REVIEW: MARIAH CAREY - HERE FOR IT ALL

3.5/5

Carey On 

Seven years have sealed since absolute pop superstar Mariah Carey's last album (2018's 'Caution' didn't know what was coming a year later), but now, here she is, 'Here For It All' with her sweet sixteenth affair. The classics kept coming, year after year, in the, and her, golden era of the 90s. The self-titled debut, the open 'Music Box', a 'Daydream', the bold and beautiful 'Butterfly', and of course the 'Merry Christmas' album that is all everybody wants, coming soon. In the new millennium of 'Glitter' the R&B icon hit Usher 'Confessions' figures with 'The Emancipation Of Mimi', also produced by Jermaine Dupri, who brought out his own 'Magic City' (first album in more than a minute) a fortnight ago. And after 'E=MC2' it all multiplied from there. But the 'Emancipation' was an unbelievable twenty years ago, and Mimi has just wrapped up a tour about it, here in Yokohama. Yet she still has time to give us another amazing album.

The beautiful black and white artwork of 'Here' evokes a time when a 'Hero' came along and Mariah is still on fire with the talent and strength to carry on. You can hear it in the big brand dropping flossing of the 'Mi' opener, because after all, when it comes to this diva, all that matters is Mi-mi, and that iconic voice and glass shattering falsetto. Or the cinematic single 'Type Dangerous' with its big budget, blockbuster bluster, and host of rap remixes. Sweet singles come in thick and fast like the best in years 'Sugar Sweet', featuring Shenseea and Kehlani, and the latest 'Play This Song' (which you really should) with the amazing Anderson .Paak (who also gets 'In Your Feelings'), with a music video that's literally just premiered after the album, this New Music Friday. Yet for all this LP gives us, dialled up to eleven tracks, a week after the Spinal Tap sequel, it's when Mariah praises God through her gospel with The Clark Sisters ('Jesus I Do'), that things get the most beautiful.

Eric B. should still be President, and that track with Rakim is dangerously sampled. It's a grand return that leaves the fans that have never left, paid in full, whilst critics that want to complain with their hands in pockets, are just coming up with lint. All the way to the album title curtain, this album has something to give with soul, disco and funk. But when this butterfly takes Wing(s) on a Paul McCartney cover, co-written by Linda McCartney, that's when 'My Love' (hers) does it good. A timeless classic that sounds as good as their first time you heard it, the very moment the first chord comes into play. It may just be Mariah Carey's best take since her and Sisqo of Dru Hill actually honoured Prince properly with 'The Beautiful Ones' (on some Ginuwine 'When Doves Cry' proportions...if you know that story). That would be a tough one to beat if this diva didn't believe that 'Nothing Is Impossible' with her own latest beautiful ballad in a deluxe discography of them. Although the R&B genre blends so many genres on this one, this is her lane, taking her back home to the foundations she built.

'Confetti and Champagne' reigns on this celebration, as all things are popped, proposing a toast to a G.O.A.T. For years she's being giving the likes of Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss hits. Holding her own next to everybody from Whitney Houston to Ol' Dirty Bastard. But to have her back, like she never left, or aged a day, is the sweetest fantasy. The fine wine continues on 'I Won't Allow It', where this MC sings, "Whatcha gonna do when your mind is blown/And your heart explodes and your body's cold/Whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do/Whatcha gonna do when we go our separate ways/And you see me outside with my billion dollar bae/Please enjoy your Chick-fil-A". Oof! Now that's a roast for you chickens, like the time a certain rapper was 'Obsessed'. Ending beefs with paltry competition via poultry? That's MC. The best put down since Shakira talked about trading in a Rolex for a CASIO. Yet, I rock a Casio every day, and yes, I am actually talking about the watches. But forget all that. We're here for Mariah. The fire is never going out. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Type Dangerous', 'Sugar Sweet (Feat. Shenseea & Kehlani)', 'My Love'.

Spin This: Mariah Carey - 'Butterfly'.

LIVE REVIEW: NORAH JONES @ Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan (24/09/25)

4/5

Visions Of Norah

Back in the Budokan, exactly one week after the 'Rock Invasion' of alternative rockers, the Smashing Pumpkins, we returned to see Norah Jones in Tokyo for the first time in almost three years, coming out of COVID. The perfect pianist played this beautiful and traditional Tokyo 1964 Olympics gymnasium the last time she was here, and we still have a Jones for Norah, like many of the tour tees from then that popped up amongst the lime green seats under the Japanese flag in the auditorium's rafters. A little different from the 'Mellon Collie' that came last week, Norah came out draped in midori and colour schemes from her last Grammy winning album (the 'Visions' of last March with El Michels Affair). But using light like Japan's own Sakanaction, at Yokohama's K-Arena last month, we really felt the warm glow on stage for her signature 'Sunrise', or the rich red wine drenching the hearts yearning for the epic encore of her classic closer, 'Don't Know Why'.

This weekend, Norah Jones will headline the 2025 Blue Note jazz festival in Tokyo's Ariake Arena. Bringing back memories of ordering her 'Day Breaks' (what an album) mocktail whilst seeing OutKast Andre 3000 play with a flute at Tokyo's beautiful Blue Note jazz club. Ne-Yo, Take6, Tower Of Power, Daichi Miura and many more will take part in this fond festival, but Miss Jones is the main attraction. And this may have been the first leg of her trip, which will afford Jones the opportunity to see many of the sights and sounds of Japan, but this was anything but a warm-up set. In a year of Jack White taking the Toyosu Pit and Haim headlining Fuji Rock with Vampire Weekend, The Hives and more, Norah brought the calm to the stage as we headed to the fall, like her classic album. Or tracks from 'Little Broken Hearts', like a new version of 'Happy Pills', 'Before The Fall'. Opening the show, with all eyes getting butterflies, she performed her 'What Am I To You' single off her sophomore set 'Feels Like Home', Jones was backed by a beautiful band, including her Puss N Boots supergroup member Sasha Dobson. 

This had us wanting sounds off of their 'Sister' set, like we wanted the 'Jolly Jones' "la-la-la-la's" of her 'I Dream Of Christmas' album. Hey, this may be the fall, but September is even earlier than last time's October. Besides, wanting for tracks you may not hear in a deluxe discography is like complaining about not everyone showing up for your birthday party. We should have been more than happy with what we got. Hearing new cuts for the first time in Japan was 'Paradise', like the 'Running' single, or 'I Just Wanna Dance' sweet song that sounds even better live (check the VevoStudio take, like her new 'Summertime Blue(s)' with John Legend). 'Rosie's Lullaby' had me in 'Not Too Late' memories from my 20s of an old love with the same name. And the absolute diamond classic 'Come Away With Me' and one of the most beautiful lyrics of all-time ("come away with me, and I'll never stop loving you") truly moved the crowd with her signature live piano arrangement of this that has become Jones lore. Norah even broke out some compelling covers of Minnie Ripperton's iconic 'Les Fleurs' and Tom Waits' wonderful 'Long Way Home' after the encore turned us back on. The former not even being part of her prepared set list. Now, that's visionary. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Set-List Picks: 'I Just Wanna Dance', 'Rosie's Lullaby', 'Don't Know Why'

REVIEW: LABRINTH - PRELUDE E.P.

4/5

Past Is Prelude

Enter the labyrinth, like Bowie, of Timothy Lee McKenzie's world of sound and vision, and you'll see more than a man who set off an 'Earthquake' up in here on the 'Electronic Earth' of his debut album, after backing the best U.K. rapper at the time, Tinie Tempah's 'Frisky' and 'Pass Out'. Labrinth went on to score more collaborative classics ('Beneath Your Beautiful' with Emeli Sandé). All before his career went nuclear and was sealed seven years after his dynamite debut. In 2019, not only did he release his stunning sophomore set 'Imagination & The Misfit Kid', on his way to being the day and night Cudi of the U.K., he also formed an LSD supergroup with sensational singer Sia and prolific producer Diplo. And if that wasn't enough, he also scored the soundtrack to the epic 'Euphora' series on HBO, starring fellow first-name terms, Zendaya, crashing Coachella last year to perform songs off the second season soundtrack. Labrinth also got back in the lab for that, all before giving us the 'Ends & Begins' of his last album.

Now, fresh out of 'The Kitchen' soundtrack for Netflix, one of the hardest working and most in-demand artists around has even more heat with his new 'Prelude' EP that promises more this New Music Friday. On the same day that Nine-Inch Nails hammer down their new 'Daft Punk' replacing soundtrack for 'Tron: Ares', Labrinth gets cinematic too, even more compellingly so. Eight wonders of sonic tracks that track the mind and all the dark depths and new paths forged ahead. After a distorted 'Sophisticated People' into that doesn't let you in, Tim 'Pull(s) Me In' with exactly that track. This pink Cosmic Opera House record in Roman Numerals then gives us the ultimate 'Pick Me Up', singing "oh no" over operatic grand gestures of sound. It's a 'Joy' to behold, like the next number you'll be singing until the heavens open up with snow this Christmas over stirring stings. That inspired interlude is then followed by 'Can't Cure This' where Labrinth warns us, "stupid motherf#####/money can't solve this/people talking s###/money can't cure this". Repeating what sounds like the halfway house of "bank" and "pain." Like it's one and the same. It is.

