Don't pass on the Pepper. "No Shame," the Kailua, Kona-born, now Los Angeles-based reggae-rock trio's fourth album and major-label debut on Atlantic/East West Records, drops in record stores nationwide today. This time, the band's tasty SoCal and Island-style surf-rock beats go down smooth in alternately mellow and hard-driving form. Producers including 311's Nick Hexum and No Doubt's Tony Kanal worked the boards. Impressively mature and polished, yet still boasting Pepper's signature sun-kissed poke-and-cold-ones-on-the-beach style, "No Shame" may bring the Big Island boys even closer to the big time.

— Derek Paiva

JAPANESE COLLECTIBLES

GET A HEAD START ON CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

The Things Japanese Sale goes on today though Oct. 13 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i Community Gallery & Gift Shop, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Kimono with gold-stitched embroidery, lacquer and ceramic ware and decorative obi (sashes) are among the antiques and collectibles at this annual sale. Admission is free. 945-7633, www.jcch.com.

FINAL WORD

"If you make something authentic, people will like it. I try to challenge what people think is right, instead of following."

John Legend | on his new single, "Save Room," in Billboard