Reviewed by Alastair McCollum

Warm, gentle, thoughtful acoustic songs are the trademark of Paul Bell, a Nottingham-based musician and long term Godfrey Birthill collaborator. His first solo album 'Human Conditions' offered a depth of thought and strength of musicianship that hinted at greater efforts to come, and this second collection of new songs, recorded live in The Spires in Sheffield, continues to showcase Bell's exquisite lyricism and compelling guitar-based style. 'Name In Lights' offers intelligent and often moving songs, including the outstanding "Tuvalu", "Unnoticed" and "Day Like This" alongside the enjoyably light hearted "Should Have Learned" and "The Need For Biscuits". Bell's voice is light and clear and has a quiet passion throughout and the only criticism of this disc is that the humorous songs - which have some very clever lines - are sung in the same style as the meaningful and moving songs, somehow taking away from the overall power of the presentation. Having said that, this is an outstanding album, good for mellow moments; whether late nights or lazy summer days.

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