Customer Reviews

Chelsea Girl Live

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nico's collection of live albums can be summed up as average at best, with sometimes having some strong moments. Her brilliance is best caught in the studio rather than the stage, but some how this album almost catches the power and force that could be heard in "Desertshore" and "The End"; this is also the best recorded live album of hers that I have listened to. An incredible ode to 80s synth is displayed in "One More Chance" and "Purple Lips" (both exceptional tracks and better than the "Drama of Exile" versions). Without the heavy instrumentation, Nico sounds just as good with her harmoniun on "Procession" and "Janitor of Lunacy". These songs aren't enough to cover up the album's disappointments though. The harmonium based "Tananore" and "My Heart is Empty" both fall flat and will make you pop on your "Camera Obscura". "Sixty-Forty" proves that heavy synth doesn't work for everything (this song should have been handled with a traditional guitar/drummer back up) and the reworking of "Femme Fatale" is weak. At least the a capella "All Tomorrows Parties" and her somber "Saeta" are morbidly endearing.

A work of stunning poignancy and clarity. Recorded in 1985, "Chelsea Girl Live" draws from Nico's work with the VU and her later solo work. The track "Sixty Forty" is absolutely haunting, and her take on the Doors' "The End" is a revelation. Classic songs, through and through, that have never been appreciated as they should. Startlingly honest...

As someone who has heard many Nico shows and is a big fan, I don't really like this one. First off, beware of duplication, this is the same show that is the 2nd disk of the Aura Anthology. You might as well get that if you want this show. The main problem with this one is it's badly recorded. The vocals are up front and too loud. This is not the proper way to hear Nico's voice. You can hear every flaw in her voice and it also takes any from the rest of the band. Her voice needs the echo of a club or hall and it needs distance. I would highly recommmend Do Or Die. This is great. It was properly recorded from the audience and not a line feed. To date Do or Die is the only Nico live release that properly captures her live sound. I think Nico knew this as Do or Die is one of the infamous tapes that she herself sold at shows. There are others I'm sure and hope to see more of these former cassette tapes released.

I love nico to death, but however this isnt her death. She doesnt sound like herself. She sounds more like an Irish Tenor (listen to Femme Fatale) than the german goddess who once sang with the velvet underground.....

Nico could fart into a microphone and it would be classic.
Nico deserves alot of credit for a lot of up and coming female acts...as well as male acts. THe YEAH YEAH YEAHS, THE STROKES, MEG WHITE..(in the cold cold night)
This is a must have for any Velvet Underground or Nico follower.SO in the words of Missy Elliot "COP THAT DISC!!!!"
Who cares if Nico was a junkie...she did it with artsy style!