It's a 'Wonder' we can go on, until another instrumental is exactly that in lifting us up to a better place. It feels like it's taking you to another dimension in this sonic space. All the way to a 'House On The Hill', like a Springsteen mansion. This dance number feels euphoric, and we intended to say exactly that. You can find this record spinning under the lonely nights of a 'Euphoria' nightclub, neon exposing all the darkness. "Take me where the sun don't grind/ I'm gonna set your night on fire/I'm gonna bring you all to life/Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah". This is the 'Moment Of Peace' you all need in release and closing. "Hey, how you doing? This is Labrinth. I wrote this piece of music to help calm you down. So take a deep breath, close your eyes if you feel too, and allow yourself to drift into the moment. Breathe." What more can we say than that? He's doing it for us. The electronic earth still rotates around his beat. Is he a singer? Is he still a rapper? Nah, he's an artist. Watch him paint the perfect picture, because this is just a prelude, but a powerful one at that. Now go on and enjoy the rest of your day. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'The Joy', 'Can't Cure This', 'Moment Of Peace'

Spin This: Labrinth - 'Euphoria (Original Score From The HBO Series)' 

REVIEW: NINE INCH NAILS - TRON: ARES (ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK)

4/5

Legacy

Disney really did it in 2010. Feeling before its time, of its time and ahead of it, the Mickey Mouse company released the digital delight of 'Tron: Legacy', the IMAX ready sequel to the 1982 cult hit that looked like a board game in relation to this videographers dream. The massive movie brought Jeff Bridges back (duuuude), de-aged him in classic CG, turned Olivia Wilde into an instant star, and character actor Michael Sheen into Ziggy Stardust. The iconic Lightcycle bikes in baby blue and their neon streams have now even inspired their own Disney World ride in Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. Like Garrett Hedlund, this legend making 'Legacy' looked great, and it sounded the part too. Thanks to an absolutely amazing, award nominated soundtrack from French electronic duo Daft Punk, mixing orchestra with their signature sound.

No matter how much you stay up all night for good fun, you can't get that lucky again, as the iconic Sia identity sparing chrome domes of these punks have been hung up. Now, the much-delayed and long-awaited, 'Legacy' sequel is almost here as October's very own, it seems like the Lightcycles have been knocked off the grid like Peter Griffin. Fifteen years later, 'Tron: Ares' has managed to bring Bridges back again, not to mention, the classic look of the '82 original. But that blue washing dark red hides some devil in their details. Leading man and star of the show Jared Leto ('Blade Runner 2049'), who also moonlights as the lead singer of Thirty Seconds to Mars, is clouded in a controversy and allegations of abuse and even more brutal behaviour. More than the movie, we hope these things aren't true, because no one should have to go through this. Buzz has picked up for this movie ever since the teaser trailer saw cop cars chopped in two and 'Past Lives' breakout star Greta Lee run away from a Tron battleship...on earth. The game has changed, as the music that won't stop has too.

Sounding familiar, but not Daft, right at the end of the trailer for this film that also stars Quicksilver Evan Peters and 'The X-Files' legend Gillian Anderson, we see a familiar logo in 'Ares' red. NIN. Yeah, those 'Fragile' industrial rockers are back in the new industry they've broken into. Nine-Inch Nails are heavy metal legends, but Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross got even more iconic when they started making music for movies. Breaking through with a clear and crisp sound that scored soundtracks for the likes of David Fincher and his 'Gone Girl' and 'The Social Network'. Now, the pair are everywhere and in everything in a formidable filmography that even rivals their definitive discography. And fresh off of the 'Ghosts' of 2020, the Nails are back to hammer down more legacy making music that honours both Daft Punk and the movie's signature style, all whilst finding their own lane. The 'Init' introduction gives way to a 'Forked Reality' fork in the road where this Nine-Inch takes its own instrumental direction. You can hear it in the 'Echoes' of what's to come. 'This Changes Everything'. Literally and figurately in song.

The atmospheric 'In The Image Of' takes you higher in Tron tones to a world above our reality. Whereas 'I Know You Can Feel It' could equally find itself on a regular NIN studio album. Singing, "Just like that, it began, appetite emotion/All alone, all in time, appetite emotion". Besides, this is a band whose, 'We're In This Together', hits made 'Avengers: Age Of Ulton' trailers. 'Permanence' feels exactly like that, before it's interrupted by the next infiltrating track. You can imagine '100% Expendable' playing as Ares shatters into pixels again and again. The 'Still Remains' lifting you up above the piano notes that strike a chord. They're 'Building Better Worlds' here and nothing sounds better, like nothing looks better than the amazing 'Ares' on screen, continuing 'Tron's' legacy. 'Target Identified' sounds like Nine-Inch Punk, just like 'What Have You Done?' sounds like Tron Inch Nails. There's more to come for this 'Ghost In The Machine', 'Out In The World'. Yet the real headliners come in the form of the hits. There's a big single ('As Alive As You Need Me To Be') and a beautiful collaboration with Judeline ('Who Wants To Live Forever'), but it's the influential instrumentals that are the most inspired. Even if the 'Shadows Over Me' fading this 24-track album to black tell us more. "(God) I've got a shadow over me/I am not what I appear to be/And I know that you believe in me/And it feels so real, and it feels so re-." This one fights for the users. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'As Alive As You Need Me To Be', 'Who Wants To Live Forever (Feat. Judeline)', 'Building Better Worlds'.

Spin This: Daft Punk - 'Tron: Legacy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)'. 

LIVE REVIEW: SMASHING PUMPKINS @ Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan (17/09/25)

4/5

Smashing Invasion

Halloween has come early, as the Rock Invasion of Smashing Pumpkins comes to Japan, like Godzilla's roaring blue flame, this week. All for the American, alternative heavy rock God's first tour of the land of the rising sun in a dozen years. Tonight, tonight, they'll play my new home of Yokohama's KT Zepp, all before concluding their run of concerts in Hiroshima next week. But last night, the big-three of Billy Corgan, James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin (we still miss D'arcy) took Tokyo by storm. Playing in the formidable former Tokyo 1964 judo arena of the Nippon Budokan. One week before Norah Jones will be back there for her first time since 2022. A little different, I know, but we will be there too, just like we were three years ago.

It's been a great year of rock in Japan. From the summer circuit of the Fuji Rock festival (headlined by the likes of Vampire Weekend, Haim and The Hives), to Japan's very own rock leaders Sakanaction giving us their 'SAKANAQUARIUM'. And today (yesterday) was one of the greatest days we've ever known, too. Tomorrow could wait, as the 'Machina' machines of God came out to their amp shattering theme of glass, all before breaking into classics from their twin towering albums of 'Siamese Dream' and the magnum opus, double disc of 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness'. The latter, celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year. That's why an onslaught of outstanding numbers peppered the sensational set-list of power. As soon as the Japanese faithful sang "despite of my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage" in unominous unison of "we've been there", you knew it was on. Billy, telling the crowd how much he loved them, and how it hurt for it to have been so long, wished he could express just how much in Japanese. Classics like 'Muzzle', '1979', 'Bodies', 'Jellybaby', and of course 'Zero', more than painted a picture to prove that point.

'Tonight, Tonight' was the epic evening to pay tribute to one of the greatest albums of all-time, and especially my youth. And the only one to come close to it (with the 'Dream' of 'Disarm', 'Cherub Rock' and 'Mayonnaise'). Nuanced in nostalgia, the Pumpkins mean so much to my teenage years (and I wasn't even that angsty...honest), this gig had me tearing up as the tore up the stage. Ditto to the Japanese crowd of all ages, all around me, some rocking 'Rock Invasion' tees from the 90s. This 'Heavy Metal Machine' used to be all I listened to before the days of Spotify streams, or a decent wage. I used to have 'Mellon Collie' on a cassette (yep, that's how old I am) back in high-school, recorded by a friend (thanks, Mike). It all coming to an abrupt end when the magnificent 'Porcelina Of The Vast Oceans' started skipping more than a boxer in training, just as it was about to build. No chance of that tonight, as we got to hear the nine-minute wonder in all its extended glory. Billy and the boys gave the fans exactly what they wanted. Even more in the form of a beautiful version of the 'Top Gun' famous 'Take My Breath Away' by Berlin. He even kept playing with James and the fans as he broke into licks from Lenny Kravitz's 'Are You Gonna Go My Way' and Black Sabbath's 'Paranoid' (rest peacefully, Ozzy). All before 'Ava Adore' gave us everything we love, and the notion that we shall never be apart. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Set-List Picks: 'Today', 'Bullet With Butterfly Wings', 'Take My Breath Away (Berlin Cover)'.

REVIEW: JERMAINE DUPRI - MAGIC CITY

3.5/5

The Magic Hour

Y'all know what it is. Super producer and hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri may have given us the 'Young, Fly & Flashy Vol. 1' (still waiting on that next one), So So Def label compilation, back in 2005, featuring his hit single 'Gotta Getcha' and the mega 'I Think They Like Me' remix. But it's actually been a Kobe (24 years) since he released an actual album, with the incredible 'Instructions' to his game. A stone-cold, 'Welcome To Atlanta' classic for the south, featuring the likes of Ludacris, Usher, Jagged Edge and them, of course. Even his "little homie" Bow Wow, as the man who discovered more music in the ATL than Club 112 showed you how to rock with him. It's not like he's been lazy since then. 'The Emancipation Of Mimi' and Mariah, still on fire, will tell you. Letting the studio 'Burn' like the 'Confessions' of Usher that did a million and change in its first week of release. A producer's paradise.

