SUMMER 4 RHYTHM

Kadomatsu called this 2003 album 'the melody-writing of early-'80s Manhattan.' Listening to it, however, you forget that label. From the elegant craftsmanship, with no trace of affectation, to the cool voice that opens 1 and the summary of Kadomatsu-style urbanism that follows, everything feels timeless. The bouncing groove of 3 is the quintessential bridge between his past and present. There is also the light but strongly messaged 2, and 12, a long-awaited sequel to his early top-ten single. Both are worth noting.