During this period he also collaborated with Allen Ginsberg, accompanying him on cello while Ginsberg read or sang. Russell also spent time in a Buddhist commune in California; he left when they decided to collectivize his cello.
By the mid-1970's Russell relocated to New York City, where he studied at The Manhattan School of Music. He formed a band from 1975-1979, The Flying Hearts, recorded by John Hammond and featuring David Byrne, Rhys Chatham, Jon Gibson, Peter Gordon, Jerry Harrison, Garret List, Frank Pagano, Andy Paley, Leni Pickett, and Peter Zummo.
In the late 1970s Russell became enamored with the disco scene in New York. At the time it represented a liberation force, particularly for the gay scene, just a few years after the Stonewall riots. (For more see "Turn the Beat Around: The Secret History of Disco" by Peter Shapiro).
'Kiss Me Again' was Russell's first dance track. Released under the name Dinosaur L by Sirerecords, it was to be the first of many innovative dancefloor tracks released under different names and with different collaborators, such as 'Is It All Over My Face' by Loose Joints, released in 1980. In 1982, Arthur Russell and William Socolov founded Sleeping Bag records and their first release was his 24-24 Music. This featured 'Go Bang' which was re-mixed as a 12" single by Francois Kevorkian.
Arthur Russell continued to release dance singles such as 'Tell You Today' (4th and Broadway, 1983) an upbeat dance groove featuring the vocals of Joyce Bowden . 'Wax the Van' (Jump Street, 1985) with vocals by Lola Blank, wife of notorious BobTreehouse aka Bob Schoolbell (Sleeping Bag, 1986) and 'Let's Go Swimming' (Upside / Rough Trade, 1986).
At the same time, he produced more meditative works on the albums 'Tower of Meaning' (Chatham Square, 1983) and 'World of Echo' (Rough Trade, 1986), which presented many of his pop and dance compositions in solo cellist form.
Arthur Russell died of AIDS on April 4, 1992, at the age of 40. The obituary in the Village Voice wrote: "his songs were so personal that it seems as though he simply vanished into his music."
In 2004 a renewed interest in Arthur Russell saw the release of "The World of Arthur Russell" on Soul Jazz records, which compiled his best-known dance hits alongside more introspective love songs such as "Little Lost" and "Keeping Up".
In the same year Audika records reissued "World Of Echo" and produced "Calling Out Of Context", 12 unreleased songs from 1985-90. The songs were taken from an album "Corn", recorded in 1985 but never released. They showcase a set of visionary pop songs years ahead of their time, minimalist and expansive, evidence that Russell's best work was perhaps never realized before his death.
In 2006 Audika released "First Thought Best Thought", compiling Russell's out of print orchestral and instrumental works with previously unreleased material.
Eli
Arthur Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Arthur Russell's song "Eli" is a melancholic meditation on an outsider, embodied by a dog named Eli. The lyrics speak to the misfortune of being misunderstood, of trying to connect with others but finding oneself rejected in the process. In this sense, Eli represents the plight of the marginalized, the rejected and the unloved, who are constantly seeking validation and acceptance but are met with indifference or hostility. Eli is a "simple dog," yet he is rejected by those around him, who perceive him as a nuisance.
The lyrics suggest that there is something special about Eli, something that the people around him cannot see or appreciate. The singer of the song, who seems to be sympathizing with Eli, acknowledges that he has tried to intervene on Eli's behalf, but to no avail. He wishes that there could be more connection between them, but it seems that Eli is doomed to be an outcast. The repetition of the name "Eli" throughout the song reinforces his otherness, his separation from the world of human beings. Eli is a creature of his own, stubbornly refusing to comply with the norms of society and staying true to his own nature.
Line by Line Meaning
Eli, Eli, Eli. Eli, Eli, Eli. A simple dog, with ears and nose, Eli, Eli, Eli.
The repeated use of Eli's name represents the dog's simplicity and innocence, while describing his physical attributes such as 'ears and nose' reaffirms his harmless nature.
I don't why nobody likes him, there's some people trying to put him away.
The singer can't understand why people dislike Eli and want to get rid of him. This may suggest that Eli represents a person or group that is misunderstood or unpopular in society.
When he comes up to them, they always say 'go away, go away, please take him home'. Make him stay.
People's negative reactions to Eli's presence are consistent and always result in him being rejected or sent away. The phrase 'make him stay' could be interpreted as a plea for acceptance or recognition of his worth.
Several times I've tried to tell him 'Please don't make them say that', but he won't listen to me.
The artist has tried to intervene and prevent Eli from being rejected, but Eli is either unable or unwilling to change people's perceptions of him.
Sometimes I pray that there could be more between us, but some people never are satisfied. Eli, Eli, Eli. Eli, Eli, Eli
The artist desires a deeper connection with Eli, but acknowledges that some people are never content or understanding. The final repetition of Eli's name serves as a reminder of his simple, unwavering presence in the artist's life.
Contributed by Christian R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@JsRf13
the lyrics, as well as the cello interplay with his voice, destroys me every time. I'm just left as a wreck.
I love you, Eli.
@uguntaye
eliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
@tomsenkus
Truly a great song
@noahwithanh8567
elliiiiiiiiiiiiiii
@M00SE414
Wonder if Jeff Mangum ever heard the singing on this. Listening through this whole album, can't believe I've never heard it before. It's great.
@liammcooper
I doubt it, but I'm sure he'd love it
@glat15
ELIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Eli Russell
@LondonAndSouthEastTransport
😂😂😂
@mrbombaday
Eliiiiii-i-i-i-i
@eliotcolburn2680
eliiiiii eliiiiiiiiiiiiiiii