It takes a pretty prolific songwriter to turn out four albums in six years and still have enough left in the tank to record two twenty-track compilations. But not only has Frank Turner managed this, he has done so with style and aplomb, especially on this, his second collection of live tracks, b-sides, covers and rarities.

'The Second Three Years' crams together the non-album tracks from his 2010 'Rock n Roll' EP, the special edition bonus tracks from last year's 'England Keep My Bones' LP, as well as a broad selection of punk, folk and pop covers; from Wham to Nirvana, and from NOFX to Take That.

This compilation is an essential purchase for any serious Frank fan, but it also works suitably well as a far-reaching introduction to one of England's greatest songwriting talents. Right from the opening acapella verse of 'Sailor's Boots', Turner's voice is enthralling; by turns gentle and powerful, intimate and abrasive.

There's also plenty of evidence of how his music has developed and matured, with his backing band The Sleeping Souls providing some fantastic instrumental breaks on 'Wanderlust' and 'Pass It Along'.

Admittedly the covers are somewhat hit and miss, and they do expose a general template that Frank seems to be relying on; as the low breathy vocals and softly strummed guitar predictably build to a breathless, almost screaming vocal climax.

This does make for some highly unorthodox takes on Wham's 'Last Christmas' and Take That's 'The Greatest Day'. Thankfully Flanders and Swann are spared this treatment, and Frank's rendition of 'The Slow Train' is a delightful tribute to rail stations of old.

Throw in acoustic re-workings of 'Build Me Up Buttercup' by The Foundations and 'Thunder Road' by Bruce Springsteen and you have a very eclectic and fantastically enjoyable mix.

It's on the live tracks where Turner's stellar talent really shines through however. The very touching stripped-back version of 'Father's Day' builds to a tremendous, and clearly heart-felt, crescendo and the acapella folk of 'Barbara Allen' is really quite brave indeed.

This broad compendium pulls together all the reasons why Frank Turner has gradually become popular enough to headline Wembley Arena, and all 22 tracks are a real treat for anyone who just can't get enough of this charming folk singer and his distinctively powerful punk vocals.

8/10

By Chris Jefferies. Blogs at chrisjefferies.co.uk and tweets at @chrisjeff

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