REVIEW: PRINCE - WELCOME 2 AMERICA

4/5

Welcome Back 2 America.

America. Since the year he left us like Bowie and Ali, it's been mostly hurt. Trump. Police brutality. COVID-19. We have fought back though. Together in humanity. Whether marching for Black Lives that Matter, or calling to Stop Asian Hate. Or coming together at a social distance to mask up and protect each other from this deadly virus. But some look at us taking a knee, or touching elbows as a sign to spit in our face. All in a time that can do far more than just hurt mentally these days. The repurcussions can have effects that stay with us longer than the scars of the emotional. They even threw rocks at the King again. We need our Prince back. 2nite. We need 'Welcome 2 America' and to feel like we belong again. For the land of the free to actually feel like that. Actually great and glorious and not bathed in the blood scooped up by a red hat. Purple is the reign and we all know by royal appointment Prince albums are an event. Even with his life after death. Laughing in that 'Rain' gave us a movie. A Revolution like the generation that gave us 'New Power'. The debut 'For You' were he played every instrument. The self-titled, artistic portrait. His 'Dirty Mind'. Addressing 'Controversy' on headlines and billboards. Partying like it was '1999' way before the bug. Taking us 'Around The World In A Day'. A 'Parade'. The 'Sign O' The Times' from a 'Lovesexy' God. An actual 'Batman' soundtrack taking us across Gotham like a 'Graffiti Bridge'. All your 'Diamonds and Pearls'. The 'Love Symbol'. 'Come' (need we say any more?). The bootleg 'Black Album' more legendary than Jay-Z's. 'The Gold Experience' crowning before all the 'Chaos and Disorder'. His 'Emancipation'. Looking in the 'Crystal Ball' for 'The Truth'. More from 'The Vault'. 'Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic'. 'The Rainbow Children'. 'One Nite Alone' live from a London residency. More 'Xpectation'. The 'N-E-W-S'. 'The Chocolate Invasion'. 'The Slaughterhouse'. The monumental 'Musicology' moment. '3121' and the aptly perfect tour pricing. 'Planet Earth' delivered to your door with the morning papers like '20Ten'. 'Lotusflow3r'. The 'MPLSound' from the purple Yoda from, "the heart of Minnesota" like a Laker. The 'Plectrumelectrum' and 'Art Official Age' double. The 'HITnRUN' phases. And now posthumously, straight from the vault like all the 'Originals' previously unreleased and locked away like the real and raw 'Piano and a Microphone' comes 'America'. Originally recorded in twenty ten and now set free at last. You're welcome.

'Donda' may be delayed, but some classic Prince is here for those who miss the old Kanye. Walking with Jesus again for a Sunday service that takes it to your door in witness of Jehovah. It's going to be a 'Hot Summer' like the stunning single on 'Moonbeam Levels' tells us. Singing, "Everybody's got a favourite friend/They got your back no matter what till the end (Oh yeah)/Ain't got no breaks but gotta whole lotta bend/Every broken heart can mend/You better believe it." I can see clearly now, the rain has gone. And the only artist that made me smile during my dark days of depression is born again. Let the good times roll...if only for one nite. Rocking like the 'Original', 'Holly Rock' and its amazing anime assisted, comic-book, career span storytelling video, stop framing through the ages. This new hit has been a scorcher ever since it leaked like sweat through a satin shirt a decade back. But Prince telling Shelby J just like geniuses do, knew that this album had to wait. And in striking image with him standing behind his iconic guitar like a sword in classic album artwork and a sign o' his times, we need it now more than ever. On the opening title track, Prince with his signature like the symbol welcomes us to a 2010 America that timely looks like now, "where you can fail at your job, get fired, rehired and get a $700 billion dollar tip", over funky rhythm that ease you in like a slow evening as still as whiskey. Taking on the "mass media information overload" and the distracting "features of the iPhone" or as he puts it better, "in other words taken by a pretty face (somebody's watching you)." "One of our greatest exports was a thing called jazz/Do you think today's music will last" he asks? If it's anything like this decade and a change of one dollar old album, then for sure it will. But nothing can stand the test of time like crushed purple. Never ruffled like his shirts. Music game...blouses wins again. 

