WE HAVE long held a candle for the voices of brothers or sisters in harmony. In country music that tradition is held especially dear, so Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer’s decision to sing together will shock few.

It has been a long time coming, and both artists have blazed their own trail, steeped in their Alabama upbringing and the murder/suicide that left them orphans.

Sadly there is just one original song, which hints at more original fare to come. The remaining covers cover familiar territory - Nick Cave and Townes Van Zandt are almost obligatory - and do so well. At least the Dylan title track is less familiar (from the excellent Wonder Boys soundtrack).

The sisters sing beautifully and in an acoustic country style. The more pop country numbers, Merle Haggard’s Silver Wings chief among them, are the most memorable, recalling Skeeter Davis and other now forgotten Sixties' gingham heroines.

Producer Teddy Thompson keeps the duets front and centre, but he has overlooked the value of interesting arrangements. Unlike his spiritual ancestor Chet Atkins, Thompson downplays the contributions of his all-star supporting musicians to a ridiculous degree, greatly reducing the impact of the record. The star-crossed potential is not there yet, but it's getting there.