Beth Orton: Pass in Time, The Other Side of Daybreak

Reviewed by RUSSELL BAILLIE

Pass in Time
Herald rating: * * * *

The Other Side of Daybreak
Herald rating: * * *

To some, English folk-pop singer Beth Orton is the hipper, smarter, sadder alternative to Dido. She, too, sings in a wistful -- but more distinctive -- way and has one foot in dance culture, care of past collaborations with the likes of William Orbit and the Chemical Brothers.

That's the reason for the two new albums Orton has on the shelves -- The Other Side of Daybreak is some of the songs from last year's Daybreaker either given to producers (such as Two Love Swordsmen, Roots Manuva) for electronic makeovers, or versions that are even folkier than the originals. As that sounds, it's not the most cohesive affair and some of the beats are ill-fitting, but there's enough gems for Orton diehards.

As an introduction to Orton since her breakthrough 1996 debut Trailer Park, Pass in Time neatly picks the eyes out of her three studio albums adding one new track, The Same Day, and an initial pressing which offers a bonus disc of B-sides and out-takes.

As for the main album, Orton at her best is unbeatable and strangely lovely. Whether it's the spooky, dreamy folk of She Cries Your Name or I Wish I Never Saw the Sunshine, the sleepy grooves of Touch Me With Your Love and Galaxy of Emptiness or the gentle rockin' Best Bit and Stolen Car, there's much evidence that Orton's voice and songs are a match made in singer-songwriter heaven.

Label: Both Heavenly/BMG