"Land of the free. Home of the slave", like when The Artist etched it on marker on the side of his face to warn a brother about Warner Music. Total artistic creative control is 'Running Game' on the 'Son Of A Slave' and the most funky bass beat to back this storytelling and backing singing brought to the foreground. The beautifully cinematic sounding 'Born 2 Die' like a Lana Del Rey runs with more concerns for the States Prince was living in less united by the day. "She sells everything, from A to Z/Anything just to keep her free from the/From the hustle of the streets, oh, oh/She left the church a long time ago/Said they couldn't teach what they did not know (Nothing)/That's when she lost her virginity." Foreshadowing a forlorn political division, disinformation and a disregard for self in this world today that rather looks in the tints of a black mirror than a reflection as clear and pure as water. "We can live underwater/It ain't hard/When you never been a part/Of the country on dry land", he sings like an old spiritual that refuses to be bonded in the chains of slavery. Its not a choice Kanye, but this is a voice of defiance. '1000 Light Years From Here' for Prince's perfect vivid vision of the future in all its fantastic beauty. Trust Mr. Rogers back-to-back best, to follow the most desperate track on the album with the most hopeful. 'Stand Up and B Strong' is anything but a B-side however as Prince and Elisa Fiorill implores, "You might be right, you might be wrong/You might just think your life has gone on for too long/Your knees get weak, yes, they do, your heart grows cold/And you're tired of doing everything that you're told." The perfect mesmerizing message to and anxious world lost in a great depression then and now in 2021's wake of 2020 and COVID-19's reawakening. A rally cry like the whole album that calls to embracing arms in this fight for the heart. "This sounds like drama" he says as we 'Check The Record' and play stenographer to his lyrics that will always have their day like how he holds court. Love symbol gavel in hand like an axe coming down. 'Same Page, Different Book', not the same old song is still funky as f###. "What are we, what are we fighting for?" Especially with music like this. Like the beautiful chocolate box break of 'When She Comes' (ooh-err) which is the purple one at his piano and microphone sensually seductive best. "She never closes her eyes", but you will off this musical meditation, seeing stars. "Call to all the women/Call to the men/What could be stranger than the times we're in/Earthquake, flood, better hurry," he asks on a call to warning '1010 (Rin Tin Tin)' from 2010. All before replying 'Yes', Y-E-S. 'One Day We Will All B Free' he promises us in a bittersweet closing. Even if like Martin it doesn't seem like he won't get there with us. He will in spirit. "It was all a dream/Day after day just a yearnin'/For something in between/Kneeling down beside your bed/Praying for a sign." But we can see one and it looks like TAFKAP. Always known as the annoited one. In a reign of purple. Ready to lead us again from home of the brave to the land of the free. All around the world like in a day. Around the CD changers, tape decks and record players, all the lost legends still inspiring iconic music found today, from 2Pac to Michael Jackson this Prince album is the first one that feels like an actual real one. Not just because this first full posthumous studio album is, but because it finally gets the release it deserves for the time it was meant. Fresh as the day it was release as we dust off the grooves for the needle and mic drop. Digging through crates in the vault, the estate have finally found gold for that sound like Leon Bridges last week. This will take you over. From the tour to its Paisley Park home. This is the 'America' we remember. This is the land we love. So much we'll fight for racial justice until there's peace like a love symbol. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Hot Summer', 'Born 2 Die', '1000 Light Years From Here'. 

REVIEW: LEON BRIDGES - GOLD-DIGGERS SOUND

 

4/5

Gold Digger. 

'Donda' delayed. The new album from Kanye West that yesterday-debuting for a livestreaming event that felt in concert with a live show from Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz stadium ("oh lord, why don't you buy me a ticket?")-was set to steal the show from Leon Bridges and even the Osaka flame lit fireworks of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games opening ceremony. Just like bum rushing a Taylor Swift stage for the fellow Grammy family member. But thankfully for the 'Gold-Diggers Sound' album the 'Gold Digger' rappers latest is yet to drop sort of unexpectedly like bird s###. Bittersweet for some, but the third times a charm like a necklace for Bridges, the man who sweet releases every three years. A week after his 'Inside Friend' John Mayer took it back to the future for the 80's inspired 'Sob Rock', coming out of the pandemic for something that you can at least cry to, or mask your pandemic emotions. Down the 'River' like Springsteen with a 'Brown Skin Girl', ever since his definitive debut 'Coming Home' to those 50 and 60's pre-Motown days of soul, the renaissance man who would have been the biggest star in the world like Marvin back then (but right now is more than enough, albeit a little underrated) has bridged the gap like Nas. Leon's second album and sophomore success 'Good Thing' really brought the good times back and this writer out the worst depression of his life like the helping hand of the 'Bet Aint Worth The Hand' video. And if want to talk about music videos, how about the power taken back on the streets dance of 'Bad, Bad News'...a song that was anything but? Add the beautiful 'Beyond' in his home Austin (by way of 'Georgia To Texas') and the formidable 'Forgive You' and this former rookie really became a star like the season pro he always sounded like. Now a veteran in this game who has made 'Texas Sun' EP sets with Khruangbin, cook out danced 'Across The Room' with ODESZA, played Gil-Scott Heron in Ryan Gosling's Neil Armstrong movie 'First Man' (and played 'Whitey On The Moon' for the soundtrack) and prayed for 'Sweeter' days with Terrace Martin during last years pandemic and 'Black Lives Matter' protests. All striking career gold with his sound mining more.

