NICO/DRAMA OF EXILE AUL 715 (-81) SWEDEN

When this album in mentioned it's almost always about Nicos drug abuse at the period or the disappearence of the original master tapes - who stole/mislaid/lost them and why. There are also different stories/legends about how many versions were made, when and where they were issued, and who had the rights to the tapes. This is about the first recorded version and it's great. Her other solo albums were all produced by John Cale with about the same result - slow and depressing with lot's of harmonium and hardly any drums. The premiere recording of this LP was handeled by bassist Philippe Quilichini and has both up-tempo drumming and a middle-eastern rythm section. Production is almost light at parts, wich provides a perfect balance to Nicos songs and her dark tattered voice. Instrumentation is sparse - bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, saxophone, bouzouki and snitra (arabian mandolin). Guitarist Mohammad Hadi is top class with a style much reminding of Robert Fripp, both in riffs and solos. Keyboards are handeled by Andy Clark - former "Clark Hutchinson" and known for his excellent work on Bowies "Scary Monsters". David Payne (from Ian Dury's band) plays sax on a few tracks. I think it's a marvellous album with Nico finally getting the backing her music craves. It's not actual rock'n'roll, but as close as you can get with her songs. The two cover tracks - "Heroes" and "Waiting For the Man" - are absolute magic and to my ears up there with the originals...and just listen to this "One More Chance" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iAjSAjeA_I...giving You Nico in a most fitting surrounding. In all it's very special with a unique sound and some of her best composing. The style reminds a little of Bowie's "Lodger" or "Scary Monsters", but darker and more sincere. Given time I'm sure it will be regarded as a true classic and I recommend it with all my heart. First version only saw release in Sweden and Holland. Later issues on vinyl and CD came with different trackings and/or other mixes and/or added reverb, while this first is as dark and distinct as originally intended. Swedish 1981 vinyl had label as shown here and thin fully laminated cover. (NÖC*)(FÄV*)(CCÖ*)