Now, Jermaine gives us the 'Magic City' soundtrack, dedicated to the strip clubs in the A, dropping more than ones. And the Dame Dash of the South offers up so many leading men and women on the all-star studded affair of a showcase. Harking back to his definitive debut 'Life In 1472' that felt like a movie all in itself, as he and Jay-Z told us 'Money Ain't A Thang', racing horses and horsepower. This city is so magic, scored by the skyline in the background of some alluring artwork on the pole, that it even looks like those new CD jewel cases that came in during the new millennium before Spotify and streaming abruptly took adolescents away from the stores. Still towering for the record, Dupri brings them out, like T.I. That King of the South is here too (with Akeem Ali and Young Dro on 'P###y Got Me' and Dro and 2 Chainz on 'Turn Around'). From the 'Tryna Beat The Thrill' opening act (with Skooly), to the 'We Da S###' outro with Pastor Troy, Princess and the "YEAAAHS" of Lil Jon, these are the ad-lib tricks of JD's trade.

'Atlanaa' is the new anthem for the city, starring the great CeeLo Green and those vivid vocals  ("There isn't anywhere else that makes me feel the way you do/I promise I'll always be true/It's not a secret we're in love/That goes for every one of us/I will love you for life"). Whereas 'Magic City Money' (featuring Bankroll Ni, BunnaB, J-Money and Sean Paul (of YoungBloodZ, not 'Gimmie The Light') banks on another single for your Billboards from Atlanta to New York and Hollywood, like a coast-to-coast remix. 'Rich Homie Quan' lights up 'This Or That', Travis Porter and a full-grown Bow Wow tells us 'She's A Freak'. Yet, it's the 'A## Shake' of Quavo and Ludacris (not actually them...that would be weird) that will truly get you on the dance floor. The clubs and bottles that are all on Jermaine Dupri, who not only owns the city, but now the rap game as others previously in position have fallen from grace. DJ X-Rated and Rocko 'Get It' over a beat that Timbaland would be proud of. All before K CAMP and YFN Lucci tell us 'I Wanna' on a track that's as glitzy as Gucci decked out on the street.

Conversations with Big Meech (the real Big Meech). Belly Gang Kushington and SWAVAY showing 'More Than Me'. The whole album feels like real rap, thrown on the floor and working the pole. Yet, just like when CeeLo gets his Gnarles Barkley on, the Dungeons of the South have something to say when they sing. That's when the legendary gutter R&B kings Jagged Edge and the great Killer Mike run the jewels on 'Married To The Game' ("Now the first time I see her I fell in love/She was bad as f###, ambitious and coming up/She was married to the game, and I was too/I just knew, she was perfect for me."). Let's get married again like a ReMarqable remix. So meet me in the altar in your white dress. Peachy, like the city of Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks and Dream, and the one of MLK. It's enough to show 'The Kids From The Neighborhood' like a posse track, cut by a sweet sample and the likes of Hollywood YC, Lil Scrappy and Skooly. Just how many rap stars for the city can Jermaine Dupri pull out of the hat, at it like rabbits in the club? True magic, like Earvin Johnson. These Atlanta braves are knocking it out of the park and off the dance floor. Magic for the city. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Atlanaa (Feat. CeeLo Green)', 'A## Shake (Feat Quavo & Ludacris)', 'Married To The Game (Feat. Killer Mike & Jagged Edge)'.

Spin This: Jermaine Dupri - 'Life In 1472'

REVIEW: KING PRINCESS - GIRL VIOLENCE

4/5

Ultraviolence

Love lies bleeding, this New Music Friday, as the striking single 'RIP KP' spearheads the 'Girl Violence' of the third album from Mikaela Mullaney Straus, AKA, King Princess, one of the best pop stars and artists in the game right now. Recent controversial comments aside and an album title that couldn't have come at a worse time this week, we should all still hail the King and the Princess. Besides, 'Girl Violence', like it's outstanding, opening title-track, is no play on words. "I'm tired of crying and tired of trying/Why does nobody mention that girls can be violent?" It's a problem we should all pay attention too. Straus follows her expensive, dominant debut ('Cheap Queen') and sensational sophomore set ('Hold On Baby') that came out three years ago (WHAT?!), with a more straight-forward and personal project that makes her Holy Trinity a big-three.

Acting in 'Nine Perfect Strangers'. Stirring up dating rumours with the forever young Christine Baranski, almost 50 years her senior (hey, nothing wrong with that, I would). King Princess is ready for her throne of stardom, even if the single plays up on those in cancel culture who want to say rest in peace to the career of KP. Nuts. Not when you have a lucky for us, thirteen new tracks. Ones that share title names with Cyndi Lauper ('Girls'), Johnny Cash ('Cry Cry Cry'), and even 'West Side Story' ('I Feel Pretty'), but are their own individual gems from the Brooklyn, New Yorker, who is still only 26 years old. Although that's the sweet spot, prime of one's young life. 'Say What You Will' about a great duet with Joe Talbot, this album is stacked with big names, even though it only has one more guest feature than a J.Cole LP. The great 'Thalia', the moment we made our bed and fell in love with this Princess, even has some competition in the standout 'Jaime' and the sweet serve of 'Serena' as this album meets its match point.

"It's really nice to meet you, it’s been a little rough for a minute/I've had to face fire, fight fear, and spend a lot of time in the mirror/And I'm cool, I'm weirder, yeah, I'm hot, I'm deeper/I'm starting to feel myself again/Now I'm a f###### sleeper", the King sings on her 'Origin' story. But it's 'Get Your Heart Broken' that will really take yours ("Oh, so baby let the shame rub off/Death by a thousand cuts, ah-ah/Scared that you're one of us/That would be the best of luck, ah-ah") in the blurred ruby red of the album artwork. Pulling back the 'Covers' on a brief, but beautiful track, the singer-songwriter with a career catalogue of inspired interludes sings "I suppose that I'm only a ghost/And you never want to see me in your room/I'll see you in your room/And at the most, you'll hear scratching at your post/And you'll wonder if it's me who's haunting you" before the dawn. Meanwhile, 'Slow Down and Shut Up' may be life advice I need to heed right now (it's saved on my Spotify, every time I see the app on my drop-down menu, but 'Alone Again' strikes the deepest chord. "Crying on the floor, begging through the door/Now I'm alone again/Screaming through the phone, I should have probably known/Now I'm alone again." And together in another crowning year of women in music (see, Haim), we know she won't quit. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Jaime', 'Get Your Heart Broke', 'RIP KP'.

Spin This: Haim - 'I Quit'

REVIEW: THE HIVES - THE HIVES FOREVER FOREVER THE HIVES

4/5

Long Live The Hives

Japan's fantastic Fuji Rock festival welcomed The Hives alongside Haim, Vampire Weekend and many more to the ski mountains of the Land of the Rising Sun this Summer. And even almost fifteen years after we saw them playfully and cockily take over London's Hard Rock Calling festival in Hyde Park, the Swedish rabble rousers have not lost a single step. Fabulous frontman Pelle Almqvist still acts like his act is the best thing since sliced furniture...because it is. Remarking to the Naeba Ski Resort faithful how returning to this Japanese festival the Swedes have moved down a stage, but up a time slot (that's progress). All as their signature style and sound like, no other, stops in the middle of a song, before they break into their absolute classic. And Nicholaus Arson, Vigilante Carlstroem, Chris Dangerous and The Johan and Only never hate to tell you so...alright?!

At that July gig, The Hives announced their new album coming in August...and here it is. So say it with me, 'The Hives Forever Forever The Hives' in trademark and time-honoured humility. Their first album for the 'Veni Vidi Vicious' rockers since 'The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons' two years back. And this might be one of their best, like 'Tyrannosaurus Hives' (try curing that with cream) and 'The Black And White Album' for an act who are still your favourite band in logo all caps. Sporting royal regalia, in atrociously amazing album artwork and expressions only they could make (the guitarist looking like a Dalek), The Hives take these crowns and royal robes to the palace of their single and album title-track to close this bawdy affair. Almqvist won't stop dressing like the king he is on the actual lead single, but 'Enough Is Enough' as he screams into the trademark boxing microphone he swings around on stage. "Everyone's a little f####n' b####/And I'm getting sick and tired of this/Went to the doctor 'turns out I'm sick/Sick of everybody's bull####/And I ain't listenin', not hearing anything/Can't take no more." Actually entering the ring as a boxer, punching down on everyone...even the referee.

Don't blow the whistle, it's all fun and games for the fondly friendly group that have always sung with a tongue in their (and your) cheek. They just want to 'Legalize Living' in black and white, like "Rules on top of rules, all of this I do despise/Layers upon layers upon layers upon lies/They are putting the doubt in you/They tell you what they want you to do." Continuing to 'Paint A Picture' with more strong singles matched by amazing music videos. This one, a caricature of their best, looking like the halfway house of an a-ha- music video, or something Jack and Meg of The White Stripes used to take on. After the brackets of an introduction and some interludes, you'll be saying 'Hooray Hooray Hooray' for The Hives again and their big-three singles. All for their classic, quick-draw tracks for some of the best two minutes you'll have without your significant other complaining. Sure, Sabrina Carpenter is dancing with Colman Domingo in drag this New Music Friday. But apart from that, it's just a 'Stans' soundtrack of old Eminem records and The Fun Lovin' Criminals without Huey (no, thanks).

