In Brief

Odd as it may seem on paper to pair the Belfast Cowboy with Jerry Lee Lewis’ piano-pumping sister for a duet album of old country and R&B; songs, the results (due in stores Tuesday) sound great. The directness--melodically and lyrically--of the material makes for a refreshing and lively detour from the metaphysical road Morrison usually travels, and Lewis, as she often has been for her legendary big brother, is a spirited partner. The one new Morrison tune here, the Hank Williams-flavored “No Way Pedro,” is a swinging country knockout.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.