Steve Knutson’s Audika Records continues to bring us hidden gems from Arthur Russell’s prodigious output. Corn collects unreleased recordings from 1982-83, including early versions of songs that should be familiar to devoted fans. Russell was notorious for continuously reworking his material, crafting countless versions of his songs. That endless search for the perfect version provided a wealth of material for Knutson to draw from. The collection kicks off with a rather upbeat version of “Lucky Cloud,” quite a contrast to the murky take that appeared on his 1986 album, World Of Echo. Other tracks, like “Corn” and “Keeping Up,” are more clearly demo versions. There are traces of Russell listening back to himself as he plays through the songs. And there are more revelatory moments, as well. Both “See My Brother, He’s Jumping Out (Let’s Go Swimming #2)” and “This Is How We Walk On The Moon” provide alternate takes to some of Russell’s most celebrated material. They show that just are there were many sides to Russell’s musical persona there are just as many sides to each of his songs. Recommended.

• music label: Audika Records 2015

reviewed by iller kale 06/2015