Luther Russell has a rich history in music. For a decade, he has been one half of the endearing folk-pop duo Those Pretty Wrongs, serving alongside Big Star’s Jody Stephens. Luther is also the grandson of Bob Russell and the grandnephew of Bud Green, whose songs are part of the great American songbook. He has become an accomplished producer and Grammy-nominated songwriter, and after six solo albums and a few brushes with mainstream rock and roll glory, he has returned with Happiness for Beginners (due out January 17th, 2025 via Curation Records). This time, the writing is more literate, darker, and romantically inclined.
Armed with his 12-string electric Rickenbacker and flanked by his exceptional musician friends, Luther has crafted a stunning slice of rock that shimmers as it reflects an era that sidled alongside what became punk, the melodic charisma of Ork Records, and the proto power pop of Bomp! & Stiff Records, into the prime of post-punk—from the jangly college rock landscape of America to the U.K. raincoat guitar group vanguard of the ’80s. All of this is on display on Happiness For Beginners, his first in six years. This electrifying album fearlessly jangles through the landscapes of power pop, classic college rock, and post-punk. It’s a work from a seasoned songwriter at the peak of his craft.
Today Glide is excited to premiere “Wanna Be Your Lover” and its accompanying music video. Brimming with jangly guitar and catchy harmonies, the song is a perfect example of Russell’s talent for crafting richly melodic tunes. Mixing power pop, rock, and even a touch of doo-wop, it’s easy to imagine Tom Petty or Alex Chilton being eager to record this tune.
Russell describes the inspiration and process behind the tune:
“Wanna Be Your Lover” tries to get at the feeling of wanting something unattainable. It’s from the viewpoint of someone who is nonexistent to someone else…a cipher. But perversely he’s only attracted to what he can’t have. “It’s the way you look when you’re not alone”’ is the key line. The song sort of wrote itself as I recall and I was lucky enough to have harmonies and killer guitar leads by none other than Jason Falkner, an old, dear friend who I was finally able to record some music with.
WATCH:
One Response
Beautiful, Luther. I have really captured the essence.