Arthur Russell - That's Us/Wild Combination

12 Extraordinary unreleased tracks from the timeless visionary genius of the New York underground.
“…a man crooning to himself out in the Iowa sunfields, killer whale deep in the ocean, drifting through the submarine city night and cobalt space”
-David Toop/The Wire
When Arthur Russell died in 1992 he left an overwhelming archive of over a 1000 tapes that reveal the sublime genius of one of the most important musicians of the last 25 years. As a cellist, songwriter, composer, and disco visionary Arthur Russell consistently blurred the lines of our expectations of what pop music could be. Originally from Iowa, Arthur travelled west in 1970 to study Indian classical composition with Ali Akbar Khan, befriended Allen Ginsberg, performed with Alice Coltrane, and then moved to New York in 1973 to study at the Manhattan School of Music. Quickly gravitating to the then burgeoning downtown scene, Arthur wrote and performed his minimal compositions (captured on Instrumentals and Tower Of Meaning. Both to be re-issued by Audika) and collaborated with a who’s who of some of New York’s most influential artists including Rhy’s Chatham, Ernie Brooks, David Byrne, Phillip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Jon Gibson, Robert Wilson, Christian Wolff, John Cage, Arnold Dreyblatt, and Phill Niblock.
It then changed by a mere accident. Simply, he went to a disco. Inspired by the sonic repetition and sense of community, Arthur wrote and recorded some of the most important records of the disco era including ‘Kiss Me Again’, ‘Is It All Over My Face’, and co-founded Sleeping Bag Records with partner Will Socolov releasing ‘Go Bang’ and the album 24-24 Music. In 2002 Audika Records entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with the estate of Arthur Russell to issue previously unreleased and out of print material from Arthur’s vast archive. The first album Calling Out Of Context , features 12 previously unreleased tracks recorded during Arthur’s prime years 1985-90. The material is drawn from Corn, an album that was completed in 1985 but never released, and an abandoned album recorded for Rough Trade as Arthur had become ill. Many of these tracks show hidden sides of Arthur’s talent and underline the loss of his great potential. Contrary by nature, Arthur’s spontaneous reaction and altered perception to his environment produced music that remains challenging and contemporary. Arthur’s open hearted attitude to music was far ahead of it’s time, and now that time is ours.”
Buy here: bit.ly/2jkL9TY

[@avoidbeing]

first song to make me feel anything in years

[@thinmansparrow9982]

same here!

[@electropapi2210]

I love this

[@prodevus]

You should listen to some Bob Dylan but yes I agree

[@MC-kn6xo]

@@prodevus lol bob dylan is some of the most soulless music imaginable

[@prodevus]

@@MC-kn6xo That is sad to hear! Get help

[@Junior13113]

I can't speak for anyone else, but this song makes me feel things that are hard to explain, but it's like the feeling of being out alone, in the cold, in complete darkness, yet you have one nightlight and the biggest, warmest, most cozy blanket keeping you safe.

[@louisaddeo-weiss5690]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written

[@bsadewitz]

It makes me feel like the sun is rising over the highway, bathing me in warmth as I take a taxi from the time port to meet a cherished, long-lost lover from half a lifetime ago.

[@trevorleake2010]

Arthur had a really unique take. Cello, disco drum machine, mouth noise percussion, synth keys, his voice with delay and the woman's voice. And it adds up to this magical trance of a song.

[@oneidavf]

it's a talk in the dark it's a walk in the morning

[@lewiswyndham9285]

this song makes me happy sad

[@somb0]

end of movie bittersweet moment as credits roll

[@AR-br1cw]

there's a happy ending

[@jules1469]

One of the greatest songs ever made

[@rezasyahardian9484]

He is very underrated 😭

[@braaaaaains]

I love to come back to this song and see that there is always new, heart-felt comments on it.

