The Rolling Stones - Bridges To Babylon (Virgin) These four likely lads from London look like scoring another success with their latest long-player.
There's something not entirely wholesome about this popular beat combo, which no doubt increases their popularity among today's young people.
Mick Jagger's snarling vocals suggest misogyny and danger, especially since he sings about sex much of the time. Partners in crime Keith Richards and Ron Wood are in debt to black American rhythm and blues as they drive the record along with their chopping, switchback guitar.
And throughout, drummer Charlie Watts swings along deceptively lazily, occasionally putting his foot down to lead from the back.
The pace varies: the boys tip their hats to the tradition of Stones country songs; reggae takes a bow; straight rockers abound, and Thief in the Night shows off Richards' talent for the boozy-sounding lament.
Not many risks are taken on this excursion but modern studio technology is given its head on pick of the play-list Might as Well Get Juiced , where Jagger makes an art of sleazy leering.
