Rough Trade / UK / RE 2022 / 2LP
“…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
Originally released in 2004, Calling Out Of Context is the groundbreaking compilation that reignited interest in Arthur Russell’s music. Now reissued on double vinyl with a four-page insert, the album features 12 previously unreleased tracks recorded between 1985 and 1990, showcasing Russell’s unique blend of “Buddhist Bubblegum Disco Electro Pop.” Standout songs include “That’s Us/Wild Combination,” “The Platform On The Ocean,” and “Arm Around You.”
The release marked the beginning of Audika Records’ ongoing effort to restore and share Russell’s extensive archive, curated by Steve Knutson. Since Russell’s death from AIDS-related complications in 1992, his legacy has grown dramatically, with critics, musicians, and institutions recognizing him as a visionary. His influence continues through reissues, a celebrated documentary (Wild Combination), a biography (Hold Onto Your Dreams), and the preservation of his archive by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Calling Out Of Context remains a cornerstone in understanding Russell’s genre-defying brilliance and enduring impact.