[@SchmegmaOnToast]

Your mom is a new heart-felt comment... I'm sorry. Why does it feel like I crashed into these feelings? I hope you're having a great day

[@xXJesuslovesyouXx]

❤❤❤

[@bradtedeschi]

I highly recommend checking out EVERYTHING that Arthur Russell did. Audika records has released a treasure trove of his material and it is all brilliant. The early acoustic guitar, almost country, balladry all the way to his composed/not composed pieces- it is all unique and inspired. And don’t sleep on his disco wizardry. Two of his best tracks ever, Kiss Me Again - under the alias of Dinosaur- and Tell You (Today) - as Loose Joints- are definitely worth seeking out, as Audika does not have licensing for them. They have been made more available on vinyl in recent years. Soul Jazz Records comp of Arthur’s stuff dives into his other disco stuff quite a bit more.

[@CYB3RC0RP]

Totally agree, Arthur Russell was brilliant in all forms. I had no idea stuff like Dinosaur and Loose Joints had been made available on vinyl, I'll have to look for that. I go nuts for Kiss Me Again.

[@rpidly4915]

Ideal comment. Arthur covers so much ground and it's all amazing. Go Bang #5 is my favorite song, but all of the different styles from World of Echo to Love is Overtaking me are just as much of a joy to hear. To think he left all those hundreds of tapes behind--this timeline is not all bad!

[@prodevus]

Thanks Randall! My new favorite artist. This guy is like the new Nick Drake or something in terms of post-mortem success

[@trippythompson7126]

Thank you!

[@octoberrosesaxon8818]

This has been my pick me up song after a hard day. Big ❤ to anyone that needs it!

[@drkdrumz]

this song should be in the top three of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@Milesawaytodaytoday]

Reminds me of first love and our road trips

[@luckyhibiki1914]

it sounds like a song you heard on a roadtrip years ago on a strange radio station. A song you think about a couple times a year and try to find again, but would never see the right result. a hazy but good memory

[@bsadewitz]

Yeah, I said that it reminds me of taking a taxi from the "time port" to meet a long-lost cherished lover from half a lifetime ago, sun rising as I crest a hill on the highway.

[@ciwe-ny5nh]

I love that this song makes me cry

[@erklng]

Discovered Arthur Russell recently and via these comments, realized he has passed. Grateful for his music.

[@FranCano]

I'm obsessed with this song

[@raddud6748]

My dog was a wild combination of breeds, and I like to put this song on when I’m thinking of her. She was a delightful mash of contradictions and one of the noblest little spirits I’ve ever met.

[@pzuppardo1]

I'll always remember where I was when I heard this song for the first time. Just beautiful

[@MrKajithecat]

Big life changes and this song is my anthem

[@tobyphillips4312]

best of luck

[@heatherm8896]

Sometimes this is the only song that will do anything for me. And other times it's like wearing a wool sweater over sunburn. When I need this song, like today, I am so grateful for it.

[@pipjmvn6358]

“Like wearing a sweater over sunburn” I’ve never come across such a good simile for what you are describing thank you

[@isaace646]

Such a beautiful, original song. Takes you somewhere else.

[@germanpule3721]

I just want to be, WHEREVER YOU ARE

[@distortionpedal]

This is good , discovered him 3 mins ago . Sat 28th august 2021

[@cumuluscloud4022]

Yo this jawn CRANK

[@issacgodfrey951]

This song is so beautiful. Makes me see colors

[@MichelleTorez]

Just discovered this beautiful gem tonight! WOW!

[@ChiBriE30]

A past lover played this for me, it was like tasting citrus or chocolate for the first time, just a beautiful shock to the senses that reminds you of the beauty the universe has to offer. Arthur is a practically unknown lightning rod that never truly made it to the mainstream. She told me he is played in Chicago house circles, is this still true? Hey house DJs, play Arthur for your crowd to enshrine the moment they hear it into their spacetime like a lightning strike from the distant universe... lol

[@sueyoungWZ]

Incredible! Rest well Arthur

[@SnappySnaps-sw3ny]

Life changing. rest in peace

[@BenMacAdam]

genius for the heart

[@benjaminjoeBF3]

Just found about him from a friend, what a precious discovery

[@MrPeanutToes]

Discovered this song today, such a perfect time for the snow falling, haven't heard a song that made me feel nostalgia from years ago in so long, love this song so much!

[@nedfed6044]

Not sure if it's been mentioned on previous comments that the other singer on the record is Jennifer Warnes

[@marie3611]

so lovely. touches the soul.

