The latest reviews from Kevin Bryan.

They Might Be Giants, "Why?" (Lojinx)- The affable alternative rockers are probably still best remembered  here for their infectious 1989 hit  "Birdhouse In Your Soul," but John Flansburgh and John Linnell have remained remarkably productive during the past three decades, and the Brooklyn duo's unique songwriting gifts are captured in all their quirky glory  here. "Why?" is They Might Be Giants'  first  album of child orientated material  since 2009's Grammy nominated "Here Comes Science,"  and it's predictably crammed to the gills  with instantly memorable ditties such as  "Omnicorn," "Or So I Have Read" and the rousing closer, "Then The Kids Took Over."

Paul Handyside,"Tide, Timber &  Grain" (Malady Music)-Former Hurrah! creative mainstay Paul Handyside has re-invented himself as a rootsy acoustic balladeer whose music blends elements of folk, Americana and pop delivered with an honesty and emotional power that's well nigh impossible to resist. The Geordie troubadour's third solo album serves up a veritable feast of compelling musical narratives for your listening pleasure, including  the "Woodcutter's Son," "A Whaler's Lament" and the beautifully unadorned "Should I Leave Your  Side."

Hank Marvin, "Guitar Solo - The Complete Solo Recordings 1982-1995" (Edsel Records)- This bespectacled guitar wizard's inventive  use of echo and tremolo embellished  a string of classic instrumental hits by The Shadows  during the early sixties, and in many ways captured the essence of pre-Beatles pop. This 5 CD box set explores some of Marvin's later solo output  and features  consciously undemanding covers of  everything from Steely Dan's "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" to  Simon and Garfunkel's  "Mrs.Robinson," many of them underlining the fact that  although Hank may be a hugely influential guitarist  he's certainly much less accomplished in the vocal department.

The Druids, "Pastime With Good Company" (Talking Elephant)- This long deleted folk offering  was first released by Decca's Argo offshoot in 1972, and is now available in CD form for the first time. The Druids'  pleasingly archaic approach to music-making  relied entirely on acoustic instrumentation as they tackled a repertoire drawn from the folk traditions of the British Isles which they performed with a refreshing absence of elegance or polish. This didn't bring them anything in the way of commercial success but their work still repays closer investigation. with "All's Dear But Poor Men's Labour" and  "The Irish Girl" emerging as the pick of an engagingly rustic package.