Yet The Hives are the same beautiful Nordic bastards who stole the show from my favourite Springsteen in London and beloved Haim in Japan. Every album of the year could have come out this weekend and 'Forever The Hives' would have still been one of the classics of the calendar. Recorded in Stockholm's studio syndromes of the bold YEAR0001 and the alphabet soup of Riksmixningsverket (owned by ABBA's very own Benny Andersson), this record like the label will really make you Play It Again Sam. A half-hour of all garage rock power, it's time to 'Roll Out The Red Carpet' again for a royal appointment with these Berry's that could make Beethoven roll over once more. Produced by longtime collaborator of the band (est. 1993) Pelle Gunnerfeldt and the Beastie Boy Mike D, this seventh seal of an album even has the Queens Of The Stone Age's very own Josh Homme rocking all over tracks like the good 'Bad Call' and the overdose of  'O.C.D.O.D.'. Mike D's presence actually made everyone so nervous, producer Pelle was tripping over wires. Murder for anyone with O.C.D.

Obsessive compulsive Hives fans will come out in exactly that though when they hear the "Crawling out from under nothing/Ears are bleeding, head is hurting/Raise a glass to every fuse I blew/Look back and see the bridges burning/Behind you, see the closing curtain/Every single friend deserting you" of 'They Can't Hear The Music'. The guys that were all 'Born A Rebel', as they are right now taking the world by a storm of a tour, told Emily Garner of Kerrang that this album is "a new record so full of energy, joy, anger and life that you will be questioning reality as you have known it... Every single song a single, every single single a hit, every hit a direct hit in the face of the man." And man, what a rollout of hits, but maybe the one that hits the hardest is the anthem of the 'Path Of Most Resistance'. "You soak in lukewarm water and you flatten the graphs/All the good feelings and none of the bad/Swimming upstreams 'cause I don't wanna be/A little bit trapped and a little free/A little bit trapped and a little free/Always something for them but there is nothing for me," Pelle urges with power that fights those who want to take yours. Now, if that isn't rock and roll in the face of the modern day, I don't know what is, or what to tell you. A forever feeling like The Hives that will stay with you as you itch for more. The Hives aren't dead, and you shouldn't be, either. Long live. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Enough Is Enough', 'Legalize Living', 'Path Of Most Resistance'

Spin This: The Hives - 'The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons'.

LIVE REVIEW: SAKANACTION - SAKANAQUARIUM @ K-Arena, Yokohama, Japan (26/08/25)

5/5

Sakanaction Days

One of the biggest bands in Japan, Sakanaction, are concluding a six-month tour in their native Land of the Rising Sun with two shows in Yokohama's K-Arena. One of the biggest venues in the world, built solely for making music. Oh, and the portmanteau for "fish" ("sakana" in Japanese) and "action" have sold out both shows of this 20,000 seater stadium. And it's easy to see why, as Ichirō Yamaguchi, Motoharu Iwadera (Mocchi), Ami Kusakari (Neesan), Emi Okazaki (Zakki) and Keiichi Ejima (Ejii) brought out their big guns. Like their latest monster hit 'Kaiju', with the Godzilla green coloured corridors and 'Exit 8' yellow adorning many of the fans t-shirts descending on the awesome arena in a city that neighbours Tokyo. Or their signature 'Shintakarajima', as cheerleaders came out with pompoms like geishas with traditional fans for 'サカナクション - 夜の踊り子 '.  And the fans loved it as they stamped their SAKANAQUARIUM cards. All the way to the closing 'Night Fishing Is Good' from the band's sophomore set 'Night Fishing'. Ensuring emotion for everyone in attendance who grew up with the Sapporo supergroup.

Eight wonderful albums adorn Sakanaction's career, eighteen years after their major label debut. Their last album being the awesome 'Adapt', coming out of corona in 2022. Their latest killer 'Kaiju' song serves as the soundtrack to the amazing anime 'Orb: On The Movements Of The Earth'. And the band that are soaring as they are touring have never stopped casting their lines out into open water. Even brilliant bassist Ami Kusakari released her own acclaimed album of ambient beauty in her inspired instrumental 'Garden Studies' at the beginning of this calendar. These studies were on sonic display as fans took their seats enveloped in a mesmerizing and meditating mist that even the 'Seeing Sound, Hearing Time' epic exhibition of the late, great Ryuichi Sakamoto would be proud of. Honestly, you could have sat there in a perfect peaceful state all night, but once Sakanaction came on stage to rapturous applause, it was time to go fish. And what better way to 'GO TO THE FUTURE', in opening, than with an act that's been doing exactly that ever since they pushed music's envelope with their dynamic debut album of the same name? Perfect penmanship graffiti greeting us with on-screen videos that met live streams seamlessly.

An amazing aquarium (this is the SAKANAQUARIUM after all), that actually looked like one as a video screen displaying an amazing actor and dancer (the revelatory Runa Miura) played out like a movie (directed by the great Yusuke Tanaka) after this show's opening credits introduced the band, separated the stage into a rectangular tank. And when it all operatically opened up, it was like that inspired IMAX scene in the best movie of this year, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan's 'Sinners', when the cinematic widescreen turns full for the final showdown. Words can't put into justice just how good this show was. How inspired it was. Yokohama is known for fireworks in the Japanese Hanabi Summer, called 'Night Flowers'. But even J Dilla would have been proud of these light works. Lasers pointed all across the arena and at one point framed an inspired Ichirō in a holy light that his incredible voice matched. Iwadera's influential, great guitar. Kusakari's beautiful bass. Okazaki's outstanding piano play. Ejima's definitive drumming. The famous five of Sakanaction work best together like bait, hook and line. And when they came back for an epic encore to DJ 'Music', behind their 'Shintakarajima' laptops and Elton John worthy glasses, you could see there was another level to these alternative rockers who know how to make a crowd move with electronic pop. The new wave is here to stay. The final show is set to turn Yokohama's K-Arena into "SaKArenaction" tonight. Time for some action. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Set-list Picks: 'Kaiju', 'Shintakarajima', 'Night Fishing Is Good'.

REVIEW: JON BATISTE - BIG MONEY

4/5

Money Talks 

Money sings. And in a time when we should all be speaking up for Colbert's show being cancelled by the powers that be (evil), Stephen's former bandleader continues fighting the good fight. It's not even been a year (November) since Jon Batiste gave us his twinkling take on his 'Beethoven Blues', the 'Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1', that came a calendar after the Oscar winning 'Soul' singer's 'World Music Radio', yet here we are. And we didn't forget his 'Saturday Night' live soundtrack, either. This week, Batiste is banking on 'Big Money' with his ninth wonder of an album, featuring nine wonderful songs that will surely track the top ten for the record. One that is reminiscent of the great Raphael Saadiq's (surely a muse) former iTunes album of the year, 'The Way I See It'. Not to mention it's fellow throwback follow-up, 'Stone Rollin''. All the way down to the guitar grabbing black and white album artwork. Singing to the heavens with the purple reign of big, bold type. 

Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Willie Nelson, Lenny Kravitz, Lana Del Rey, and Mavis Staples. Jon has recorded with them, and many more. But on this set he brings three big and diverse artists to the boil of this genre trip across the generations, closing with the No ID and Billy Bob Bo Bob assisted 'ANGELS' taking wing. Opening with the outstanding Andra Day track to 'LEAN ON MY LOVE', like when the great Bill Withers wasn't strong. But it's the friend Jon Batiste has in Randy Newman that really takes us back from a 'LONELY AVENUE'. You may know, 'Toy Story', but do you know the sheer greatness of the legend with the iconic voice behind the song that showed even a cowboy and spaceman could get along? "Now my room has got two windows/But the sun never comes shinin’ through/You know it’s always dark/It’s dreary since I broke it off with you/I live on a lonely avenue." Leaning over the piano of an instant vintage, absolute classic.

The Bible-belt thumping title-track and its throwback music video, nuanced in nostalgia, will leave you stepping. 'PETRICHOR' is a call to nature, and to nurture such ("swim in the ocean/What's left of her"). Whilst 'DO IT ALL AGAIN' circles back to "Coming and going/We reap what we're sewing/On time like a tambourine/Older and younger/You don't have to wonder what you mean to me, yeah." The 'PINNACLE' of this album is exactly that. Or maybe it's 'MAYBE'. Either way, 'AT ALL' costs, Batiste's biggest record since the one he sang for Jamie Foxx is money. Harmonizing with lyrics like, "I ain't gonna take this flight to London/Tomorrow/This is not a negotiation/I made the call/She understands me/But she's not all of y'all/If she understands me/Then you don't have to, at all." Years after his 'American Symphony' documentary movie on Netflix and all that he and his brave author partner Suleika Jaouad have fought through, there's another battle waging. One for America's heart, and who better than this man with soul to bring the big, good times back? Put your money down on it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'LONELY AVENUE (Feat. Randy Newman)', 'PINNACLE', 'MAYBE'

Spin This: Raphael Saadiq - 'The Way I See It'

REVIEW: KID CUDI - FREE

3.5/5

Scott Free

One of the craziest things that came out of the Diddy case, aside from the sheer weight of all the evil wrongdoings, was the testimony that the disgraceful hip-hop mogul planted a bomb in Scott Mescudi, AKA Kid Cudi's car. All because the rapper was seeing Sean Combs ex-girlfriend Cassie. Truly terrible. It's enough to drive a sane man crazy, there the great Scott was, showing up for his day in court to testify against the man he said looked like a "Marvel super villain" after said event. It's safe to say, after this, and the social media firestorm, Cudi could do with a breather. And he finds it 'Free' of all this, on his first album since last year's 'Insano' release. An incredible follow-up (especially with the 'Nitro Mega' version like Lupe Fiasco's 'Samurai DX', also released this New Music Friday, like Ghostface and Jon Batiste) to his 'Entergalactic' soundtrack to the man on the moon's Netflix animated movie.