[@MarkSeibold]

They've played Arthur Russell' music exclusively here in the coffee house I frequent daily for years, in Portland Oregon, Spielman Bagels & Coffee. I never asked about him until today. I was shocked to see that he passed away in 1992. Now I want to research documentaries about his music. It's fantastic. His style reminds me of a milder version of something Brian Eno would produce.

[@EmaTank]

omg same i found get around to it and i was shook, so sad hes dead

[@nadiakader8414]

Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell is an excellent documentary about his life and the impact his music made on musicians

[@ktmiller4121]

Why is always too late ? It does not make sense

[@robertgarvansnyder4665]

He’s so brilliant. There’s actually a demo recording of the Talking Heads playing “Psycho Killer” with Arthur on cello. Look that up.

[@christophemoynaton4769]

An unknown poet ! A wonder of expression... can’t related or compared ! Unique ! 🙏

[@ckadril2342]

In my cortex for the rest of my life

[@woodstock529]

Te amo Arthur Russell!!!

[@tylerlogan8867]

It's a big old world With nothing in it I can't wait to see you Another minute

[@jamesharris5707]

Got me through the pandemic this one

[@JaeSamantha]

If I ever get married, this is playing at my wedding

[@1brocktune]

Brock Tune has had this thought!

[@alexl3208]

Special voice and unordinary tones

[@noahvansciver5661]

Such a genius.

[@merabjuarez6866]

i dont know but i have always see arthur russell so sad idk why but i want to hug him.

[@chipwalter4490]

Arthur Russell is hugging you, he's not sad

[@biancahertzman6539]

@@chipwalter4490 Being sad is not a crime.

[@shivkammadari]

So this is where Roosevelt aka Marius Lauber gets his style from. Fantastic musicians, both him and Russell!

[@holdenrains]

Antony and The Johnsons nod to the vocal style as well.

[@LeydenAigg]

Where the hell are the other former Paradise Garage members? We love you, Arthur!

[@the_forgxtten-8178]

Found this song at a pizza place where I live. Herd it playing and asked the lady what song it was and told me the song name :)

[@smifirno1153]

Never too late to discover this, thanks for posting

[@jamesdoctor8079]

I just want to be wherever you are

[@calebjones7948]

This song is like a ending of a early 2000s indie film. Right before the credits started to roll.

[@1brocktune]

funny you mention, this is the credit score to ep 2 of the high maintenance web series, which is what brought me here!

[@alanlars4331]

I was searching this song for weeks 🎶❤

[@thedarknight5714]

Ahead of his time and sadly died before he could really publicize his work.

[@lotuseater7247]

this is great, what progression

[@ctrlaltcreate3827]

my next album will be called "It's A Big Ol' World" because of this song.

[@thomasmilet2879]

Heard about him a long time ago but only discovered his music a few months ago. Shame on me. This one is marvellous.

[@AR-br1cw]

Oh God..... Wow.

[@AR-br1cw]

timeless

[@AR-br1cw]

here in space

[@AR-br1cw]

That is us, a wild combination.

[@TheWimpyWhiteBoy]

thanks to my buddy daniel for showing me the genius of arthur russell

[@noli4364]

Everyone needs a Daniel! Have you also checked out world of echo? It’s a masterpiece if you haven’t :)

[@daviddurango840]

Real music at last.

[@RiceMan]

I found this by looking up Mac DeMarco on John Maus and clicked the first article and led me to this beautiful rabbit hole of Arthur Russell’s catalog. Another artist I recommend is Dave Bixby I found him by just looking up my hometown on Spotify and he’s become one of my favorites. Another recommendation is Bruce Springsteens Nebraska it’s unlike any Bruce record you’ve heard. If any one has some artist they want to enlighten me on please drop a reply!

[@mattstevens3363]

Spacemen 3

[@RiceMan]

@@mattstevens3363 Sounds cool what songs/albums do you reccomend

[@mattstevens3363]

@@RiceMan Spaceman 3- Playing with fire or Recurring. You might like Broadcast-Tender Buttons too. and as for somethin like springsteens nebraska, the mountain goats album Tallahassee has always been like a nebraska companion piece for me

[@RiceMan]

@@mattstevens3363 Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska is in my top 5, I have an original pressing on vinyl so I will have to check out the mountain goats album Tallahassee! thanks so much for the recommendations!

