|
Atmospheric rarity from one-time Velvet Underground warbler..
60s' Icon, one time model and collaborator on the debut Velvet Underground album, Nico's music was often dark, gothic, and in the 70s mixed art house with punk.
The two shows here, both recorded in the early 80s, are recently discovered and details of origin is sketchy, but should please fans.
In keeping with her image, the first set 'Incognito' is very underground, with a poorly lit home video bootleg feel. For the first few songs Nico stands motionless infront of the band, who play new wave era music while her vocals are dark, and tuneless yet out of tune. Think Siouxie/Banshees.
The music is more atmospheric when she takes up the keyboards, and a more arthouse mood comes in. It's a small club, and she's clearly appreciated. The music and vocals do improve thankfully.
The Library Theatre Manchester show from 1983 is better recorded and the performance more cohesive, but the vocals still painfully out of tune at times. The music and vocals and overall performance are better. Tracks like Genghis Kahn, All Tomorrow's Parties and Vegas all feature, and this second set is perhaps more representative of the real Nico.
Bonus material includes Orly Flight performed at the Hacienda Birthday Party set and some backstage footage, totalling over two hours for the whole DVD.
Well packaged and good value for the Nico fans, featuring rare and previously unseen footage. But it's not the best place to start if you're new to her work.
***½
|
