NATURE BOY

For light-mellow listening, I have no use for Ginji when he plays plastic beat-pop. But this record keeps his British inclination and brings back a soul groove, and I respond immediately. Starting with 1, guitar cutting and taut horns make the beat feel as though it has suddenly changed gears. The medium-paced 4 settles into place, and the throbbing night beat of 6 is irresistible. Track 10's mellowness is like paint dissolving in still water. The influences of Phil Collins, David Bowie and Style Council never feel out of place.