A new Arthur Russell album of works from around the period he created World of Echo is on the way. Picture of Bunny Rabbit (code only faster: crossing the line from vocal to instrumental and back) will be released by Rough Trade and Audika Records on 23 June.
It features nine previously unreleased performances from this era compiled from completed masters culled from two unique test pressings, including one, dated 9/15/85 by Arthur, provided by his mother and sister. The bulk of the material was recorded with engineer Eric Liljestrand at Battery Sound Studios, New York.
The song “The Boy With a Smile” has been released along with the announcement, and beautifully – eerily, almost – transports us back to that mid-1980s creative peak of the lost talent. His eternal voice floats over his crusty and unpredictable cello playing, while simple but effective sonic effects are applied, opening wormholes that Russell so enjoyed playing with.
Take a listen to “The Boy With a Smile” below or find it on streamers.
Arthur Russell’s Picture of Bunny Rabbit arrives on June 23 through Rough Trade (UK/EU – pre-order) and Audika Records (North America – pre-order).