[@kgsullivan]

you might like this song kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqfFimSDptZgjqs&ab_channel=Cnaeus

[@MichelleTorez]

Beautiful music

[@christophemoynaton4769]

Miss you man! 🙏

[@TheeFlashbackMan]

heard this when I was In a car and I was vibing on it then recorded this on my phone and today I used some internet sites to find it through my recording

[@qxvfhejgwk]

👏🏾

[@maji___]

u did the beat justice g

[@Bogartboginty]

Sublime

[@hashdelol8901]

Por lo poco que se de este artista veo que hizo muchas cosas gran compositor esperemos que su musica tenga reconocimiento

[@s.hennigan5801]

Keeper of treasures

[@austintatious4647]

What a man

[@1brocktune]

High Maintenance brought me here!

[@mu0p]

THIS IS ALL OF US

[@Koshirozation]

thank you dear jens lekman

[@phillypay88]

Sergej Lovrekovic does jens do a cover or something?

[@Koshirozation]

@@phillypay88 yes! he covered the song with jose gonzalez

[@LieLikesMusic]

@@Koshirozation Dude i did not expect to find YOU here out of all people. That's so random!

[@Koshirozation]

@@LieLikesMusic hahaha hello lie! preparing a video on Arthur? would love to see that!

[@LieLikesMusic]

@@Koshirozation Hey. Actually not. I just got interested in finding out who this guy was after hearing Kanye West sampled his music. How did you discover Russel?

[@lightzoomi]

Its crazy to find out this is from the year 2000s it feels like something made nowadays. Great song.

[@Pivler]

What's even crazier is that this was recorded before 1992, as he unfortunately passed away then, and most of his stuff was released posthumously.

[@Zach-dk4iu]

He died of AIDS this song was made before 1992

[@bsadewitz]

2000s? Oh, no, no, no -- late 80s.

[@osuperman]

AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MegaSnippezz]

We're leaving at five in the morning.

[@Julian-cw1nz]

thanks lean

[@igor2576]

voice

[@willritter4076]

Jennifer Warnes

[@thekidslumm]

blackpower

[@kennethgibson1265]

He was a genius

[@arnold5901]

shoutout to leandoer for this one

[@maji___]

Mike, you’re insane

[@FireFortProductions]

Looking for the voldy sample

[@killowavenue222]

It’s @ 5:38 bro

[@travellingrhea6856]

Using that echo makes for an interesting sound that I recognise from someone else.

[@osuperman]

TheseHoezThinkTheyClassyWellThatsTheClassImSkippen

[@bklmsoul]

Yup

[@marcusrist1007]

I have been trying to figure out the chords to this song for a while, does anyone know them?

[@LeydenAigg]

It's in the key of D, if that will help.

[@jayblummer146]

F O R M E L

[@netilradio8357]

[@lIllllllIIIllIlllIIl]

☀️

[@blzr5508]

pacific highway memories

[@housinauthority5258]

Am I right in thinking this is actually 2 different songs?

[@EzzatErfan]

Apple used this on their Instagram,and that led me here

[@vermont005050]

summer 17

[@FrightNFight]

same and also forever

[@monfernova]

And I had my children socks on, got robbed that morning

[@Sholak]

5:37

[@blzr5508]

✨

[@leoyoung7421]

I just keep it moving when I’m tired

[@RabbitholeIsrael]

best music always have the least views.

[@jayblummer146]

0:00

[@Shelovesmaliah]

physical geography anyone ?

[@matthbrokensbichjk8093]

…..

[@austinchannelvacant8261]

Hi frank ocean

[@hieuhpham]

Ian Connor made me be here

[@josemarin1147]

On god

[@lilg0cci748]

Ian Connor

[@zabokaleta6728]

lil g0cci he put me on 🤷‍♀️

[@RabbitholeIsrael]

the shitter the music, the more views.

[@LorcaLoca]

Flawless logic

[@teatrulemonhead]

Fax

[@emileboyle8587]

What does that even mean in this context

[@bsadewitz]

​@@emileboyle8587He doesn't know.

[@SGN17]