This Wicked Awesome/Republic pop rock album finds itself on the green of Scott's back nine following his appearance in Adam Sandler's 'Happy Gilmore 2' (doesn't beat his one in the 'Bill & Ted' sequel though, for Keanu's classic line). Finding 'Neverland' and a 'Grave' new single to go along with the latest, 'Mr. Miracle', that should keep you up to speed on just how this Kid made it through all of this. After this epic, eleventh (WHAT?!) album's instrumental intro, 'Echoes Of The Present', Cudi starts off strong with two singles for the boards. All before this album, with no guest features a la J. Cole, gets into Scott Mescudi's 'Opiate' love addiction. "Tenderness entering/Just a kiss, damn it, it's the beginning/To mean something/Caught the flame." From there he goes 'Deep Diving' with Jean, not Jon, Baptiste. Right out the blue sky cloudy doorway of a 'Truman Show', Jim Carrey like leap of faith. And in case he doesn't see ya, good afternoon, good evening and good night.

All the way down to 'Submarine', Cudi submerges, serving "Way too deep to ever reach the summer breeze/God save me/I'm too deep, a psychedelic dream, I'm too deep" lyrics before the dust of 'Ashes' proceeds the 'Grave'. If you've heard it in a 'Past Life', like Maggie Rogers, then you know you don't even have to say it. Sometimes life is just that hard, but when you leave the past where it belongs, you can begin anew. The poet's prose gets profound from the Sia like jump of, "A chandelier on a thin string, hangin' onto reality/I'm losin' faith more than time bleeds, at least I still got some air to breathe/Grain of sand in the hourglass, havin' fun while I still can/I wanna know what the end say, but I can't rush the story." 'Picnic In Paris' is a perfect getaway, as is the 'Stargazing' that comes before the closing 'Salt Water' for the man who has no more salty tears. "Is this thing real or placebo?/Walk through the clouds out a blue door/Can't lose the dreams that I reach for." It's real Kid. Cudi is free. Like Diddy should never be. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Neverland', 'Truman Show', 'Picnic In Paris'

Spin This: Kid Cudi - 'Entergalactic'

REVIEW: GHOSTFACE KILLAH - SUPREME CLIENTELE 2

4/5

Supreme, Supreme 

Legend still has it on the Mass Appeal of real hip-hop in 2025. Following the man who gave this artist even more jewels to run with on Jay-Z's 'Fade To Black' tour, Slick Rick ('Victory'), and his own Wu-Tang Clan closest ally, Raekwon ('The Emperor's New Clothes'), Ghostface Killah is back. Following his 'Guns & Roses' album that 'Set The Tone' last year with his 'Rise Of A Killah' memoirs, it's not over for Pretty Tone. As a matter of fact, 'Iron Man' is back with a new mask and same task like Robert Downey Jr. playing Doctor Doom, whilst we still hope for that Starks and MF collaborative album. But like the red and blue Looney Tunes album artwork for the record, that's not all, folks! Ghostface, this New Music Friday, has finally given us the long-awaited and highly anticipated sequel to his most iconic work, 'Supreme Clientele 2'. Just like the sequel album, he appeared on like a chef's kiss, when Raekwon proved he was still built for Cuban linx.

Strong samples (the best being 'The Zoom' of The Commodores), skits ("paause") and singles ('Rap Kingpin', 'Metaphysics') across the board, Dennis Coles is back in that rich vein of form he had from 2004-2007 ('The Pretty Tony Album', 'Fishscale', 'More Fish' and 'The Big Doe Rehab'), with the closest to the 'Clientele' since his wallets were as bulletproof as vests across chests. Not to mention the classic collaboration records (Adrian Younge, BADBADNOTGOOD) like the ones here. Introduced by Bricks City's very own Redman, who has his own 'Muddy Waters 2' successful sequel recently, 'SC2' is executive produced by Kanye West and Mike Dean. M.O.P. mash out on a 'Sample 420' in the air as Styles P and Conway The Machine help pay tribute to 'Curtis May'. Ty Boogie and Aisha Hall throw it back to a classic 80s robotic 'Beat Box', for all of you that went to a police academy. And there's real posse cuts on 'Soul Thang' (featuring Driz, Nems, Ice, Supreme-Intelligence, Sun God, Pills, and Reek da Villian) and the Wu-Tang for the children storybook of 'The Trial' (Raekwon, GZA, Method Man, Reek da Villian, and Pills). The judge, jury and executioner of Meth also appearing on 'You Ma Friend'. 

Before he has his own Mass Appeal 'Legend' album out with DJ Premier, like Mobb Deep, De La Soul and the late, great Big L, Nas features on 'Love Me Anymore'. Shining like this sequel's silver. There's even some classic Dave Chappelle soundbites for this show. But as the '4th Disciple' opens 'Windows', when he goes it alone he bodies everybody and anybody in two minutes or less. 'George Porgy' does it like Bess and over some 'Break Beats', Ghost rhymes, "Dodgin' bullets while I'm guardin' the base like Steve Garvey/Alkaline chips in the bezel, a cold body/Calculated snipers, Eastwood vision, crispy assault rifles/Army of twelve, I call 'em my disciples, bustin' off the Eiffel." Towering even more on the inferno of hot licks on 'Candyland'. Sweet like, "Tootsie roll coke blunts is rolled to perfection/Now I lay the 8-ball, sell without question/Known for my Skittle gang, pills like a hospital/You could taste the rainbow, Dutch joints'll follow you." Drugs may be bad, m'kay (but seriously, dare to resist), but these Killah rhymes are the real addiction. Still a part of the best clientele in rap, there's no ghosting from this face. Compared to all that came before, this is truly Supreme, like the sleeve. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Rap Kingpin', 'Iron Man', 'The Zoom'.

Spin This: Raekwon 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II'.

REVIEW: CHANCE THE RAPPER - STAR LINE

4/5

Second Chance

Chancelor Johnathan Bennett takes a second chance on a Marcus Garvey inspired 'Star Line' for his first album since 'The Big Day' of 2019. Although there's been plenty of singles, features and tapes for your crates over the year. This New Music Friday also sees a new album from pop rockers Maroon 5, but this album of the week is what love is really like. For every Kendrick Lamar, Drake and J. Cole (brief) beef to see who the best in the game is ("f### a big-three", it's just big HE), there are the real artists of the genre like Tyler The Creator and Chance The Rapper. And following Tyler's surprise 'Don't Tap The Glass' a few Mondays ago, comes this train, breaking new ground.

An aurora behind him, designed by artist Brendan Breux, in amazing album artwork, this line heads for the northern lights in ALL CAPS. "Steeped in travel and personal change, incorporating different life lessons, experiences, and sounds he encountered over the past several years", as Chance told Rolling Stone at Lollapalooza. Jamaica. Ghana. Garvey's work. Art fairs. It all helped shape this second set and the rapper himself. And with no label, this self-released second album is set to share that with all his friends. Just like the 'Tree' of life single featuring Lil' Wayne (also weezing with Maroon, this Friday for Carter collaborator of the week) and Smino, sampling the great India Arie's 'Video'. Outstanding, like the opening single of 'The Highs & The Lows' (featuring Joey Bada$$) as we pass it, pass it. All whilst other singles, since 2021, have been passed on and down to the cutting room floor (the milk carton features 'Child Of God' and 'Bad Boys 2').

After an inspired intro, we get to 'Ride' with a legend in 'Do Or Die'. All before, Jamila Woods shows us that in this country there are 'No More Old Men'. Monster collaborations across the board and these boards also feature fellow Chi-town artist BJ The Chicago Kid on 'The Negro Problem' (not to mention a sweet Anita Baker and Richard Pryor sample). BabyCheifDoIt appears on 'Drapetomania'. VIC MENSA on 'Back To The Go'. Young Thug and TiaCorine put a 'Gun In Yo Purse'. Whereas LION BABE and The Chicago Kid again hit you like the 'Speed Of Light'. But for all the anti-Cole guest features. Especially the bonuses of 'Just A Drop' with the great Jay Electronica and the 'Speed Of Love' closer with Jazmine Sullivan, it's when the rapper goes alone on this seventeen track and one hour and seven minute album where he really takes a chance.

"I grew tall overnight, I woke up one day a man/walked back by the crib/Where we would one day raise a fam/I’d been around the world/Done all the things I can/I’m a giant now, I can’t wait ’til you see how big I am," Chance raps on 'Space & Time' just so you can see just how far he's come. 'Link Me In The Future' is a yearning lost lover's lament for the one that got away...and still could stay. Whilst 'Burn Ya Block' does exactly that with a basketball to concrete beat for the streets. Yet before the Chancelor of the expresser gets 'Pretty' with a sweet soul sample, he writes some 'Letters' to Emerald Avenue with a broken heart for his departed aunt. "I've watched you worship idols/Brand a Bibles, sell it for double/Brandish rifles, curse and libel/Withhold shelter from n####s for survival/First Lady's walking around with furs and titles/Watch you spit in a man's face and call it "God"/But when it's really on your dogma, it's Silent Bob." Taking it to Trump and anyone that listens to him. The number three cap on his second set is flipping off the red ones. And with that line, a reborn star shows he has more to say in his raps. And it ain't no chance, it's by the grace of the real God from a true mover of the crowd. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Ride (Feat. Do Or Die)', 'Link Me In The Future', 'Letters'

Spin This: Tyler The Creator - 'Don't Tap The Glass'.

