Kate Rusby – Make The Light (Pure Records)***

Kate Rusby is the angel of the contemporary English folk music scene. It is almost impossible for her to do any wrong. Following on from her last CD of Yorkshire carols, this is her first album made up entirely of self-penned songs. Each one of the tracks brings pleasure to the listener, but for me it would have to be done a track or two per day, rather than the whole album in one sitting, in order to get the full allotment of pleasure. Her voice is rooted in the traditional female English folk music tradition and as a result there is a tendency for one track to sound much like the last. What this album needs is an up-tempo track every now and then to brighten the mood a bit.

Nigel Goodman, 53, teacher, Heaton

Karl Phillips And The Midnight Ramblers (Medical Records) *

Supposedly inspired by the likes of The Clash and The Specials, the self-titled debut album by Karl Phillips and the Midnight Ramblers offers 11 songs of so-called music. Each contains lyrics that are neither interesting nor memorable and backing music that lacks any kind of originality. This album attempts to create the kind of edginess present in other debuts such as the Arctic Monkeys and The Fratellis respectively, but fails to produce anything of the kind. With song titles including Cheers Mate and Beef Teeth, this is one album that is completely tedious throughout.

Charlotte McCallum, 19, student, Bradford

Alexandre Desplat – The King’s Speech (Decca) **

This is the soundtrack for the eagerly-awaited movie The King’s Speech. I haven’t seen the film, although I know the history, but I am not sure where this music fits in. The music is composed, conducted and produced by Alexadre Desplat. The score features classically- inspired orchestral music which mirrors the on-screen drama. Desplat himself conducts the score, with piano solos by David Arch. Especially dramatic moments are emphasised by selected pieces from the great masters, Beethoven and Mozart. Sadly these are the most memorable moments on the CD.

Daphne Rowbotham, 60, retired, Shipley