Album cover of Open Vocal Phrases, Where Songs Come In and Out by Arthur Russell, featuring a minimalist design with abstract shapes and muted colors.
Open Vocal Phrases, Where Songs Come In and Out 2LP black vinyl set by Arthur Russell, displayed partially slid out from its album sleeve.
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Rough Trade Records

Open Vocal Phrases, Where Songs Come In and Out Arthur Russell

£32.99 Pre-Order

Open Vocal Phrases, Where Songs Come In and Out captures an unedited solo live performance by Arthur Russell, recorded at Phill Niblock’s Experimental Intermedia Foundation in NYC in 1985. Releasing on April 18, 2025.

Genre: Ambient and Prog-Rock/Art Rock.
Format

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Description

This intimate live recording from Arthur Russell showcases his genre-defying approach to minimalism, folk, and avant-garde composition. The 1985 performance at Experimental Intermedia Foundation served as a foundation for World of Echo, with Russell later editing sections of this show for the final studio album.

The 2LP edition includes the complete 19-minute version of "Tower of Meaning/Rabbit’s Ear/Home Away", alongside two previously unreleased tracks: "That’s The Very Reason" and "Too Early to Tell." Side four features two instrumental recordings from Sketches for World of Echo.

The 2CD edition presents the full Open Vocal Phrases performance, plus the complete Sketches for World of Echo (previously available only as a 2020 cassette and digital release).

This is a rare archival release, shedding new light on Russell’s creative process and offering unheard material from one of the most visionary experimental musicians of the 20th century.

For fans of: Laurie Anderson, Brian Eno, Steve Reich, John Cage
Track List

  • Side A
    That’s The Very Reason
    Tower Of Meaning/Rabbit’s Ear/Home Away From Home

    Side B
    Happy Ending
    All-Boy All-Girl/Tiger Stripes/You Can’t Hold Me Down

    Side C
    Introductions
    Hiding Your Present From You/School Bell
    Too Early To Tell

    Side D (From Sketches for World of Echo)
    Changing Forest
    Sunlit Water
Preview Tracks

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