Nico
The guys over in Prescription PR recently sent us over a press release about the reissue of Nico’s 1974 album, The End, to see whether we could check it out. Originally released in 1974 and her fourth solo album, The End represented more than just a fourth album in a row, also representing her fifth collaboration with John Cale (Including The Velvet Underground) and her third time with him as producer.
This album also represents the only full album she recorded for the label, Island Records, and demonstrated Nico’s ability to combine her musical technique with Middle Eastern style percussion and Arabic flourishes. Marking a definite move away from the stark and almost classical sound of The Marble Index and the folk approaches of Desertshore, it’s an album which stands out as unique and one to make sure you’ve heard if you’ve not come across it before. One particular person who really championed the album was no other than Mr John Peel who featured her on his show and played numerous different tracks of hers over his time on air. Despite all of these good points, the album didn’t sell well and as a result, Nico lost her deal with Island. That said, it’s a remarkable record and one which stands out as a unique approach to creating a true artform.
The remastered version we see presented before us (due out October 1st 2012) stands as testament to the unique approach of this album, offering up a 2cd version which features tracks unreleased up until now, such as You Forgot To Answer from the John Peel session, and Secret Side from The Old Grey Whistle Test. Add in the original album to compliment these new b-sides and what you’ve got is a collection of tracks which celebrates the unique and stand alone style of Nico and her music.
To me it’s tracks like Innocent And Vain which really stand out, representing the definite style of Nico but showing how she has influenced some of the heavier and more out there style stuff we hear nowadays. Other tracks which really got my attention were We’ve Got The Gold and The End (Doors cover) – both tracks which ooze with almost progressive style approaches and moments which will leave you unsure of how to respond. It’s that ability to craft music which makes you think, and present tracks which will captivate and make you question, that stands Nico out as an artiste we should all be aware of.
Isn’t it strange how all too often, History overlooks the people who have contributed to the world of music as we see it today. My personal feelings are that that’s what’s happened here with Nico – she’s been lost in the pages of time yet when you look back you suddenly realise just how much of an impact she’s had on things. Listen to this album and let it wash over you, then return to the music you think you know and understand, all of a sudden it all becomes more apparent where it all came from!
The End is released on October 1st 2012.
Words: Dave Nicholls
This album also represents the only full album she recorded for the label, Island Records, and demonstrated Nico’s ability to combine her musical technique with Middle Eastern style percussion and Arabic flourishes. Marking a definite move away from the stark and almost classical sound of The Marble Index and the folk approaches of Desertshore, it’s an album which stands out as unique and one to make sure you’ve heard if you’ve not come across it before. One particular person who really championed the album was no other than Mr John Peel who featured her on his show and played numerous different tracks of hers over his time on air. Despite all of these good points, the album didn’t sell well and as a result, Nico lost her deal with Island. That said, it’s a remarkable record and one which stands out as a unique approach to creating a true artform.
The remastered version we see presented before us (due out October 1st 2012) stands as testament to the unique approach of this album, offering up a 2cd version which features tracks unreleased up until now, such as You Forgot To Answer from the John Peel session, and Secret Side from The Old Grey Whistle Test. Add in the original album to compliment these new b-sides and what you’ve got is a collection of tracks which celebrates the unique and stand alone style of Nico and her music.
To me it’s tracks like Innocent And Vain which really stand out, representing the definite style of Nico but showing how she has influenced some of the heavier and more out there style stuff we hear nowadays. Other tracks which really got my attention were We’ve Got The Gold and The End (Doors cover) – both tracks which ooze with almost progressive style approaches and moments which will leave you unsure of how to respond. It’s that ability to craft music which makes you think, and present tracks which will captivate and make you question, that stands Nico out as an artiste we should all be aware of.
Isn’t it strange how all too often, History overlooks the people who have contributed to the world of music as we see it today. My personal feelings are that that’s what’s happened here with Nico – she’s been lost in the pages of time yet when you look back you suddenly realise just how much of an impact she’s had on things. Listen to this album and let it wash over you, then return to the music you think you know and understand, all of a sudden it all becomes more apparent where it all came from!
The End is released on October 1st 2012.
Words: Dave Nicholls
