Nested [CD]

Laura Nyro | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 12, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 1978
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: CD
• Label: Iconoclassic
• ASIN: B0017KWIX4
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,775 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Mr. Hue

2. Rhythm & Blues

3. My Innocence

4. Crazy Love

5. American Dreamer

6. Springblown

7. The Sweet Sky

8. Light

9. Child In a Universe

10. The Nest

Editorial Reviews

Nested was Laura Nyro's second studio album of new original material to be released after her career hiatus of the first half of the 1970s, following 1976's Smile. Like that predecessor, it was a more restrained affair, musically and lyrically, than some of her more intense efforts of the late '60s, such as New York Tendaberry. In fact, such catchy soul-pop songs as "Rhythm & Blues" and "The Sweet Sky" sounded almost as if they could have appeared on her 1967 debut album More Than a New Discovery and been covered for hits. But Nyro's highly personal perspective was also on display on the record, starting with the lead-off track, "Mr. Blue (The Song of Communications)," an account of an attempt to re-establish relations with a lover, in which she paused to speak quoted dialogue from him to her: "I've heard of liberation but sweetheart -- you're in outer space," and "you can be so arrogant, and you don't know anything about being cool." In "American Dreamer," she turned from her personal life to her professional life, apparently recalling the early business deal that resulted in a former manager ending up with half the proceeds from her song publishing royalties. The chorus, another quoted passage, goes "There's nothing we can do/we could not get there in time/It's too late -- /she signed on the dotted line." But the overwhelming theme of the album, as its title suggested, concerned Nyro's pregnancy. In "Crazy Love," sung with only her own piano accompaniment, she first referred to her "unborn star," and by the album's close with "Child in a Universe" and "The Nest," impending childbirth had become a major concern. As such, Nested could be viewed as the next installment in Nyro's allusive musical autobiography. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Pregnant with the knowledge and the flame of your true love", June 1, 2008

By 

MICHAEL ACUNA (Southern California United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nested (Audio CD)

"Nested" was released 2 years after the volcanic
"Smile" and yet, though I am very familiar with "Smile," I was not very familiar with "Nested" except for having heard my mother play the vinyl recording over and over a number of years ago.
I am one of those who, because my Moms was such a fan, heard Laura beginning at a very early age.
But "Nested" is a revelation: equal to "Smile" and sometimes even surpassing it. "Nested" begins quietly with "Mr. Blue": "I've been studying the radar in the Sky...listen like the animals do...yes I am ready for you...I've been a Gypsy fire, warm desire...this is the song of communications..."
And then "My Innocence": "...my innocence comes from my warm earth mother..." This song features terrific guitar work from John Troppea a carry over band member from "Smile."
The best song on the CD follows, "Crazy Love." Listen to it and marvel at the emotional commitment with which Laura imbues this song: "...my name is in your blood and what your true love's done to me...walk soft, talk soft like an animal on silent feet on a block of snow...I was looking for a true love to right the way...pregnant with the knowledge and the flame of your true love..." Who writes much less sings like this anymore?
Say what you will about Nyro's voice and mannerisms but the one thing that can never be taken away from her is her total, unparalleled emotionality. There is/never was any doubt that she means and feels every single word she sings. She is her music and her music is her.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SPECTACULAR SOUND QUALITY, April 19, 2008

By 

Paul Williams (Warwick, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nested (Audio CD)

I have to admit that I hadn't played this Nyro title for years. It still sounds as fresh as it did when I first had it on vinyl. Apart from the faithful repackaging, the one thing to note is that the sound quality is absolutely incredible. Vic Anesini did an amazing job in bringing out the full fidelity of this classic. This title is #5084 on Amazon's best selling list at the moment, and I'm sure it would be even higher if they actually stocked it themselves.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Glad It's On CD Now, June 19, 2008

By 

monkuboy (Temple City, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nested (Audio CD)

This is another great album from one of my favorite artists. I've always admired her since her Wedding Bell Blues debut single in 1966, and Christmas and the Beads of Sweat is my favorite album - period. There is something about the combination of her voice and music that is so engaging, and unlike any other artist.

Nested continues that tradition with a fine mix of songs. I guess if I had to name a favorite song from this album it would be American Dreamer, but they all excellent, up to her usual standards.

I had previously transferred the vinyl LP to a CD and am very happy that a real CD has been issued. The sound quality is excellent; I ordered this from Newbury Comics and it was shipped promptly.

Now if only Mothers Spiritual and Season of Lights (both of which I also transferred from vinyl) would be affordably released on CD.. then the collection would be complete.

This album is unmistakably Laura Nyro - enough said.