Pick an axe through the ground over and over again for this. Rev up the 'Motorbike' with your gold and hop on the back in a rush, because Bridges is back. 'Born Again' like the brand new sound from his Robert Glasper opener. "I found peace in the valley of your truth" he sings over stirring sax. Absolutely atmospheric and scene setting in this outstanding opener for a true artist who dipping his brush in gold paint like a Bond villain wants to canvas his whole career as his magnum opus. Riding on a steel horse with a six string by his side he sings, "We don't stop, but the time do/Lovers in another life, let me remind you/Look back, see me behind you/When it feels good you don't have to try to/And if you say so/If you say so/Then let's go I know you're all that I wanted since I met ya/What do I gotta do to get ya?" on, "the back of my motorbike" for the laid back, coolest cut that will groove your records all year. One my pops loves like the Triumph Bonneville in the classic video and my Mum and Dad the memories of their biking days this takes them back to. As vivid as vinyl. Just to think he's barely scratching the surface. Behind the bars of a video that even takes us 'Beyond' his last classic love story one that made us want to have what they had as his leading lady coaxed him into a reluctant restaurant dance. Letting off 'Steam' from the back wheel, this 'Gold' leaf is anything but foil. 24 like Kobe in carats. Don't put the kettle on, because you don't want to miss a thing. With a beautiful black and white video and a sample you're sure you've heard before singing, "It’s been a minute/I miss that face/I miss your smile and the wild things you say/What are we doin’ tonight?/Let’s take a dip in Forrest Hill/What are we doin’ tonight?/Come on over." Yet it's the heart-breaking yearn of 'Why Don't You Touch Me' asking, 'How Come You Don't Call Me' questions like Alicia a week before Prince returns with a 'Welcome 2 America' like, "If you're still in love, oh, like you're sayin'/Thеn why don't you touch me?/Yeah I'm dressin' to thе nines and your eyes strayin'/Oh, why don't you touch me?/Yeah/Why don't, why don't, why don't?/Yeah, yeah", that really resonates. All before sweet smelling, freshly cut 'Magnolias' inspired by the 'Love Is King' Queen Sade like the sweetest taboo bring us back to the gold standard.

Inspired instrumentation breaks are taken on the Nas like 'Halftime' of the self-titled 'Gold-Diggers' for the jazzy 'Junior's Fanfare'. All before Leon gets down to the finer things in life like, "How you look in the car when I’m driving a lil fast/How you pause when you talk when you trying not to laugh/It’s the littlest things about you that I don’t forget/No, that way that you move baby, you/In all that you do/Honey nah-nah", 'Details'. This album may be in a three-way tie for his best yet. 'Sho Nuff' like even quoting the Spice Girls when '2 Become 1'. And even if he and Mayer couldn't decide which 'Inside Friend' family album could call that track home (don't sob), you know Bridges had to bring Martin and 'Sweeter' back in this time were hands together in a march of more than millions we hope to see the mountaintop of the King's dream from Selma to the Lincoln memorial on the horizon again. Bathed in the purifying waters of the Mall like when Barack brought change. "Hoping for a life more sweeter". Not another story repeating instead with no justice, no peace with those judging eyes on 'Moonlight' "skin darker than night" for these blues. This is the king of peaceful protest like Cooke that hoped 'A Change Is Gonna Come' as it asked, 'What's Goin' On'? On the Ink tattooed 'Don't Worry' the anxiety continues over subtle strokes, painting a picture of, "We've been runnin' 'round, covered in gas, playin' with matches, oh/We've been runnin' this thing, runnin' it down, down/Sweetly talkin', but you and I both know/Keep on runnin' it down, a world that we ignored/"I don't have much, but I give you love"/I used to say that kind of stuff/Like a broken clock, stopped givin' you time/Now you're takin' your love to another guy (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)/Tell me what he gon' do, what he gon' do/How he gon' make sweet love to you (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)/And mm, if he hurts you know I'll be runnin' him down, runnin' him down (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)." Fort Worth press for the Austin City Limits of that states sound compared this soul man to the late, great, taken and before his time Otis Redding. But sitting on his own dock of the bay, the standout cut that tears the deepest here, 'Blue Mesas' is something Miles' 'Sketches Of Spain' would be proud of. Let alone contemporaries like Kamsai Washington and Thundercat. This classic closer is all you need for this just over 35 minute set like all the iconic albums usually are. 'My Guy' even has a classy closing credits song for LeBron James' 'Space Jam' sequel right now. But no matter how out of this world and the critics orbit that GOAT part two basketball movie is, the 'New Legacy' belongs to Leon, the throwback king. This Columbia Records album named after the studio, speakeasy bar and hotel in East Hollywood were Bridges camped out and eventually had a residency whilst making this album just digs deeper. Classic to the craft. Pure gold. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Motorbike', 'Sweeter (Feat. Terrace Martin)', 'Blue Mesas'.

