This we realized when we were invited by EMI Music last week to listen in advance to their comeback release "A Bigger Bang" due on shelves worldwide come Sept. 5. Still rough on the edges (there’s no taming these boys), intent ever on delivering classic amalgam of blues and rock, and pragmatists to the core, the 16 tracks in the new legacy would strike even people hearing them for the first time, of the rebellious spirit that transcends even the, let’s face it, limited albeit unique vocals (ably compensated further in the songwriting department with Keith Richards and erotic stage presence) of Stone front man, Mick Jagger.

Now that may be a mouthful but so is the album. We won’t ruin the ruprise by going into details. Let’s just say that among the 16 tracks, we’ve already put our bets on the carrier single "Streets Of Love," "Infamy," "Laugh I Nearly Died" and "Oh No, Not You Again" (which we heard the band previewed on the balcony of New York’s Juilliard School last May) not to dislodge, say, Mariah Carey from the top of Billboard’s Hot 100; but to add to originals proceeding generations would remember Rolling Stones by. Indeed, at this point, and even then, the band has never compromised their music as in the above.

Produced by Don Was and the Glimmer Twins, "A Bigger Bang" is the first studio album of the group after 1997’s "Bridges To Babylon." With a title inspired by a scientific theory on the origin of the universe, it’s also their longest new album since 1972’s "Exile On Main Street." Given this, we expect fans to still say that they "cant get no satisfaction." Wanna bet?

Living up to their "The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World" label in lieu of their decision to continue touring despite their status and, er, seniority, "A Bigger Bang" tour is already in place kick started last Aug. 21 at Fenway Park in Boston. Dates numbering 35 have also been announced for Mexico, South America, the Far East, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.

After two years in hiatus, British urban music vocalist Craig David has released his third CD, "The Story Goes," under Warner Music over the weekend that gives a peek into the crazy life of a celebrity trying to make sense of love, life and all night partying.

The last is the subject of his banner single "All The Way;" yet another danceable tune in the mode of past hit singles "Fill Me In" and "What’s Your Flava?" which Craig wrote and produced with Mark Hill. Already, the video for "Way," directed by Max and Dania of Oasis’ "Little By Little," is on rotation in various music channels.

"The Story Goes" is expected to add to the 13 million sales of Craig’s last two albums "Born To Do It" and "Slicker Than Your Average." He is the biggest selling R&B act in Europe and has been nominated in the Grammy and MTV Awards.

With the ‘indie’ route en vogue these days even for acts catering to pop audience, we were delighted to have been invited last week to the release of 9th Avenue’s eponymous debut CD under LEB Productions of their manager, Cesar Buendia.

Held at Eastwood City, rains could not stop 9th Ave. fanatics (built almost in cult-like fashion from three years of constant gigging by the band) from witnessing Marco, Patricia, Lady, Daryl, Teddy, Edu, Karl, Nico give legs to the line from that George Benson classic, "The Greatest Love Of All:" I believe the children are our future.

Or if you want to be "jologs" about it but equally apt, think Debbie Gibson and "Electric Youth."

For, indeed, despite its members being barely out of their teens, 9th Ave put on a formidable show composed mostly of fresh cover songs and a smattering of choice original tunes from the album. Their medley of recent hits like "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera, "Let’s Get It Started" by The Black Eyed Peas, "Lean Back" by Terror Squad did not make them sound like the usual trying hard Top 40 act at all; if only because you can tell that these kids play them because they relate and not because it’s what would get them gigs.

We also admire the band’s effort to keep the repertoire interesting. A Michael Jackson medley ("Heal The World," anyone?) here, an Usher Suite there (if you can call it that), some Movie Theme Songs, etc. certainly speak highly of the band’s diverse influences. No wonder even Daddy couldn’t help but dance with the band in one of the upbeat numbers! 9th Ave’s appeal is cross-sectional.

Anyway, we already listened to their slickly produced album and espied at least two potential hits. First is "Kung Di Kita Mahal," a pop/R&B ballad that reminds us of a younger Freestyle. Lady’s vocal work here is commendable given full-bodied yet earthy pipes that have served such singers as Ella Mae Saison well.

The other is "Forever" which male vocalist Daryl sang plaintively backed by meandering acoustic guitar that harkens to folk distillations. He’s no Martin Nievera or Basil Valdez but Daryl is…something else. His grasp of phrasing is akin to Jason Mraz’s that he deftly proves even in originals as in the opening album cut, "Mundo."

Although there’s still room for improvement, 9th Ave sounds tight enough to merit a slot in any of the big bars in Manila with musicality conducive to today’s radio play list. Hear! Hear!