Here is a first listen to the tribute compilation album for Arthur Russell, set for release on 21st October. It is fitting then that the artists featured on the album are as much of a mixed bag as Arthur's musical variety. The album opens with Jose Gonzalez's cover of "This Is How We Walk On The Moon', and as you would expect it is an excellent individual take on the track. Gonzalez has a previous history of recording covers, take a listen to his take on Massive Attack's 'Teardrop' to name just one. Or if you fancy a straight up ballad, check out his cover of Kylie's 'Hand On Your Heart'.
Back to Arthur Russell, some highlights of the album include Hot Chip's cover of 'Go Bang', and Blood Orange's take on 'Is It All Over My Face & Tower Of Meaning', opening slowly with the harmonic brass, until the introduction of the Funkadelic bass line, off beat bongos and drawn out vocals take you all the way to 6:25.
There are skippers on the album that don't hit the spot in our eyes come from Robyn's version of 'Tell You (Today)' among others - we'll let you decide for yourself however and focus on the positive points.
The album will be released on Digital and Vinyl on 21st October, and is assembled as a benefit for the Red Hot Organization's fight against AIDs. Stream the album below and check out the rest of Russell's back catalogue if you haven't done so already, there is something for everyone, from Disco to Folk to Pop.
Stream the Album here courtesy of NPR
Pre Order Album - Amazon
Arthur Russell - Back Catalogue