REVIEW: MAROON 5 - LOVE IS LIKE

3.5/5

Love Is...

A burning butterfly in black and yellow adorns the blue album artwork of Maroon 5's new set, 'Love Is Like'. Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, James Valentine, Matt Flynn, PJ Morton and Sam Farrar's first since 2021's 'Jordi'. And this eight wonder (ninth if you count 'The Fourth World' as Kara's Flowers) from the Californian collective finds them hitting the sweet spot of their sound, much like when fellow LA pop rockers Haim had 'Something To Tell You'. 'Love Is' like the big-three of 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long', 'Hands All Over' and 'Overexposed' for the 'Songs About Jane' legends. Recorded in Cali's classic Conway studios, this is another half-hour album of power this New Music Friday, like The Black Keys ('No Rain, No Flowers') and BABYMETAL ('Metal Forth'), last week.

Going against Chance The Rapper's 'Star Line' this one, Five's 'Like' features big collaborations like their 'Red Pill Blues' matrix. The biggest coming from BLACKPINK's own LISA. The 'Priceless' track, which was teased like a movie for its massive music video, is exactly that. And now the monster with the Thai rapper slash singer has become a top-ten single in eighteen regions. Put it next to Maroon's best like 'This Love', 'She Will Be Loved', 'Sunday Morning', 'Wake Up Call', 'Moves Like Jagger', 'Payphone', 'Animals', 'Sugar', 'Don't Wanna Know' and 'Memories'. Hollywood name rapper's Lil' Wayne (on the title track) and Sexyy Red ('I Like It') also appear alongside the platinum blonde buzz cut of Adam, showing that their forthcoming fall world tour could prove some great guest features. From the opening 'Hideaway', to new singles, this album is set to play 'All Night' for the best pop rockers since Sting and The Police.

Yet it's the closing 'California' track and single which is saved for last, like the best from these Los Angeles Times. Like 'V's' (the fifth album, not the BTS star) 'Leaving California' this continues the trend of beautiful ballads for Levine's legacy of songwriting. Jane's 'Sweetest Goodbye'. 'Goodnight, Goodnight' ('It Won't Be Soon Before Long'), 'Just A Feeling' (from 'Hands All Over'), and even 'Woman' from the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man soundtrack and 'My Blue Ocean' bootleg LP. But this top of the ten tracks asks, "Shooting stars come and go, but I wanted you to know/That I've nеver met nobody quite likе you, woah/You were gone in a flash, never had a chance to ask/Did I make this s### up in my head or do you feel it too?" Picture perfect, like the postcard lyric video traditional to these American dreams. Or so they seem.

This 222 and Interscope record is the first one since 'Hands All Over' to feature the same line-up as the preceding LP. Not just that, it's also the first since they were 'Overexposed' to credit other band members, aside from Adam, as songwriters. Like your very own Valentine, James. So, despite the big-three collaborations, this is mostly a family affair, like Sly and the Family Stone. Most tracks hover just above the two-minute mark, like 'Burn Burn Burn' and 'My Love', and no time, nor a note, is wasted in nuance. They just give it to you straight, no chaser, like the 'Jealousy Problems' of "I know this behavior’s beneath the spokes/But I think the f##### up thing is how it brought us closer now/I know it’s crazy, but I kinda like this dysfunction/I know you probably disagree, but I won’t make assumptions/But let me tell you something, I really wanna change/But that’s impossible, ’cause bad habits live, stay/Bad habits live, stay, stay, stay/Stay, stay." "There's a reason you keep coming back", Levine keeps repeating on the outro of 'Yes I Did'. And us too. This love is like this band and their muse. And she still will be. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Priceless (Feat. LISA)', 'All Night', 'California'.

Spin This: Maroon 5 - 'V'

REVIEW: BABYMETAL - METAL FORTH

4/5

New Metal 

About a year ago, I was meant to see BABYMETAL live at the Tokyo Garden Theatre in support of American rock act Incubus. But I missed their set (deep bow). I'll level with you, I was on a date. And when lunch turns into more conversation, it's not exactly like you can be like, "well, this is great and all, but I really got to catch my train before I miss seeing three other Japanese girls. They're kawaii, you know." Well, needless to say, a calendar and change later, I regret not doing just that. And not just because here I sit typing away in a shoebox of an apartment, built for one minus one, as single as the last dollar bill in your wallet, firmly in the social media friend zone with said could have been. But also because of hearing 'from me to you'. The opening track of the Tokyo band's fifth album, 'Metal Forth', featuring Poppy. "I've had enough from your mouth/You can shove it/'Cause you know you don't stand a chance." These are the lyrics, not what I would say to my now friend. The one who never stood a chance, was me.

I missed the train (in more ways than one) when Su-metal, Moametal and Yuimetal (now replaced by Momometal) arrived on the scene a decade and a half ago, supporting the legendary likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers on tour across the world and back home in the UK before their self-tilted debut in 2014). If I knew more of the metal 'Resistance' and 'Galaxy' than I would have certainly showed up on time for their show (I'll let it go now, I promise). Especially as I'm getting more into Japanese music after my Scandal-ous start, with everyone from the amazing Aimyon to the legendary Sakanaction. Now the heavy metal outfit's, with even better costumes in concert, first album since 'The Other One' (that's the name, I'm not being a lazy writer) in 2023, features a who's who of the rocking industry. Poppy, Electric Callboy ('RATATATA'), Slaughter To Prevail ('Song 3', take that, Blur!), Bloodywood ('Kon! Kon!'), Polyphia (the beautiful 'Sunset Kiss'), Spiritbox ('My Queen') and the Nightwatchmen Tom Morello of the great Rage Against The Machine on 'メタり！！(METALI!!)'. Not that these superstars themselves need any help.

Shining like the diamond encrusted cover of this legacy logo album artwork, looking like the now Instagram famous glass escalator entrance to the Tokyu Plaza mall in Harajuku (which has the best Starbucks with a view, a train away from the world's biggest, may I add?!) The red lantern of 'METAL!' introduces Morello perfectly ("踊る阿保に見える阿保/同じ阿保なら踊れでしかし/ここで踊らにゃいつ踊る/メタり！メタり！") before he rages and rips on the guitar like he did with The Boss, when Springsteen had 'High Hopes' after their 'Magic Tour Highlights' reawakening of 'The Ghost Of Tom Joad'. There are so many 'KxAxWxAxIxI' anthems from the Japanese kawaii metal band, that could go spiky toe-to-toe with all the maidens and their iron, burning bright until the 'White Flame -白炎-' reduces everything else to ash. This somewhat long delayed album, produced by Kobametal on their new Capitol Records home, is well worth the wait. Rocking for just over a half-hour, like The Black Keys return with 'No Rain, No Flowers', also out this New Music Friday.

All the collabos are singles, save the best of the set, 'Sunset Kiss' (not yet, anyway). But the real collaboration is with new member Momoko Okazaki for this "beyond metal" album that pops in all sort of genre places. The US, Canada, Germany, India and Russia all come into play, as does the UK as Bring Me The Horizon's Jordan Fish produces alongside Kobametal, following Babymetal's appearance on the band's song 'Kingslayer'. Suzuka Nakamoto, Moa Kikuchi and Okazaki don't normally feature many guest appearances, but this is no departure for the band. However, as soon as you hear their signature sound and the social media algorithm ready rhythms of 'Algorism', you'll realize nobody is quite like them. Singing, "Don't break it now, don’t turn away/Don't break it now, don't leave me now/Don’t break it now, don't turn away/Don't break it now, no pain, no gain, no pain, no gain", in a brutal and beautiful breakdown. Going forth with what's actually their fourth album (they don't count the 'Other' concept one as mainline), Baby still has the mettle. I might have not been (here I go again), but this big-three stays ready to rock. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'KxAxWxAxIxI', 'メタり！！(METALI!!) (Feat. Tom Morello)', 'White Flame -白炎-'

Spin This: BABYMETAL - 'The Other One'

REVIEW: THE BLACK KEYS - NO RAIN, NO FLOWERS

4/5

Songs In The Keys Of Life

Sinatra has a sound that is so signature you could just let his whole playlist play for hours, days maybe, and it would blend so seamlessly and beautifully together. Getting richer, like wine, as it ages. That's just the great American songbook for you. Like rock and roll. And now that one of our generation greats, The Black Keys, have hit more than a dozen albums, you can say the same for these Ohio bandsmen and kids from Akron. They've never left it that long between albums, since their 'Big Come Up' in 2002 (one year before their fellow Akron native, LeBron James, own dynamic debut). Maybe a calendar, or a couple. Only really since their big-three of 'Brothers' (2010), 'El Camino' (2011) and 2014's 'Turn Blue'. But four years after that, it's been an onslaught, like an 'Everlasting Love'. 'Let's Rock' (2019), 'Delta Kream' (2021), 'Dropout Boogie' (2022), all getting us through COVID, before last year's bowler-rama of the 'Ohio Players'.

