Question. When is a 'folk' album not a folk album? Answer. When it's a soundtrack for a movie. And what a stunner this one is. Mind you, what else would you expect from our heroes. Being an avid collector of soundtracks myself (hang on a minute while I remove my anorak) it's nice to see that a mutual respect for each other's crafts (that is producer Richard Jobson, Kate & John) brought about this outstanding contribution to the much-maligned art of the movie score. OK, so the format has been done before, notably with 'Titanic' and 'Rob Roy' etc but not to my knowledge in such a full-fledged manner. In general songs have taken a back seat allowing the instrumental work to convey a message. Although there is plenty of that here from the prolific pen of Mr McCusker it is Kate's contribution that will leave a lasting impression. Again, it's those truly superb vocals with their effortless delivery that are etched indelibly on my mind and as I sit here writing this review I can't help but… more »

Question. When is a 'folk' album not a folk album? Answer. When it's a soundtrack for a movie. And what a stunner this one is. Mind you, what else would you expect from our heroes. Being an avid collector of soundtracks myself (hang on a minute while I remove my anorak) it's nice to see that a mutual respect for each other's crafts (that is producer Richard Jobson, Kate & John) brought about this outstanding contribution to the much-maligned art of the movie score. OK, so the format has been done before, notably with 'Titanic' and 'Rob Roy' etc but not to my knowledge in such a full-fledged manner. In general songs have taken a back seat allowing the instrumental work to convey a message. Although there is plenty of that here from the prolific pen of Mr McCusker it is Kate's contribution that will leave a lasting impression. Again, it's those truly superb vocals with their effortless delivery that are etched indelibly on my mind and as I sit here writing this review I can't help but get caught up in the emotion of it all. Not to be outdone however, the maturity of John's tune writing is full of surprises adding subtle textures of brass and even clarinet (unfortunately the musician isn't credited in the sleeve notes) on the air 'Weeping Crisps'. The funny thing about this recording is that it fits so comfortably with the duo's previous recordings that to simply dismiss it as 'background music' would be to do it a disservice. So, file it under your record collection as a Rusby & McCusker collaboration of the finest order. I can thoroughly recommend 'Heartlands' as one of my favourite albums this year and certainly in my top five soundtracks.

Pete Fyfe