REVIEW: WILLOW - lately I feel EVERYTHING

4/5

Willow's Wisdom.

Whipping her hair and then shaving it right off on stage, Willow Smith has come a long way since her 2010 smash single when she was just 9 years old. She's now 20...feel even older yet my fossils? Whilst her proud pops (some guy called Will, who has an autobiography of the same name out this year that we just can't wait for) is flaunting his Dad 'bod on Instagram, all whilst becoming a YouTube sensation. Bringing his family round the Red Table Talk for some real home truths with wife Jada and son Jaden who pursued his own 'Happyness' after their family affair movie with his own leads ('After Earth'), music and even his own water. The family business is good, but ever since her cameo in 'I Am Legend', the youngest who Will once sang the perfect love song, 'Willow Is A Player' for ("what make it so crazy, I met her through my wife") has made her own one with arguably the biggest career. Even outselling some of her first Grammy Fresh Prince pops biggest hits over 'Summertime' to truly BOOM, shake the living room. Her coming of age, child star single was so huge. Everyone was whipping their hair back and forth (that's how real good it was). Even Bruce Springsteen duetting with Jimmy Fallon's Neil Young for a folksy Late Night cover that actually worked...wonders. But that was then...this is now. And it's the Wicked Wisdom of her mother that knows best. Jada Pinkett-Smith (who has been close in heart to hip-hop icons in friendship and love like Tupac Shakur and Smith) has her own heavy metal band. And it's this sound that this defiant and definitive daughter homages in all the hallmarks of this throwback record for your tape decks.

Pop it in because if after last year you are left saying, 'lately I feel EVERYTHING' then this album of the same name is for you and has got you too. From the fish eye periscope of the nu-metal like clubbed video of 'TRANSPARENTSOUL' in all it's transparency. Smoking with blood red war paint across her eyes. Blink-182 legend Travis Barker featuring on the skins like he does across this album. "I don't f#####g know if’s a lie or it's a fact/All your little fake friends will sell your secrets for some cash (Hey, hey)/Smile in my face, then put your cig out on my back/If you ever see me, just get to runnin' like the Flash/I knew a boy just like you/He’s a snake just like you/Such a fake just like you/But I can see the truth/Transparent soul I can see right through, just so you know." And just so you know, if you don't think she's got you on that stealing your cigarette, the 36 second 'F### You' that's all she's got will confirm that kill. All by 'Gaslight' with Barker were she takes on men's (or women's) manipulation with her own mind. "I had to tell her just stop messing with my head/And love me instead/It's not official but I think it's common sense/Or am I insane/I blew out the gaslight, now I feel a different way/I'll just love me instead/Love me instead/Love me instead." This amazing self-actualisation over anxiety riddled angst is the break-up anthem of the year as Willow leaves what wilts her on the floor with all that dreaded hair. Ready to be swept away from the barbers floor with the rest of the clippings. Critics or press trying to gossip hound her sibling, this sister, or her parents. 'Don't Save Me' she says as she rocks out on pop punk. She can take care of that herself, singing, "I don't really think that I can do it all alone/But I tell them, "Don't save me"/I was gonna leave, I was off it/But I don’t really think that that’s an option now/Gotta fight my own battles to get stronger/I just say, "Don't save me" over inspired instrumentation. Never 'Naive'. Writing her name in 'Lipstick' on the bathroom mirror and engraving it on platinum plaques. This sounds as good as the time Agent Smith in 'Men In Black II' revealed the late, great Biz Markie (rest peacefully) was an alien by beatboxing with him.  Rocking for Roc Nation like Jay-Z over 'Wonderwall' guitar. This Willow makes her guitar more than gently weep.

