Customer Reviews

Eclipsed: The Best of Klaus Nomi

5 star:		(3)
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Having musically debuted in 1982 and then tragically die of AIDS the following year, Klaus Nomi wasn't with us long, but his influence has been enduring and his musical accomplishments continually lauded. Collecting the spirit of disco, new wave, classical theatre and opera to create something very new and much greater then the sum of its parts. As part of the early 80's art scene that included everyone from David Bowie to Keith Haring, Nomi took musical inspiration from the throb that was New York. Though only releasing to studio albums, his singles and live work (his performances were just as innovative and have been chronicled as well) carried his gospel to the masses. His interpretations of songs like Lou Christie's "Lightnin' Strikes", Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me" and the Wizard of Oz's "Ding Dong (the Witch is Dead)" are guaranteed to be favorites of anyone who hears them.

Nomi's unfortunate demise at the beginning of what should have been a long and fruitful career was tragic. Because of this, few outside the underground music scene have even heard this amazing new wave innovator, let alone ever witnessed the spectacle and hear the music abstractly defined an era. Without the benefit of MTV, Klaus never achieved the name recognition of Culture Club, Adam Ant, and countless other new wave acts. But, his fans have kept his spirit and vision alive, and his legacy as one of the 80's new wave wonders of the world will be chronicled for years to come.

This retro of Klaus, the operatic sonic wonder from Germany elicits high drama as well as self humor. His germanic tenor radiates and casts it's spell. I knew Klaus in the east village in the early 80's. I found him visually amazing, and had the fortune of being serenaded in his apt. He sang the great Dietrich song, "Falling in LOve", and his anthem "Total Eclipse". He was an original, silenced too early...a brilliant non-comformist!!Thanks to Hrry Young for the notes on his interesting life in NY.

but nothing I can say will do justice to his brilliance. What a tragedy that Nomi died from an aids-related illness before he had time to stun the world of ordinary music fans with his unparalled voice and appearance. I saw him only once on TV, on The Old Grey Whistle Test and he was SO different! Listen and be educated.

I'm afraid I have to deduct a star for the failure to include either "Wayward Sisters" or his aria from "Samson and Delilah," but this is an excellent introduction to perhaps the most bizarre talent ever to grace the world of rock.

Rush Limbaugh foisted Nomi on the world with his gay community update. I remember seeing this dude as a background singer with Bowie on Saturday Night Live many years ago. The first time I heard "You Don't Own Me", I thought I was going to drive off the road from laughing so hard. His version of Lou Christie's "Lightning Strikes" is so funny I thought I was going to bust a gut. Thank you El Rushbo for introducing this guy to the world! By the way, who cut the late Klaus Nomi's hair? It looks like a kewpie doll!