The Warratahs: The Warratahs Collection

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * *)

Eighteen-track compilation which includes the hits (Maureen, Hands of My Heart, St Peter's Rendezvous, that Interislander song) plus two previously unreleased tracks from this hugely popular local country outfit, which features the songwriting talents of Barry Saunders and Wayne (Nature) Mason.

The Saunders setting of a Sam Hunt poem on Cape Turnagain was one of their finest moments (yep, it's here) and it's hard to believe the Nebraska-period Springsteen sound of Westland Moon and the Band-like Holy Morning ended up on the cutting room floor.

Heartland music which always fitted urban folk as well.

Label: Pagan