Customer Reviews

Klaus Nomi

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are some artists who try to combine classical music with pop, and Klaus Nomi is obviously the most succuessful one. Not only because of his theatric make-up and performance, but also his high-range soprano voice! In this self-titled debut album, you can find 40's rock (Lightning Strikes), hard metal (You Don't Own Me) or even "popized" aria (Samson and Delilah), and you just can't find a word to name this strange combination, or you may call it Nomi style! It's a must-get CD, and more you listen to it, more you get into it!

The album opens with Keys of Life, a lovely mix of twittering electronics and Nomi's soprano chant. His vocal range is beautifully demonstrated on Lightning Strikes where it switches to falsetto on the refrain, and on The Twist, a soulful, atmospheric number ending in squalls of manic laughter. Nomi Song has a catchy hook, lovely synth lines and snatches of rousing choral vocals, while The Cold Song is an impressive operatic piece and Total Eclipse is a magical blend of rock and classical music. The highlight of the album is the Saint Saens composition Samson and Delilah, sensitively interpreted by Nomi over the most inspired instrumentation, a listening experience that leaves you breathless before it ends with an explosion of electronic noise. This unique album is a successful marriage of rock, pop and various classical styles.

#1---Klaus Nomi was probably the most mindbending, mindnumbing, and mindblowing entertainer of his day. While many artist wannabees jumped all the way in to performance art, Klaus Nomi came VERY close to stepping out of the "entertainment" boundary without diving exclusively into "the art crowd" world. It's our treat he teetered so close to the line , but let the masses hear and see his bizarre talent!

#2---Klaus Nomi is not for everybody. If you are one of the curious souls who went to see David Lynch's "Eraserhead" and left in disgust before the finish, Klaus Nomi might not be your cup of tea. If it was the storyline of Eraserhead that revolted you, give Klaus a chance, because his songs make more sense. If it was the nightmarish essence of the film that turned you off, you might skip this CD.

#3---This Klaus Nomi album makes for some seriously macabre party music come Halloween! Better yet, confuse your guests by playing "The Monster Mash" (This is a party Dude!) followed by Nomi's "Total Eclipse" (Or is this a gothic ceremony?) followed by "The Munsters' Theme" (Or maybe this is a party after all?)

#4---Klaus Nomi's covers of "Lightning Strikes Again" and "The Twist" are brilliant, very twisted, and gave me the chills at times--- I never thought these particular songs could sound like codeine induced hallucinations!

#5---"Total Eclipse of the Sun" is Klaus Nomi's greatest recording, HOWEVER--- if you ever come across his live performance on "Urrghh! A Music War!" it is vastly superior to this studio recording!

Has Klaus Nomi really been gone for over twenty years? He is sorely missed, and was way ahead of his time! This is some really unique and creative music. Like I said before, not everybody's cup of tea; and that is not a knock on folks who don't dig this music. BUT---perhaps it is an acquired taste? If you are uncertain whether Nomi might appeal to you or not, I say give this CD a chance. If you like it, excellent! If he doesn't win you over after a few listens, the music and cover photo will make for a great conversation piece amongst your friends!

Klaus was truly an artist on his own planet. An operatic collision of Gary Numan and Tiny Tim? This album combines elements of New Wave, Prog Rock, Disco and authentic Opera into something transcendentally strange and addictive.

Klaus Nomi is remembered today - if at all - as a potential pop genius struck down at the dawn of his career by Aids. This first album (and his second and final, "Simple Man") laid the template for a promisingly bizarre career of new wave pop and richly imaginative arrangements of opera and pop standards. His extremely stylised appearance and dark undertow of vague menace, along with a shrill countertenor voice, made him instantly unforgettable. "Klaus Nomi" is a great pop album able to transcend its 1981 New Wave origins through its sheer variety, and this Japan-only remaster renders Klaus's voice and the often-brilliant arrangements clearer than ever before; It's also nicely reproduced as a cardboard mini lp sleeve with an inner paper sleeve and a fold-out English/Japanese lyric poster. If you're a fan I'd recommend both this issue and the complementary "Simple Man" release (my fave of the two). And don't forget to check out the recent documentary "The Nomi Song", where you can see Klaus in action and realise what all the fuss was about (and mourn the loss).

I passed by and heard him play some of Klaus' music. He probably shocks people as the guy genuinely seems to enjoy the bouncy, over-the-top style of the late artist. All of you who think you know Rush should know he links to this CD all the time and encourages his listeners to buy it. I'm sure if Klaus were still with us, he'd say "You don't owe me, but thanks."

GREAT PACKAGE, LOOKS LIKE THE RECORD ALBUM. FAIR+ REMASTERING, I LITTLE OVERCOOKED, BUT THE FEEL IS THERE PLUS IT HAS BETTER DETAIL THAN THE LP. KLAUS WAS SOMEONE SPECIAL AND FROM ANOTHER PLANET. WE WEREN'T READY FOR HIM. AND LIKE MANY BRIGHT STARS, BURN UP MUCH TO QUICKLY. AFTER ALL THIS TIME ITS STILL SAD. BUT THE MUSIC IS SUCH FUN THAT YOU FORGET ALL THAT. NOMI SONG IS STILL GREAT

The album opens with Keys of Life, a lovely mix of twittering electronics and Nomi's soprano chant. His vocal range is beautifully demonstrated on Lightning Strikes where it switches to falsetto on the refrain, and on The Twist, a soulful, atmospheric number ending in squalls of manic laughter.

Nomi Song has a catchy hook, lovely synth lines and snatches of rousing choral vocals, while The Cold Song is an impressive operatic piece. Total Eclipse is an imaginative blend of rock and classical music, one of the highlights of a remarkable album.

The masterpiece of the album is the Saint Saens composition Samson and Delilah, sensitively interpreted by Nomi over the most inspired instrumentation, a listening experience that leaves you breathless before it ends in an explosion of electronic noise. This unique album is a successful marriage of rock, pop and various classical styles.

The gentle little soul with the incredible BIG creativity and voice. This album has a bit of everything, and is a true peek into a soul that left this planet way too soon. Other reviews have said much of what I would say, so I will just add that his voice will astound you, and his choices of what to record range from whimsy to soul searching.

When I first got this CD, I listened to it almost non-stop, particularly Total Eclipse and You Don't Own Me. (think it's the second best, after Joan Jett, version of Lesley Gore's tune). His range is amazing and when he hits and holds those high notes, my heart resonates. It's not a "desert island" selection, but very close.