Black.Girls.Rock like Res and this is one for the six strings, don't fret. You'll feel all of this. All of 'Everything'. Coming of age and coming home as she sings on the Ayla Tesler-Mabe assisted 'Come Home', "I can’t bear you gone/Oh, you’re my stars and sun/A force in the room, of course they're confused, you’re stunning/Just wanna let you know/When I look back, I just want you back/Don’t know how to act, you were cool with that part of me/You love me naturally." It's about time for the star of the family, stealing the show from this Hollywood like Bel-Air, but real like West Philly family. Someone who hit the stratosphere sooner than even the freshest of Princes. Jada's Wisdom seeping through the strings, it's justice for the wicked ways Willow's mothers band was treated by metal heads. Weighing heavy on the family like the head in the hands 90's rock artwork of this fresh selection of cuts, no doubt. Scorned for giving the middle-finger to the crowd at one festival, critics ignore the fact that prior people in the crowd were flashing Nazi salutes at Jada. Ignorance may know no line, but believe like you do in family that real rock knows no race. Isn't that right Jimi?! Jada deserves the seat at the table she took and the guidance that helped Willow carve a career of her own in her honour. '4Ever' like, Willow...one name is all you need. Although she does her last one more than proud. Anything else is 'Xtra' for the rapper who has kicked in the door and is now bringing back  hip lyrics to go with rock like, "Imma need to switch up on the game like woah/PCH cruisin', got the pedal to the floor/If I pull up then you know it's true/You don't make the same effort when I'm tryna see you/'Cause this ain’t workin' out like a hundred-pound bench press/It might get me down but it's in my best interest/'Cause honestly" with Tierra Whack. Or the 'GROW' monster collaboration with Barker and Avril Lavigne who were singing about 'Skater Boy's' and 'All The Small Things' when Willow was in diapers. But pride of place she belongs right next to these two legends who also changed the scene. Just like her mama and papa. Another anthem for the new youth, no longer lost, finding gems like this, "I’ve been putting work in, healing myself/Still got room to grow/I’ve been really searching, emotional wealth/Honestly my heart is broke/I just need to grow, grow, grow/Grow, grow, grow/Grow, grow, grow/I just need to, I just need to grow." Rise with this one and rage against the music machine, because this beautiful 'Breakout!' is complete with Cherry Glazerr ("I don't wanna be chained down, chained down") over a half hour of hard rock, all killer, no filler. Willow really is a player like Will's way. Lately, it's her game now. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'TRANSPARENTSOUL (Feat. Travis Barker)', 'Gaslight (Feat. Travis Barker)', 'GROW (Feat Avril Lavigne & Travis Barker)'.

REVIEW: JOHN MAYER - SOB ROCK

 

4/5

Sob Story.

Freeze frame on the face of Candy. John Mayer's latest 'Last Train Home' sounds like the roll credits at the end of a classic John Hughes comedy from the 80's. "I like it. My wife (I wish) likes it." His customers will. "I'm not a fallen angel, I just fell behind/I'm out of luck and I'm out of time/If you don't wanna love me, let me go/I'm runnin' for the last train/I'm runnin' for the last train home", Mayer sings over some serious nostalgic synths that you kids ain't ready for yet, but 'Back To The Future' your parents are gonna love it. This is the song of the season on a record that billboards in California are calling, "the song of the Summer is Mayer's whole album." With 'Room For Squares', dear John is on his 80's Springsteen s### like a 'Human Touch' from a 'Tunnel Of Love'. Or 'Born In The USA' even his inspired, classic 'Battle Studies' iTunes bonus cover of the Boss' 'I'm On Fire'. All for some amazing aesthetic album artwork with tones straight out 'The River' set for tour tees that will look as 'Stranger Things' as tye-dyes becoming as epic as the 'Your Body Is A Wonderland' t-shirt YouTube spoof off the 'Heavier Things' record. Or the promotional poster campaign that looks like something out of the air of an 80's Nike magazine print. Whether you think 'Continuum' is his classic opus (hands up. That album was my introduction to him...and my first trip to New York) or whether the live takes of extended plays like 'I Don't Need No Doctor' are your preferred prescription, you can't deny Mayer is in a 'Born and Raised' chilled zone following the holy trifecta also traversing a 'Paradise Valley' before finding a home in 2017 for his last release, 'The Search For Everything', which was a beautiful journey before this destination finally. Now with his eighth wonder this S.O.B. gives us 'Sob Rock'. Something so hot this summer it will reduce you to tears. 

