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Friday, 12 December 2008 02:42
Music reviews by Kim Jirik

Love Is Overtaking Me
ARTHUR RUSSELL
(AUDIKA/SHOCK)
Only recently has Arthur Russell been recognised as one of the most important musical figures of the late-70s/early-80s. Sadly this comes many years after his untimely death from AIDS in 1992. Only a fraction of his recorded material was released during his lifetime, but since 2004, the Audika label has been lovingly remastering and issuing these recordings on CD and vinyl.

Already we have been introduced to his cello-based vocal excursions; his disco singles released under various monikers; his large ensemble neo-classical pieces. This new collection takes us somewhere wholly different. From his early folk-based recordings with John Hammond (responsible for the careers of Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen) to his late-career pop songs, Love Is Overtaking Me introduces us to yet another side of Russell’s genius.

4 ½ out of 5


Day & Age
THE KILLERS
(ISLAND/UNIVERSAL)
The Killers burst onto the scene in 2004 with their O.C.-friendly debut album, Hot Fuss. This piece of pure pop beauty was only surpassed by their epic follow-up album, Sam’s Town. Although it didn’t rate as well with fans and some critics, Sam’s Town established The Killers as a band unwilling to be shaped by expectation.

Day & Age is a further diversion. It’s even more pop-based than their debut, as the band leave behind their rock guitars in favour of synthesisers and saxophone (yes, saxophone). Somehow they manage to get away with it, delivering another infectious LP that takes us right back to The Bait Shop.

4 out of 5


NYC
KIERAN HEBDEN AND STEVE REID
(DOMINO/EMI)
Avant-garde jazz drummer Steve Reid remained relatively unknown until his impressive fusion albums, recorded in the 1970s, were reissued on Soul Jazz Records’ Universal Sound imprint. This prompted the recording of a new album, Spirit Walk. This album marked the beginning of Reid’s collaboration with Kieran Hebden (Four Tet). Now comes their fourth album released as a duo.

NYC (a tribute to New York) is their most accessible work yet, but that’s not to say it’s any less worthy than their very challenging Exchange Sessions.  On the contrary, NYC sees the duo really finding their feet. No longer recording free jazz with drums and electronics, here they create pulsating instrumentals that wouldn’t sound out of place on a dance floor. Reid’s wild drumming gets you in the groove, as Hebden propels the music forward with heavy bass lines, and even guitar.

4 out of 5