Most famous for her
work with the Velvet Underground (which I'll be listening to in the next week
or so), this was Nico's solo debut, and I was blown away. It was both simple
and complex at the same time. The sound of her brooding voice over the strings
provided by three members from the Velvet Underground was just beautiful.Also known for her list of lovers (including Jim Morrison, Iggy Pop, and Brian Jones), Nico introduced the world to a then-unknown Jackson Browne, a young guitarist who contributed three songs to this album ("The Fairest Of The Seasons," "These Days," and "Somewhere There's A Feather"). And, yes, they were lovers also.
The contributions from the finest songwriters of the era didn't end with the fledgling Browne and Velvet Underground members Lou Reed, Sterling Morrison, and John Cale. Tim Hardin provided the chilling "Eulogy To Lenny Bruce" and even Bob Dylan offered his song "I'll Keep It With Mine."
Aside from the vocals, I loved the baroque chamber music feel to this album. No drums at all, but plenty of electric viola, marimba, guitar, cello, harmonium, and flute. The album was not generally well-received upon its initial release due to its experimental sound, but it has since influenced countless female artists, including Patti Smith and Siouxsie Sioux, and two of its tracks were included on the soundtrack of The Royal Tenenbaums.
Track Listing:
01. The Fairest Of The Seasons
02. These Days
03. Little Sister
04. Winter Song
05. It Was A Pleasure Thing
06. Chelsea Girls
07. I'll Keep It With Mine
08. Somewhere There's A Feather
09. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
10. Eulogy To Lenny Bruce
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