MAG — Where Music Lives

Century Media: Covering 20 Years of Extremes

One of metal’s most renowned labels – Germany’s Century Media – has put together this neat little compilation to celebrate their 20th anniversary. It comprises 32 covers of past gems from the label’s catalogue, recorded by some of their current roster. Though not as ambitious as Roadrunner United – the All-Star Sessions project from 2005 – it’s a novel idea that succeeds in showcasing the impact Century Media’s had over two decades. From Arch Enemy to Napalm Death, this double-CD effort certainly lives up to its name.

Century Media/Stomp

Simon Lukic

Esperanza Spalding – Esperanza

Esperanza Spalding Esperanza The proliferation of outstanding female jazz musicians continues with the second release from Portland Oregon bassist/singer/composer Esperanza Spalding. Her instrument of choice (acoustic double bass) becomes a sensuous adjunct to the piano/drums/percussion arrangements she favours on these Latin-flavoured songs. Don’t be misled by her ingénue vocals and the naive sexuality of her English lyrics (half the songs are sung in Portuguese). This graduate of the Berkley College of Music is a virtuoso, evidenced by her solo and scatting with trumpet on Mela. Fuse

Rise Against – Appeal to Reason

Chicago’s Rise Against are the best accessible punk band to arise in recent years. Their melodic riffing and anthemic choruses are infectious, while their chunky rhythm section puts meat on the songs’ bones. Politically-charged, this album feels more confident than its predecessors, yet it loses some of the rawness that made those so appealing. On the strong Kotov Syndrome and single Re-Education (Through Labor), this evolution is positive, as passion and maturity combines to create two cranking songs, and set the standard that makes this a worthwhile, albeit not particularly radical, summer soundtrack. Universal

Prisonshake – Dirty Moons

Cleveland’s greatest underground band, Prisonshake, spent a mere 12 years (since 1995) producing this double album. It’s an uncomfortable pleasure; an unusually random rock album. The apparent chaos provides the album with its magic, each song unfolding like a day that starts with a massive hangover and a sense of impending ruin, that pans out as unforgettable. Don’t be scared off. Most songs are accessible, with stuttering rhythms and quality lyrics underpinning the charm. If you like rock’n’roll played with restraint and are desperate to be surprised and satisfied by an album breaking all the rules, you’ll love it. rubber records/emi

Hebden and Reid – NYC

Kieran Hebden & Steve Reid are musical monoliths: Hebden as Four Tet, Reid as one of soul’s and jazz’s most revered drummers. Their fourth collaboration is one of their most enjoyable. Decidedly loose and free, the set-up consists of Hebden on weird electronic noise, Reid on drums, swift studio recordings with post-polish in the Hebden lair. 1st & 1st has a scratchy, catchy guitar riff, and 25th Street jumps straight in with a playful intro that warps into a kooky, stuttery Can-esque groove. The interesting nature of these records is undeniable, if at times they require more time and space. Fans will enjoy. Domino/Emi