Arthur Russell - Love Is Overtaking Me

Welcome to a wunderkind’s musical world

Arthur Russell had that innate inability, this wide-eyed country boy-turned-Buddhist polymath, to locate his soul, energy and love in his creations. Whether a disco beat or string sweep, you’re left in no doubt about whom you’re listening to.

This collection focuses on a hitherto overlooked side of Russell’s canon, one featured heavily in Matt Wolf’s biopic Wild Combination. Most who’ve seen that sublime film have wondered about these magical songs that previously eluded them. What were these missing pieces of Russell’s musical puzzle? From where had they come? Well, they’re here and they’re breathtaking. Compiled from over eight hours of demo and home recording material, these tracks encompass his first compositions from the 70s, his work with groups like The Sailboats and The Flying Hearts (for our money Russell’s best work) as well as his final recordings, made at his home studio in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Like his career in microcosm, there are a variety of styles here – the bucolic strum of Close My Eyes and Goodbye Paint, the soulful, horn-driven Nobody Wants A Lonely Heart and the World Of Echo-like Eli, a paean for an unloved pet (the metaphor is clear). Intimate sleevenotes by Arthur Russell’s partner, Tom Lee, complete one of the most important reissues of the year… of any year.

Rough Trade | RTRADCD 481

Reviewed by Spencer Grady
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