Fear not, the man who almost lost his voice has still got it. All for a 'New Light' for this top gun as the Maverick sings, "I'm the boy in your other phone/Lighting up inside your drawer at home, all alone/Pushing 40 in the friend zone/We talk and then you walk away, every day" in a zebra as a friend crazy video for the new stripes of this leopard that doesn't change his signature spots. 'I Guess I Just Feel Like', himself again maybe? As on the track John tells us, "the weight of my worries is too much to take on/I think I remember the dream that I had/That love's gonna save us from a world that's gone mad/I guess I just feel like/What happened to that?" before an inspired instrumental break from a world where, "Nobody's honest, nobody's true/Everyone's lyin' to make it on through." But hey, "I guess I just feel like I'm the same way too". It's like what Arianna Grande said on Gaga's 'Rain On Me' this time last year, "living in a world where no one's innocent/Oh, but at least we try." But Mayer's mesmerizing music will 'Carry Me Away' as we solace sing in unison with him, "There must be more behind the summer/I want someone to make some trouble/Been way too safe inside my bubble, oh/Take me out and keep me up all night/Let me live on the wilder side of the light", just like when he was an 'Inside Friend' of Leon Bridges (his platinum classic standard 'Gold Digger Sound' comes out of isolation next week) last Summer during quarantined lockdown and social distance solidarity for the generation Zoom's planet pandemic. 

"Life is hard. Rock soft", says the slogan. You're not being Rick-rolled. 80's babys, you're never gonna give this up. Porsche promo pop the cassette in the tape deck of the sports car you brought off that oversized suit Wall Street money and roll down the highway, you white collared Scarface. "At 40 minutes, Mayer's new record is long enough to last a lifetime," his social media promotional campaign droll in deadpan jokes like the throwback commercials of that bygone vintage era. But as soon as the 'Train' pulls into the station, we could ride again on repeat for the rest of this year. Or at the very least, until the sun goes down. It won't set like South Beach for this new top ten for your CD changer. "Should have been open/should have done more/should have learnt the lesson from the year before", Mayer muses on the Sony Walkman playing 'Shouldn't Matter But It Does' in a regret call to enjoy the Summer before it's gone. No matter the heat like Miami. Get under those palms with your headphones and the hands of the one you love...even if like me it's just the ones you have clasped together on your chest as you lie on a sand hammock. 'Why You No Love Me' you ask, but this beautiful ballad will tie you over like the sea. The loungin' laid back beauty of this mood music continues on the 'Wild Blue' that should join you when those skies take on a purple hue like the artist that's about to finally welcome you '2 America' at months end. 'Shot In The Dark' feels like a Tom Cruise romantic run to the one he loves at the end of a movie for a completing, cinematic speech ("Jerry. Jerry."). The stunning singles latest vivid video looking like a coffee commercial, complete with Joey from 'Friends' faux windows of rain for the pain like when he lost the love of his life...Chandler. "I wonder what it all means/strange conversations with you in my dreams," John dearly sings to the soundtrack, before his classic guitar hero worship work comes into play. This record feels like it should have been born on the fourth of July, but quietly into the night independently I'm just glad it came out before my birthday for that party (of one) playlist (July 20th if you were thinking of sending a present (hair tonic)). Rocking 'Til The Right One Comes', "when the lucky in love call themselves winners and the losers sinners." Whether you're looking for love or home is where that heart is, this is the album for you...or the two of you. A sweet, sincere and sometimes sombre sob that's over before you know it, like crying out of nowhere. But as you sing 'All I Want Is To Be With You' to the one that got away like rolled up suit sleeves from the 80's, save your tears. Summer is here and we're heading on a 'Last Train Home' all night long. Son of a bitch. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Last Train Home', 'I Guess I Just Feel Like', 'Shot In The Dark'. 

REVIEW: THE WALLFLOWERS - EXIT WOUNDS

4/5

Flowers For Dylan.

'Feeling Strangely Fine' when she had 'Gone To The Movies' with Semisonic back in '98, Dan Wilson told us that, "the Wallflowers CD ended half an hour ago." Well this weekend we get 40 minutes worth of 'Exit Wounds' like a Jet Li and late, great DMX movie as we sit on the wall to watch Bob's boy's band's latest album finally bloom like rosebud. We're just a fly on the wall, but it sure must be hard being the son of a songwriting legend with a last name like Dylan. Just ask Sean Ono Lennon. But just like that 'Beautiful Boy', this Wallflower is no shrinking violet. Making his own fist name, until you spell it right. Jakob Dylan has recorded stirring solo albums that his father would be proud to put in the family album of his own songbook ('Seeing Things', 'Women + Country' and the 'Echo In The County' documentary film soundtrack). This tambourine and many more instrument man has his own voice and CAN sing. But hold up the sign, it's with his group The Wallflowers were this Dylan has found his fame. 1989, the roots rock of Los Angeles was formed. And after their '92 self-titled debut they slowly became subtle legends on the California classic coast scene like ocean colour. The 'One Headlight' Grammy winners, 'Bringing Down The Horse' forget house and causing a '(Breach)' with the 'Murder 101' with the main attraction, Elvis Costello. The 'Red Letter Days' of these 'Rebel, Sweetheart's' stepped out of any famous face shadow in the bright lights of Hollywood and since their last album 'Glad It's Over' came out in 2012, we're glad it's really not in this script rewrite end. Because flip the last two digits around and this years 'Exit' is their epic best in years. We're talking years before the last album of almost a decade ago. Now ten years later the son of Sara ("Saaaraa") and his band on the run are back and 'Exit Wounds' opens with an explosion of purple dust on the futuristic cover as Dylan tells us today, 'Maybe Your Hearts Not In It No More'.

