Love Is Overtaking Me (Dig)

Arthur Russell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 28, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Audika Records
• ASIN: B001G1FLEC
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,030 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars LOVE COMES BACK, November 16, 2008

By 

Gideon (Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love Is Overtaking Me (Dig) (Audio CD)

When listening to Arthur Russell, you should always expect the unexpected. The Iowan angel had such talent for music that in his short life he managed to contribute in a major way to many genres, from minimalist/classical composition to disco anthems via funk, country and cello-driven chamber pop.

This latest instalment from his huge legacy (one thousand tapes, reportedly) focuses on his songwriting ability. The beautiful cover image, though, is a little misleading; you think this is a country/folk album and the first songs do mine this direction, but soon the tracklist nimbly veers towards '70s rock-soul, disco-pop and funk-wave, not forgetting the odd voice/cello track. Like we said: expect the unexpected.

What remains the same, however, is the quality. With twenty-one tracks spanning two decades (1973 - 1990), LOVE IS OVERTAKING ME is full of gems ready to trap you in their golden, sinuous charm. The sound is sparse and often in demo form, but such is Mr Russell's ability as a songwriter and singer (that crisp, melancholic voice!) that you cannot help wondering why some of these songs did not become hits. The title track, HABIT OF YOU, THE LETTER or YOUR MOTION SAYS should have graced the airwaves in the '80s. It is a pity that they were never released. Luckily we can now make up for the lost time, and even marvel at Mr Russel's way with words: his haiku-deep lyrics exude great warmth and tenderness, working as a perfect cure for these hard, ruthless times.

So love comes back. Sometimes. Who would have thought it?

5.0 out of 5 stars gently beautiful, June 3, 2009

By 

katie austin (chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love Is Overtaking Me [Vinyl] (Vinyl)

I am enamored of this album. It's delicate, beautiful, gritty. When you hear Arthur Russell, it feels simultaneously brand new and completely familiar. I imagine this is because so many contemporary artists have been influenced by him that his sound was popularized before many people had even heard his own music.

If you're looking for the folky, poppy, strong-on-lyrical-song writing album, this is the one. The others tend to be a bit more experimental and electronic. Still, this album doesn't lack for originality, and AR's experimental side is evident throughout.

buy it, for sure.