Fretplay.com Nico CD reviews Nico guitar tabs Nico CD reviews Nico tabs Chelsea Girl


Nico - Chelsea Girl Audio CD

A fair review of the Nico "Chelsea Girl" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Nico reviews here, or go back to the Nico tabs.

Nico Band: Nico
Title: Chelsea Girl
Rating:
Release Date: 1990-10-25
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Fairest of the Seasons 2: These Days 3: Little Sister 4: Winter Song 5: It Was a Pleasure Then 6: Chelsea Girls 7: I'll Keep It With Mine 8: Somewhere There's a Feather 9: Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams 10: Eulogy to Lenny Bruce

Nico's Lieder
John Cale, Lou Reed and Sterling Morrison composed or co-wrote many of the songs and play on the album, contributing arresting instrumental textures behind Nico's bleak vocals. Nico's 1967 debut displays two distinct sonic styles, the first which may perhaps be termed a blend of folk & chamber music and the second the art-rock number with a VU feel. An air of melancholy permeates both styles whilst the second type has an added undertone of unease.

Tracks like The Fairest of the Seasons with its gentle orchestral backing, Cale & Reed's haunting Little Sister and Reed & Morrison's Chelsea Girls with their delicate arrangements have the folkie feel of some of Marianne Faithfull's 1960s work and also bring to mind the orchestral folk of Nick Drake, no doubt because John Cale worked with both and Drake also used cello and flute. Tim Hardin's moving Eulogy to Lenny Bruce resorts here as well.

Cale's Winter Song falls somewhere between the two whilst the complex arrangement of Lou Reed's Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams reflects the song's striking, often disturbing imagery. The most experimental track, It Was A Pleasure Then - co-written by Nico - is perhaps closest to the The Velvet Underground sound in its screeching feedback, dissonance and edgy sound effects.

The appeal of Chelsea Girls is difficult to define, especially for fans of the VU and the later solo work of Cale & Reed. The material's thematic matrix and the acoustic backing - including piano, strings & guitar - highlight the mournful magic in Nico's German accent and detached delivery. Two very different but interesting albums are The End and Drama of Exile. I highly recommend the biography by James Young, Nico, Songs They Never Play on the Radio.
.


Another Britney Spears wannabe
When will they Britney Spears wannabes stop? We have Patti Smith, PJ Harvey and now Nico. Sigh. Dumb posers! Nico has such a generic voice and this album is completely overproduced. Her voice was completely made up from a computer! For real talent, check out her idols Katy Perry, Britney Spears or Lady GaGa.


A taste of Nico...
but after all these years why no remastering ? this comes from tapes made in 1990-18 years old at least-and thats assuming they didnt use the LP master-from 1967.


Very enjoyable if you like Nico's voice
The musical arrangements consist largely of finger picked guitar layered with various string and flute arrangements and they serve the atmosphere of her melancholy vocals quite nicely. This is a great starting point for anyone intrigued with Nico's vocals on "The Velvet Underground & Nico" and wants to hear more from her. Very enjoyable if you like Nico's voice.


A classic
The fact that this album was released in 1967 baffles me when you consider the sound of popular music of that time. Nico's impact can still be heard and felt today. Nico was a true original, and perhaps one of the first authentic "alternative" artists of our time. This album is beautiful, string-laden and passionate. Nico can make you feel blue without totally bringing you down. Her voice is what it is: imperfect, childlike and yet (most importantly) VERY MUCH HER OWN. Listen with an open mind, don't listen to the Nico nay sayers, and cut the girl a break: she was only trying to infuse some beauty into this ugly little world. .


You can see a complete list of all Nico discography, or go back to the Nico tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

Search guitar tabs

#ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
[ Search tabs | Guitar tabs | Bass tabs |
Easy guitar tabs | Guitar solo tabs |
Acoustic guitar tabs | Guitar chords |
How to read guitar tabs ]
Forum topics
Music forums
- Bands and artists - Songwriting and lyrics - Tablature talk - Promote your band
Instrument forums
- Guitar basics - Gear & accessories - Bass guitar
Community
- The pit - Site Feedback - Reviews
[ User survey | About us | Privacy statement ]