But there's is as Jakob sings, "There’s no fire beneath the smoke/No one’s got you up by the coat/Not a razor up to your throat/You can go anytime through any door/Maybe your heart’s not in it no more", over classic American acoustic. The 'Roots and Wings' grow and spread further on this "heavy burden" that gets far on its own. On the single these 'Flowers recently given to and  performed Late Night for James Corden, Jakob sings, "And I showed you how to swing/Yeah, I showеd you how to strut/That's my mojo you're using/That's my wine getting you drunk/And it was I that brokе you in/I got you cleaned, clipped and cut/And you're a mule among horses/I took you when God stood you up/Now tell me, who could do more?/Set myself on fire keeping you warm/And now I'm off the hook/And he's on your chin." Sounding like his solo, the songs songbook is getting bigger with lyrics like this. Wall-to-wall, 'I Hear The Ocean (When I Wanna Hear Trains)' is another classic toy could find on the jukebox of a roadstop bar, no matter how you come into town. Boat or train. The set just continues going round like needle on vinyl with the hypnotic 'The Dive Bar In My Heart' that continues to circle the glass as the whiskey is drained. Another stirring single worthy of its number telling us that it's, "Strange to see you on this side of town/It's not your people or your kind of crowd/Just nobodies here, we're drinking flat beer/Away from the battleground." And when it comes to Christmas at the "locals have already left", "There's no sleigh bells in winter time/There's no top shelf or decent wine/It's another slow jam, same awful band/It's the last stop, the end of line/And you're on the list where I'm easy to find."

Feather drums lightly touch on something much deeper on 'Darlin' Hold On' that moves like a lovers lullaby in harmony with, "You were born on your feet/With the stem of a rose between your teeth/From a cloud of golden air/Where the sky meets the city streets/You were already wise/To a world that's bitter as it's sweet/With both kinds of magic/And God never gets his sleep" devotions for this dedicated duet. The blues of these type of records help 'Move The River' as the most legendary great American singer/songwriters son makes his own way to half a century. Hitting the reservoir of work that will keep his own legacy flowing for generations. Well, well, well. Keeping it watered on the beautiful blooming brood of 'I'll Let You Down (But I Will Not Give You Up' The Wallflowers give us another legendary love song for our broken hearts and those long drives into the night. Heading down a highway were our misery loves the company of what we tap and tune into on the radio when the roadside motel tube just won't do. "The fuel line is leaking and the fumes are now too much/The rescue is leaving having not been brave enough/The guide book we’re sharing has ended with saying/You’ll do whatever you must/No sign of the ground or a deal left to be struck", these 'Flowers lament. On the 'Wrong End Of The Spear' these songs spear the heart, but on 'Who's That Man Walking' Round My Garden', the Wallflowers really rock out in a beautiful bloom. Right before the closing of 'The Daylight Between Us' which compels-we hope-more to come, sooner than last time. "Well, the men were drinking wine and the women, they'd split/To smoke French cigarettes/We'll do a couple rails and sit around and bitch/Lie down and get sick/In the morning there's a line of ashes in the sink/And bruises on her lips/The candles that were lit had melted on the cake/As if they were over it/Now she's looking for the dog and a last hit/For water and a first aid kit/But it used to be еnough to taste it", Dylan laments for the last time this time out. No longer shyly stuck to the wall, holding up the end of the bar or playing the background, these Wallflowers are seeing the sun now. From here on out they're growing towards the light. And it's going to be a beautiful sight. No matter how deep the wound, this is far from an exit. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Roots And Wings', 'Darlin' Hold On', 'The Daylight Between Us'. 

REVIEW: STYLES P - GHOSTING

 

3.5/5

Ghosted.

