Well, it's that time of the year when all the record company types are out getting pickled with their fellow biz types before they head off for an extended holiday in the sun. Needless to say there are slim pickings for us reviewers. However, I have been forewarned my carpet will be awash with new review material very quickly into January.

Here are a few CDs that I have found on my desk including one that I "lost" as it came not in its normal form.

Johnny Cash: The Legend of Johnny Cash

This is a rather complete collection of Cash's hits, lovingly put together to introduce the uninitiated to the tortured genius that is the Man in Black. There are tracks from all aspects of his career both live and in studio. From the nominal title track "Ring of Fire" right through to the gut-wrenching recording of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt", this is cracking stuff that belongs in every rocker's home whether they prefer the light edge of the genre or are face-painted extreme metallers. There are a few people who are true legends — this man is one.

Matthew Fitzgibbons: Patriot 2

Matthew has released a fine collection of positive, mildly (if not in-your-face) patriotic songs about freedom and the American experience. The one track which I would most recommend is the rather good "Private and Free". This is none of your in-your-face country but it's a more sublime singer-songwriter variety of rock. It's mellow and laid-back, and rather minded me of Don MacLean, to be honest. And let's face it, we got a Latin-titled instrumental, "In Deo Speramus," which is most satisfying. The production and musicianship is first rate, a quality independent release.

Midnight Syndicate: Cage of Delirium

Midnight Syndicate have done the clever thing and tied themselves up with a game company who has released a fantasy role play (pen and paper) adventure under its Dungeon Crawl Classic. Now one does not have to play the scenario to appreciate the accompanying CD, that is for certain. As one would expect with MS, their skill at evoking a mood is on show here and the quality of their composition is plain for all to see. I would consider this disc good accompaniment for reading your favourite horror, sci-fi or fantasy novel. Alas, while I have not had the time or the group to play this scenario, I can tell you the accompanying CD is well worth the price of admission.