Wild Ones – Flo Rida – The Floridians earliest album mixed the sublime with the political. But he has learnt his lesson over the years, and, as the Redfoo track proves, he is in it for the pop. No problem. Not a song here isn't a blast in the right club. But none of it will last the summer – Grade: B
Fortune – Chris Brown – The fast songs have beats to burn and some of the best productions available, the slow ones are about as self-pitying as a 23 year old teen idol who became the Ike Turner of a new generation will ever get, and the album is his best by a long shot. Grade: B+
H.N.I.C. – Prodigy Of Moss Depp – The samples are consistently arresting, the product smooth and strong, the rapping professional just liked you'd expect and the featured stars can't steal his songs. But Prodigy's voice is nondescript and his songs are obvious – Grade: B
Spirit Fiction – Ravi Coltrane – Ravi waited so long before following in his dad's footsteps, you figure he must have fought it hard before succumbing. And you can see why he did. Ravi is a talented fellow but he can't survive Joe Henderson comparisons let alone John Coltrane. And he will be compared – Grade: B
Unsound – Mission of Burma – Boston art rockers second act is lasting longer than their first and here any cool factor is over and done with. But the songs are so strong, just about unstoppable, riff jagging, rhythm swerves that never fail to sink their teeth into you, it doesn't really matter – Grade: A-
Demolished Thoughts – Thurston Moore – Sonic Youth are the most over rated band who have ever lived and I haven't liked anything they've done ever. Except this surprisingly pretty and haunting collection of guitar based ballads Like Beck circa Sea Changes only less depressingly and better played – Grade: B+
At The Gate Of Sethru – Nile – Death metalers have been around forever and know their shit even if they get overwhelmed by the sillies – It sounds like Yes meets Lamb Of God – Grade: B
Cornerstone – Hillsong – Popular Christian band should be thrown to the depths of hell when the rapture arrives – Grade: D