ALBUM REVIEWS

Company Flow `Little Johnny From The Hospitul' (Rawkus)

A concept album from the New York crew sees them laying down chillingly dark breaks and instrumentals that dump all over most trip-hop you have ever heard. Once again, Company Flow set out to redefine hip-hop and they manage it effortlessly. HHHH

Limp Bizkit `Significant Other' (Interscope/Polydor)

With echoes of the Beastie Boys of the Check Your Head era being heavily tampered with by Korn, this is hip-hop in a full metal jacket, with added kudos coming from the involvement of Methodman and DJ Premier. HHHH

Missy Elliott `Da Real World' (Gold Mind Inc/Elektra)

Here we have it: 67 minutes of larger-than-life Missy telling us that she's not just a bitch but a R-I-C-H bitch. Co-produced by Timbaland and with guest slots from Eminem, Redman and others, this follow-up to her debut is never dull and always clever. HHHH

Townes van Zandt `A Far Cry From Dead' (Arista Austin)

"TVZ is the best songwriter in the world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that" - Steve Earle. That's about all we need to know of this new, re-recorded collection of some of the greatest songs written by this sadly missed Texan. HHHH

Various Artists `South Park' (east/west)

In advance of the movie release on 23 July, this crazy album features 12 songs from the film, with Cartman and company screaming and cussing over a big, traditional style film score. HHH

SINGLE OF THE WEEK

Various Artists `The Battlecreek EP' (Illicit)

One of the year's most essential records - and a groundbreaking record for Britain and, um, Finland. Deadly Avenger, Jadell, Bronx Dogs and Finnish nutters Pepe Deluxe each have a track to themselves in a full-on meltdown of hip-hop, breakbeat and even good-time dance vibes. HHHH