Jay Farrar: Terroir Blues

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * *)

Uneven, and therefore disappointing, outing by the alt-country, former frontman of the excellent Son Volt.

There are gems scattered throughout these 24 pieces - more than a few are studio noodles and backwards guitar things unworthy of the description "songs" - but they take some finding amidst the working-drawings, disposables and reprises of some songs.

In places Farrar has taken time and crafted (notably the central bracket of four from Cahokian) so if you want to do the work the rewards are here. But in the absence of an editor, there's more work than necessary.

Label: Shock