Universal Japan Vinyl & CDs

Review: Despite the production being beset with problems - not least the theft of her laptop, which contained all of the demo versions of the songs - Lana Del Rey's ninth studio album has been widely praised by critics, with many claiming that it's her most mature and fully-realised set to date. It's certainly an impressive set of songs, with the American artist's usual cinematic sound being expanded via nods to Americana, gospel, trap and string-laden folk. In her words, it's self-consciously 'spiritual' in tone, with Del Rey's delivery of her lyrics - notably more thoughtful and weightier than some of her previous work - being particularly impressive. This Japanese edition boasts an Obi-strip and slightly tweaked artwork.

Review: The late, great Jose Padilla was a big fan of the work of Stan Getz, whose easy-going, sun-soaked and accessible take on jazz - and especially his more Latin-tinged offerings - appeared frequently in the Balearic legend's DJ sets. Jazz Samba Encore, the saxophonist's 1963 collaboration with Brazilian jazz guitarist Luiz Bonfa, remains one of the most unashamedly joyous sets in his catalogue. Reissued here in a Japanese edition, it sees Getz and Bonfa trading solos over luscious bossa-nova and samba grooves. There are plenty of standout moments, with our picks including the dreamy 'Sambalero', the sparkling breeziness of 'Samba De Duas Notas (Two-Note Samba)', the glorious 'Suadade Vem Correndo' and smoky closing cut 'Ebondy Samba'.

Review: In the late 1970s Japanese jazz guitarist Ryo Kawasaki recorded a string of great albums - many of which were originally only released in his home country - before embracing the potential of drum machines and synthesisers in the early 1980s. Amongst his most potent sets of the 70s was Prism, an inventive and wildly freewheeling fusion and jazz-funk excursion. As this reissue proves, it remains a genuine gem, with Kawasaki showcasing his incredible versatility across a range of tracks that variously doff a cap to slow-motion blues ('Bridge Sun'), Blaxploitation soundtrack funk ('Nogi'), high-tempo free-jazz ('Agana'), synth-laden jazz-funk ('Phil'), laidback fusion jams ('Sweet Tears'), and solo experiments ('Bridge Star').

Review: Kyoto Jazz Sextet are an acoustic jazz 'unit' established in 2015 fronted by Shuya Okino. After their first two albums 'Mission' and 'Unity' this new third album channels only the best of what Tokyo's jazz scene has to offer, illuminating both past and present musical narratives in Japan by enlisting both new artists and legends (Takeo Moryiama appears on drums) alike.

Review: Many critics have dubbed Lady Gaga's Mayhem, the superstar's latest full-length excursion, as a return to her pop roots - not to mention her strongest and most coherent set since breakthrough album Fame. Recorded at Rick Rubin's studio with the help of a crack team of producers, the assembled songs variously draw on synth-pop, EDM style pop-house, gritty industrial funk, the gnarled strut of electroclash and, perhaps more surprisingly, guitar-driven alt-rock. Naturally, Gaga is in fine form throughout, sassily and confidently delivering lyrics that muse on "love, chaos, fame and desire". This Japanese CD edition comes bundled with an art card, stickers and an expansive booklet.

Review: Paul McCartney gets a lot of (arguably unwarranted) stick, but the former Beatle has always been open to trying new things and allowing people to reinterpret his work. It's for this reason that he's allowed an interesting mixture of artists to remix his solo lockdown album, McCartney III. After opening with a pleasingly funk-some, low slung Beck hook-up (the excellent 'Find My Way'), we're treated to a mixture of collaborations (the stellar, laidback and psychedelic 'Pretty Boys' with Khruangbin), new cover versions by hand-picked artists (see the contributions by Dominic Fike and Phoebe Bridgers) and largely impressive remixes. In the latter category, we're particularly enjoying Damon Albarn's woozy, downtempo take on 'Long Tailed Winter Bird' and 3D RDN's 'Temporary Secretary'-esque version of 'Deep Deep Feeling'