SINEAD O'Connor began her solo pop career with The Lion And Cobra, an album title taken from Psalm 91.

At 36, she ends it with She Who Dwells, the opening line from that same psalm. O'Connor has "retired from the commercial world of music". Last month the maverick Dublin singer started college studies in theology and pastoral care and will only sing now in personal acts of healing and care. For the rest of us, she has left behind a parting gift, a double CD.

The first compiles new material in advanced progress, demos, previously unreleased tracks - notably Brigidine Diana, her typically uncompromising tribute rejected from the Diana charity album - and cover versions of erratic quality (Do Right Woman, right; cheesy Chiquitita, wrong).

The second is a concert recording from Vicar Street, Dublin, the home-town show from last year's tour - her first for 12 years - had opened in York. Memories of that November night haunt anew on hearing these intense yet serene, spiritual yet sensual renditions. Let the healing begin, and thanks for the memories from the most moving if contrary voice of her generation.

Irish accordion player Sharon Shannon was part of O'Connor's tour band, and O'Connor repays the compliment by singing on Shannon's latest album of diverse collaborations and Irish reels.

The religious chant The Seven Rejoices Of Mary brings a sense of peace, soon shattered by the Scottish ballad Anachie Gordon, a tale of forbidden love and suicide made newly tragic by O'Connor.

Elsewhere, Shannon botches Fleetwood Mac's Albatross, but her re-working of Libertango with the late Kirsty MacColl's slinky vocal reminds you how much MacColl is missed. All the more reason to hope O'Connor will re-consider her decision.

Updated: 08:46 Thursday, October 16, 2003