Now just a calendar and change after that Big Lebowski with the likes of Beck, Black Keys are back. 'No Rain, No Flowers' waters their thirteenth album that is luck for us this New Music Friday. Yet, you would have forgiven the iconic duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney if they perhaps wanted to take a brief break. Like the greatest rollers of this rock generation could. "We got f####d. I'll let you all know how so it doesn't happen to you," Carney claimed in a now deleted tweet after the Keys fired their management last year. Now, this Warner Record recorded in Nashville's Easy Eye Sound studio marks changes in more ways than one. Marking their first collaboration with hit song maker Rick Nowels (he's not far off a century of classics on the Billboard 100), multi-instrumentalist Daniel Tashian and super-producer Scott Storch, who was so hip-hop in the early 2000s he once cut the roof off of a Rolls-Royce to make it a drop-top. All for the beautiful bloom of these flowers, we need, like the deserts need the rain.

Rain and flowers will give you a North American fall tour from these brothers in arms, straight out of their dire straits. Feeling refreshed for a half-hour record of all-power, there are plenty of singles to get the crowd ready before the classic comes into play. The opening title-track. The second track and first single, 'The Night Before'. The beautiful 'Babygirl'. The moving 'Man On A Mission', for a pair on a rejuvenated one. And the outstanding 'On Repeat', that will be exactly that, like the Spotify shuffling of this band's definitive discography as a perfect playlist, with no need for edit, it's so epic. But like their last few records, the Keys finish strong like the late, great Mister Cee (Scott will know what we're talking about). The King James, D-Wade and Chris Bosh like big-three of the introspective 'All My Life', the atmospheric 'A Little Too High' and the gleam of a new 'Neon Moon' ("When you’re at the crossroads/And you don’t know where to turn/And everything is backwards/From all the bridges that you burned/Don’t let yourself get down too long/‘Cause a change is coming soon/You can always find your way back home/By the light of the neon moon") really takes you home.

Black and white like a Black Rebel Motorcycle Club album artwork confirms this as a classic for a band that reach back to their raw roots. The leather clad and bare chested figure on the front almost looks like Brian Fallon from fellow legendary luminaries, The Gaslight Anthem, as a teardrop tattoo hangs from his eye like the loose cigarette from his lips. Whereas a red rose, the only colour on the cover, wrapped with the notion of 'No Rain, No Flowers' hits his sternum like a thorn. There's no more in Auerbach or Carney's side, however, as The Keys play once again like Sam for the record. On 'Down To Nothing', Auerbach still searches for hope in this love and life, singing, "Behind the clouds/Beyond the stars/Above the crowds/In some lonely bar/I’ll meet you there." All until his muse will 'Kiss It' better. It's the kind of haunted heart that will 'Make You Mine' like, "I’ve been alone/So f#####g long/I’ve cried the tears of a clown/I need a break from my mistakes/But that’s the price of starting over/How many times is one time too many?" A yearly yearn that burns. Just like Black's everlasting light. The reign is still here. So give them their flowers. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Babygirl', 'All My Life', 'Neon Moon'.

Spin This: The Black Keys - 'Ohio Players'.

LIVE REVIEW: FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '25 @ Naeba Ski Resort, Japan (27/07/25)

4/5

Haimally

I quit, no longer being able to see Haim live. I was meant to do it years ago. A gift, from my best friend, back in London. But this was during corona. The same COVID-19 that Haim's California classic, 'Women In Music, Pt. III' helped get me through. The every same 'WIMPIII' best friend got me signed. Now, all these years later, I Haim-ally get to see my favourite band. And if that wasn't enough, thanks to someone else, I'll attend a talk about their new album, 'I Quit', in Shibuya's still-standing Tower Records tomorrow. I might have missed tickets for the meet and greet potion of the evening, but I don't need their autographs anyway, do I, D? Haim weren't the headliner, Vampire Weekend were, of Japan's Fuji Rock Festival '25. But they made the White Stage their own, and actually finished following their American contemporary. Drawing one of the biggest, roaring crowds. Rocking like the 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' like eyes of these stones showcase around the ski resort.

I hated to quit on Vampire Weekend part-way through their sweet, signature sound set, yet I wasn't missing Haim this time. I'll get my teeth into the Weekend, again, much like I am the closing track off Vampire's latest album, 'Only God Was Above Us', a classic like 'Capricorn', or 'Contra'. Seeing Haim with new friends, and ones from work I bumped into was an absolute joy as Danielle, Este and Alana Haim came onto stage after the red letters of their latest album told us everything they have quit. Isolation. Nicotine. D###. Then they took us down to the wire and opened their act with some of their 'Days Have Gone' own, like the raucously approved 'My Song 5'. 'I Want You Back', like the Jackson 5, also made an appearance, but with so many classics, let alone singles off the new album, something had to give. And it was that one. All whilst 'Relationships' and 'Down To Be Wrong' were met with last album icons like 'Now I'm In It', 'The Steps', 'Don't Wanna', 'Gasoline' and 'Summer Girl' with some sexy sax. From the girl's trademark drum set, to Danielle stepping behind the skins, this was a flawless set. Now, I can't wait to see how they top this at Tower.

That wasn't it, mind you, at a festival that is like Glastonbury with beautiful scenery, and even better food. Switching between stages like those 'Relationships' Haim sang about, you were spoilt for choice in a legendary line-up of Japanese and international artists. From London's own Little Simz, to the heart of Hana Hope. I'm just glad I got to see English Teacher on stage, not just for the incredible talent, but the fact that the spotlight didn't shine on this non-singing sensei. A real treat of the evening was Swedish 'Hate To Say I Told You So' legends The Hives at the Red Marquee. It's been 19 years since they last played Japan, and almost that long since I saw them a London's Hard Rock Calling. Yet with another album out in August, they haven't lost a step. Fabulous frontman Pelle Almqvist may just be the best in the business. Classic comedic cockiness on stage with tighter set arrangements than their classic suits. When he swings the mic around and pulls it back down, like a boxing announcer, he's the champ. And his band, the law, alright? Good! Fabulous forests to walk through that are ski slopes in the fall, you'll see plenty of artwork hanging from the trees of Fuji Rock's Naeba Ski resort like the snow that will come. But the best thing about this festival is the people you share it with. Especially when they surprise you at the gate in crazy coincidence. I keep pronouncing it wrong, but Fuji well and truly rocks. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Set-list Picks: Haim, The Hives, Vampire Weekend.

REVIEW: TYLER, THE CREATOR - DON'T TAP THE GLASS

4/5

In Case Of Emergency, Break Glass

Tapping in, Tyler, The Creator, currently on a world tour for last year's classic, 'Chromakopia', will touch down in Tokyo in a matter of months. Donning that iconic black phantom mask, that is about as signature as the dark Celtic green artwork that plasters posters all around the world of towns he tours. Even so, that hasn't stopped him from dropping a surprise brand-new album, to start the week of all schedules. New Music Monday, anybody? It's got a nice ring to it like 'Ring Ring Ring', off of The Creator's latest invention, 'Don't Tap The Glass'. Breaking industry trends and shattering Spotify streams. The most anticipated album of the week...is already here. And those in Japan and the rest of the watching world may just have a two-album tour. Tyler, on the other hand, just wants you to dance, without the screening fear of being filmed.

On iconic scrunched paper white album artwork, a shirtless Creator looks like the legendary LL Cool J in gold rope and red Kangol. Not to mention, those iconic bifocals. And he's worthy of that def stature for his jams. Tyler's latest creation is up there with the classic that came before it. As a matter of fact, all the classics that came before this ninth wonder, like the producer. 'Bastard', 'Goblin', 'Wolf', 'Cherry Bomb', 'Flower Boy', 'Igor', 'Call Me If You Get Lost', and all that album artwork. And coming so closely to 'Chroma's' time, this is more than an epic 'Estate Sale' for the Grammy winner. It's a completely fresh, fire classic in its own right. Furthering the rhyme, or should we say why to the reason he was left out of last year's best rapper of the big-three debate. Until J. Cole bashfully bowed out after throwing shade at 'The Simpsons' and Kendrick Lamar turned Drake into a minoooooor thing. No matter, Tyler knows that real hip-hop and the art of it is more than war and about the words that make the music that lasts longer. And hey, any excuse for our social media reels to get refreshed with that legendary freestyle and Funkmaster Flex's reaction to why he used that line. Not to mention, Tyler's nonplussed one.

You won't question why he uses these lyrics, though, as the latest creation makes for a great fortnight in hip-hop. Beginning with the real and raw reunion of Clipse (another of Drake's fondest friends) and hitting Friday night with Wu-Tang's very own Raekwon in 'The Emperor's New Clothes'. The Mass Appeal of this album to be followed by new labelmates Nas & DJ Premier, Mobb Deep, De La Soul, Big L, and Wu closest compadre, Ghostface Killah. Not to mention, the great adventures of Slick Rick, who started all this off, last month. But legend has it... Tyler Gregory Okonma could give a signature set like that, with his own defiant and definitive discography. You only have to hear the 'Don't Tap The Glass' title-track 'Tweakin'' and the big-three that comes next ('Don't You Worry Baby', 'I'll Take Care Of You', 'Tell Me What It Is') in closing to know this is creation in its purest, raw form. This Colombia record may be less than a half-hour (which Creator record isn't), but it's all power (like Tyler, always). Running game like 'Stop Playing With Me', and all the people Tyler has taken to town, or taken home, as he gets all his affairs in order.

