer has re-recorded 43 songs from his epic career for this three-CD retrospective, adjusting lyrics and adding two new songs. It’s both entertainment and history lesson, recalling the turmoil and injustices of the UK’s recent past on cuts like The Birmingham Six, and celebrating Irish joy on, say, The Ballad of Ruby Walsh. The more dulcet tones of Moore’s later years doesn’t diminish his anger; the naked vocal of Smallcrows 2 skewers tabloid bloodsuckers and the new Arthur’s Day is a swipe at the Guinness-sponsored music festival, or Alcoholiday. A still unique mix of politics, humour and lyricism.