"Yo, Tim Harvey man. I know you're in Japan. You moved from the U.K. You're gonna be alone for Christmas and the holiday seasons. Far from your loved ones. But I just want to say, I love you. George loves you. George wanted me to tell you he loves you and we all love you. And we want you to keep your spirits lifted and stay blessed. And don't worry about it...don't worry about it. We with you in spirit brother. Don't worry about it. We love you. Ghost D-Block. Yeaaah." In my life I couldn't imagine a better present to haunt my Christmas past and lift my spirits than this Cameo from the Ghost, Holiday Styles last holiday season. Especially being so Far East, quarantined away from flying home in Japan at a distance. Thank you P. Thank you G. Flights may have been cancelled, but Christmas wasn't thanks to my best friend and my new one. I love you too. That's why I had to send Sheek Louch back to my man George in reply. D-Block and brothers for life. Jadakiss is next to Lox lock it down. But now it's time for some 'Ghosting'. Following the haunting 'My Life' featuring Pharoahe Monch of the 'Gangster and a Gentleman' classic debut which still gets me high. The 'Time Is Money' perfect follow up and the 'Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentlemen)' sequel after the sophomore from the 'Master Of Ceremonies'. And then all the albums that came after like that one, collabo EP's like 'The Seven' with Talib Kweli and all The Lox ones off D-Block for this former Bad Boy like Diddy. 

Now what ya gonna do? The Ghost is back like the spirit of the smoke artistic album cover that Rise's Against iconic musical artwork. Hands together as he prays like the King of LeBron and a championship cigar for victory, blowing smoke crowns around him. Float with him, because this album is classic hip-hop all the way down to the skits for this leather music that takes aim at R. Kelly with podcasters ("name one bad R. Kelly movie!" Erm...his home one). But "two guns up" the smoking spirit of this one feels like a breath of fresh air. In instrumental inspiration for this gangster soul music for the hardcore heads that still nod. If you liked his Lox big-three last Def Jam with the late, great DMX for the Ruff Ryder's 'Exodus', than this is your dog too. From the bark of this 'Time Traveller' taking it back to the good ole days, to the bite were we 'See Myself'. The beats are knocking like the Goodfella gangster references of a Godfather are bucking similar to the shots he delivers line for line until the competition draws one for his book of rhymes. "Even a seller is a buyer/Whoever says different is a motherf###### liar/Rule where you from your a motherf###### sire" P proclaims with Yemi Sauce's drizzling chorus that sings like Drizzy Drake. All as the two refuse to 'Fade Away' like the smoke. It continues on the piano 'Privilege' that plays like a Lox track of old days. "Mama said I was an angel, but the halo fell", the halfway house between gangster and gentlemen says as he let's the keys of Barry White play. 

Dun-a-dun-a dun. "We don't do that snake s### even boas getting choked," he says for all the grass. This one after all these years is just a 'Hit Different' over stirring sax. "Inhale the love/Exhale the pain/No stress on the chest/More stress on the brain/Stress on the soul, but I know I'm ordained", he heavenly fathers, breathing easy with lyrical exercise. He brings Mrs. Farma herself for the big 'Only Spenders' who samples Michael K. Williams' Omar from 'The Wire' telling us, "money ain't go no owners, only spenders." 'On The Double' with Dyce Payne, Styles is trouble. But with Lavish Life he 'Stop(s) The Rain'. All before the competition is 'Scattered' like roaches. "I got bars and I'm serving drinks/I got plugs and I'm serving links," he raps turning the lights on as he adds, "stay thriving/yeah my third eyes open my n#### know we surviving/you can thrown the beat on my n#### know that we vibing/you can come and eat with the fam know that we driving/stay questing/what's the question/do you get less when you really gain your lessons/do you get more when you really love your blessings/do you turn gold when you really get to the essence." Introspective inspiration. Throwing the mic down like a gavel for 'Order In The Court' and its hip hop homage beat break, David R. Styles plays judge, jury and executioner on this epic. On 'Close To Me' and the" This is my rifle. This is my gun" sample Styles plays rifleman having fun in a Full Metal Jacket for the best track of this role call with a sublime soul sample too. Even without Jada, or a Silverback Gorilla, even in feature, this D-Block soldier still has an artillery of albums and crates of classics. Add this to the rack even without a plaque. This guy with one of the most unmistakable voices in rap like Method Man or a Q-Tip flava in ya ear is heading for the rafters with his own flowers. His place in the Hall of Fame is secure. Unlike 'Some' he warns us about in the penultimate storytelling track for you to tack. "Some kick it with you/Some will kick you when you're down." In the most unforgiving genre of music, hip hop still owes Styles P an apology. And time is still money. The G-Host in the shell is back in the future to collect and spook you like a phantom. And this is his opera. Don't ghost this one. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Time Traveller', 'Close To Me', 'See Myself'.