Unexpected, like bird s###, albums are the norm now in rap. So much so, the surprise is almost spoiled. But they hype is real, with NBA G.O.A.T. LeBron James cosigning. Even though you'd never believe it if 'Bron said he saw it coming (he didn't...relax. These are just jokes, baby). He does appear in the latest 'Playing With Me' music video alongside childhood friend and business partner Maverick Carter and the Clipse (who, like Tyler, once dissed him. "Like that, 'Bron, 'Bron?"), mind you. Tyler's shortest album yet was probably his biggest promoted, as an art installation of this album artwork's giant caricature of the Creator channelling Cool James debuted outside Brooklyn's Barclays Center, encased in glass you shouldn't touch, tap, nor break. Vinyls, t-shirts and bucket hats (hey, Raekwon) have been selling like hot cakes, ever since. And ever since it was released this morning at 6.00AM, Eastern Standard Time (we've been waiting all day in the Far East), it's been jumping off like the outstanding opening track 'Big Poe', sampling 'Pass The Courvoisier, Part II', the iconic part track featuring Pharrell and Sean Combs...erm.

Three cryptic boxes, blue, yellow and red helped tease this album that starts its breakfast with 'Sugar On My Tongue', and lines to tap your spoon to, like, "Are you from Mars? Make your arms and legs shake, uh-huh/Give me that slice of cream, is it your birthday? Uh-huh/I got a brush, give me your wallet, I'll pay, uh-huh/Don't need no air, I stay down there 'til I fade (Girl, I'm dead)" Sounds like oral is the breakfast of champions, in this 'Rush' of blood to the head, as Tyler keeps it going down. 'Mommanem' keeps this top, ten track album moving. One that is as compelling as it is cohesive. Media channel Complex made a mistake by tweeting that this album would feature Kendrick and Earl Sweatshirt. But there is no Odd Future reunion here, breaking bread like Lionel Boyce on season four of 'The Bear'. No matter, that can all wait. Tyler stays 'Sucka Free' as he raps, "Odd Future, Wolf Gang, all the bros in here/You n####s bums, you never really figured it out/You the type to let a b#### wear a shoe in your house (Hah)/You the type to buy a chain before some furniture, couch/And you the type of n#### never had a fist hit your mouth (Bink-bink-bink, huh)/You ain't got no guap, no paper, ain't no ink/See, I'm that guy, give a f### what you think." Broken glass, everywhere. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Don't You Worry Baby', 'I'll Take Care Of You', 'Tell Me What It Is'.

Spin This: Tyler, The Creator - 'Chromakopia'.

REVIEW: AMI KUSAKARI - GARDEN STUDIES

4/5

Sakanature

There are few things in this world that have the beauty, tranquillity and serenity of a Japanese garden. 'Garden Studies', the debut LP from Ami Kusakari, is one of them. You will know Kusakari as the brilliant bassist of one of the best bands in Japan, Sakanaction. From monster records like 'Kaiju', to their 'Shintakarajima' signature. Taking inspiration from bassists like Red Hot Chilli Pepper, Flea, Este Haim and Stuart Zender (formerly of Jamiroquai), Ami Kusakari has also worked with Fender, who recently opened an outstanding flagship store in Tokyo, exploring The American Professional II Jazz Bass. Outside of Sapporo's very own Sakanaction, Kusakari has featured on records by Junlzawa ('Drift'), alongside cutting an EP with Mabanua and YonYon ('Iris/Pray For Peace'). Yet, these 'Garden Studies' seem to make for Ami's most personal project yet. A perfect "portable sound garden."

Ambience is at its finest in a beautiful bloom. Close to nature, Kusakari temporarily trades her bass for an inspired instrumental album. It begins with the 'Sound Of A Pier' that will take you higher than the tree like skylines in cities that at times overwhelm even the strongest of us. It's like stepping out into a fresh breeze by the sea, after the subtle alarm like opening segues into traditional instruments that feel as Japanese as paying your respects at a shrine. Teaching us to how to achieve moments of Zen on the cool 'Icy', a state of calm begins to become second nature as you put this record on in the middle of the night, or a new break of day. It grows even more on 'Ginkgo Tree', as atmospheric sounds and perfect piano washes over you. A ginkgo tree is ornamental, yellowing in Autumn before losing all its leaves in a single day. Falling as delicately as the sounds that envelope your ears here, and on the cinematic 'rustle', up next. Growing every day like a garden's renewal. Replenishing and healing.

'Under the soil', Ami gets even closer to earth and the nature of all things. We feel not only the transience of life, like 'mono no aware', but also the notion of all these moments we go through being forever etched in memory. There's a profound stillness of studying your garden that will stay with you, even through the darkest days, as you see the light of calm on the other side. Right now, in Japan, it's hotter than the July of a Stevie Wonder album, but as the refreshing 'RainFalls' this season, you'll feel even more bliss in this terrific take from Kusakari. Bringing you a sense of peace and release, what seems on the surface as a simple recording, is the very art of nature itself, and one of this record's best. Especially when chimes curtain close this track. All before the seventh seal and eight-minute wonder, 'a Garden', is the final note of these studies. This work from the Sakanaction member even evokes similar sounds to the posthumous 'Seeing Sound/Hearing Time' epic exhibition from late legend Ryuichi Sakamoto. Not to mention his other work, as the drums come into play. Kusakari's band are about to wrap up their tour in Yokohama's K-Arena this August, and we can't wait to hear what they have in store next. But as Ami amazes with her very own album in her garden, we hope to study more. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Sound Of A Pier', 'Ginkgo Tree', 'RainFalls'.

Spin This: Ami Kusakari.mabanua.YonYon - 'iris/pray for peace'

REVIEW: RAEKWON - THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES

4/5

Change Clothes 

Fairytales, like Wu-Tang, are for the children. In Hans Christian Anderson's ('The Little Mermaid', 'The Ugly Duckling') 'The Emperor's New Clothes', a vainglorious emperor is brought down to size when he is fitted for some garments that fit so close to the skin that...they don't even exist. These "invisible" clothes, paraded all through town, were the worst wardrobe malfunction known to man. One thing that does fit, mind you, is rap legend Raekwon in your rap cipher. From Clan boiler room suits, to his famous bucket hats. This year, feels like another renaissance in rap, especially with and for the old school heads. Even the brotherhood of Clipse reunited last week as they 'Let God Sort Em Out'.

There are plenty of Wu-Tang Clan reunions on Raekwon's eight wonder of an album, 'The Emperor's New Clothes'. Meth, Rae and Ghost get back together for the '600 School' favourite featuring Method Man Ghostface Killah. Whilst the iron heart of Tony Starks also appears on the back nine's 'Get Outta Here' and finale 'Mac & Lobster', as the pair with a cool new nickname, keep backing up each other's classic albums from 'Supreme Clientele', to 'Only Built For Cuban Lynx' and their respective sequels. Back when they may as well have been collaborative albums like the animated 'Wu-Massacre'. This Starsky and Hutch and Batman and Robin still go together like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Elsewhere, after his own album Inspectah Deck bites into 'Pomogranite' with Carlton Fisk. Stacy Barthe gives us '1 Life'. And Tommy Nova 'Opens Doors' with Corey Woods. Whilst Marsha Ambrosius hooks us in with the deepest cut of 'Debra Night Wine'. But even next to the posse cut of 'Wild Corsicans' (featuring Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher), we'll save the best one for the last paragraph.

Classic down to the cover in red leather on 'Stranger Things' black, there's production from Swizz Beatz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and Nottz for the Rae's first album since 'The Wild' 2017. The Chef cooks up many a legendary line as well as the signature skits for a sensational set. "I'd rather be revered than feared" the icon proclaims on 'The Guy That Plans It' and boy is he. On the 'Heavies' he proves how much of a heavy hitter he really is with lines like, "Yo, Licatta cocktails, Bentleys, and oxtails/Catch me with the Grecian of whales, a redbone rat/What's happening?/Her ratchet ways, I had to just tame that, flip the Mulsanne back/Better off buying a jail, the luxury shit, Pakistan chef, and reps/So they can coach brothers to read scriptures and play chess." Lines as legacy making as the unmistakable voice of his that spits. Like he raps on '600', "Glass of gin for my jewelers/Too many rugas, gyms is 500/Bam, spam, I swam through Bermuda/Switches got muzzles/Soon as rebuttals happen, we guzzle/Then everything get twisted like a puzzle." And you know which piece fits.

A pioneer taking it higher. This is New York raw and uncut from the razor sharp lyricist who can make "Mafioso" rap cinematic, like a 'Goodfella'. For the hood ones, the best 'Bear Hill' is Raekwon's 'Made You Look'. Speaking of which, as previously promised, the classic collaboration of this new great LP belongs to 'The Omerta' featuring Nas ("Fascinating, appealing, underworld, but wonder girl/Dope fiends love it, shooting they nuggets up/Extreme criminality, I'm like the Rothsteins, the off-springs/All of this tucked, inside my galaxy/Frankie Yale of the jails, silks, diamond spiders, we master writers"). The Mass Appeal of this is that 'Legend Has It...' that very label will put out records from Nas & DJ Premier, Mobb Deep, De La Soul, Big L, Slick Rick (the valiant 'Victory' also came out last month), and Ghostface Killah, to go along with this one. Now, that sounds like more than just a great day in hip-hop. 2025 is going to feel like 50 years all over again. Chef's kiss. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Bear Hill', '600 School (Feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man), 'Debra Night Wine (Feat. Marsha Ambrosius)'.

Spin This: Raekwon - 'Only Bulit 4 Cuban Lynx 2'.