Arthur Russell: Another Thought 2LP

First time available on vinyl! Another Thought was originally released on CD in 1994, 2 years after the prolific composer and cellist had passed. The tracks date from between 1982 to around 1990, cataloged from over 800 tape reels by Mikel Rouse for Point Music, and produced by Don Christensen. This is music from the final decade of Russell's life, infused with boyish innocence and playful romanticism. The music manages to have a timeless quality and does not necessarily sound like it comes from the decade during which it was recorded. Russell was notorious for never feeling that his songs were complete. He would constantly revise his recordings and make new versions of his songs. So, it is unclear how he felt about the tracks that are featured here. Needless to say, the compilation is enveloped by a sense of warmth and intimacy that is rarely found in pop music. And, at its core, that is what most of the material on Another Thought is; deceptively simple pop songs informed by Russell's unique character and creativity. There are some tracks that feel more like his more widely known disco productions. "This Is How We Walk On the Moon" belies these characteristics and is a welcome inclusion. At the same time "In the Light of a Miracle" hints at proto-house with its interweaving vocals and elements of classical Indian percussion. Double vinyl housed in kraftliner sleeves printed in white litho, with art paper inner sleeves. Recommended.

• music label: Arc Light Editions 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 12/2013