New Compilation Album -- Red Hot + Arthur Russell (Due October 21)

The Red Hot Organization has released over fifteen compilation albums since 1989, as part of its dedication to fighting AIDS through pop culture. I was able to thank founder John Carlin firsthand during an interview for this ingenious method of supporting a worthy mission, one that continues to haunt those of us who watched friends with the disease given a death sentence during the 80s and 90s. The latest album will pay tribute to Arthur Russell, part of the music scene in NYC's East Village during that time until his untimely death at age 40 in 1992 from AIDS-related causes. He was a talented cellist, pianist, and singer, who easily shifted from classical to folk and disco when composing. 

Red Hot + Arthur Russell (due October 21 via Yep Roc) features 26 tracks by more than 20 artists. It includes many faves from my New Music Playlists: Hot Chip, Sufjan Stevens, Phosphorescent, Junip's José González, Devendra Banhart, Arcade Fire's Richard Reed Parry and Neon Indian's Alan Palomo (as VEGA INTL). Hot Chip is a perfect fit for one of Russell's dance tunes, as witnessed in a preview video showing some behind the scenes recording of "Go Bang."  Check it out along with the track list below, and add this album to your list for fall listening.

Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russell Tracklist:

1.     Jose Gonzalez – “This Is How We Walk On The Moon”

2.     Lonnie Holley – “Soon-To-Be Innocent Fun (Interlude)”

3.     Robyn – “Tell You (Today)”

4.     Hot Chip – “Go Bang”

5.     Sufjan Stevens – “A Little Lost”

6.     Lonnie Holley – “In The Light Of The Miracle (Interlude)”

7.     Richard Reed Parry, Little Scream, Sam Amidon, Colin Stetson & Sarah Neufeld – “Keeping Up”

8.     Liam Finn, Ernie Brooks + Peter Zummo – “This Love Is Crying”

9.     Rubblebucket + Nitemoves – “Eli”

10.   The Revival Hour – “Hiding Your Present from You”

11.   Sam Amidon – “Lucky Cloud”

12.   Devendra Banhart – “Losing My Taste For The Night Life”

13.   Phosphorescent – “You Can Make Me Feel Bad”

14.   Blood Orange – “Is It All Over My Face & Tower Of Meaning”

15.   Scissor Sisters – “That’s Us/Wild Combination”

16.   VEGA INTL. – “Arm Around You”

17.   Oh Mercy – “Planted A Thought”

18.   Lonnie Holley – “Hop On Down (Interlude)”

19.   Cults – “Being It”

20.   Richard Reed Parry – “Just A Blip”

21.   Glen Hansard – “I Couldn’t Say It To Your Face”

22.   Thao & The Get Down Stay Down – “Nobody Wants A Lonely Heart”

23.   The Autumn Defense – “Oh Fernanda Why”

24.   Alexis Taylor – “Our Last Night Together”

25.   Lonnie Holley – “The Deer In The Forest (Interlude)”

26.   Redding Hunter – “Close My Eyes”

Interview with Red Hot Organization Founder John Carlin

Earlier this summer, a list of interview opportunities sent out to PopMatters writers included John Carlin, the founder of Red Hot Organization. Since 1990, this organization has released fifteen compilation albums, along with related events and television programs to raise funds for HIV/AIDS. The latest, Red Hot + Rio, is an extensive work featuring 33 tracks highlighting the Tropicália music of Brazil. I have owned many of them (even on cassette years ago) and would have been happy to purchase them just for the works of art that they are, with inspired musical collaborations and unique album artwork. Yet the spirit behind the creative forces was never forgotten -- it was a way to honor those lost and inspire those who are working for a cure. I remember the days when opening up The New York Times meant reading about another casualty to the disease. Then things hit close to home: two individuals taken from life way too soon and I morn them year after year. In honor of my family friend with the brilliant mind and my college dancer pal who choreographed one of my favorite performances ever, I offer up this interview. It also gave me a chance to personally thank the man who came up with the idea, raising millions of dollars towards the cause.

My PopMatters interview here.