Gogol Bordello bassist Tommy T's (real name Thomas Gobena) first solo album is based on the legend of Prester John, a king who medieval Europeans believed once ruled a Christian kingdom somewhere in "the Orient." At first it was thought he lived in India, but later Europeans came to hypothesize that his kingdom had been in Ethiopia. Many expeditions were sent to find his lost kingdom and uncover its riches and culture, but it was ultimately never found.The Prester John Sessions mixes Ethiopian music (Gobena was born in Ethiopia) with the musics of Europe and North America. Gobena blends jazz, funk, dub and reggae with traditional Ethiopian and East African music. Free track inside!

Rated R is the fourth studio album by Bajan R&B singer Rihanna in five years. As the title suggests, she is growing up fast, with a new emphasis on adult themes. It is a hugely sleek, dynamic and effective hard pop record, packed with dramatic beats and bright, novelty production ideas, criss-crossing rock guitar licks and polyrhythmic harmonies. The public attack by her former boyfriend Chris Brown and the rumors surrounding it seems to have inspired her new image in a way that makes her appear strong and devious at the same time. It is a tactful way to express inner turmoil and win over audiences at the same time, however, all context aside this album is good and includes a number of potential major hits.