Desertshore

The producers of the disc were John Cale (with whom Nico recorded the album The Marble Index a year earlier) and Joe Boyd . Like its predecessor ( The Marble Index , 1969), Desertshore is designed in an experimental minimalist spirit with elements of neoclassicism . Simon Reynolds notes that “lyrically, songs like“ Janitor of Lunacy ”or“ Afraid ”seem as gloomy as her previous things, but this time glimpses of tenderness glimmer through the darkness - although in general she is here gives the impression of a man desperately resisting the terrifying inner void in his soul ” ^[1] . Trouser Press calls Desertshore ’s arrangements “somewhat less Gothic than the Marble Index ” ^[2] and adds that, “as this album proves, Nico a cappella’s singing can be no less chilling than a horror movie soundtrack ". Pitchfork Media commentator called Desertshore “more open and less claustrophobic” than the Marble Index , but criticized it for “overly soft, even sugary” moments - such as the “teary” piano ballad “Afraid” ^[3] . However, overall, Desertshore is usually called one of Nico's best albums.

On the cover of the album is a frame from Philip Garrel ’s film “The Inner Wound” ( La cicatrice interieure ), which starred Nico, her son Ari Boulogne and the director himself. Several songs from Desertshore were included in the soundtrack for the film ^[4] .

The song “Le Petit Chevalier” is performed by the singer’s son, Ari Boulogne (b. 1962) ^[5] . “Janitor of Lunacy” is dedicated to the late Brian Jones ^[6] , “The Falconer” to Andy Warhol ^[7] .

In 2000 , the darkwave ensemble Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble of Shadows ( Dead Lover's Sarabande - Face Two album) recorded its version of the song “Abschied” (Rus. “Farewell ” ) ^[8] . A cover version of Afraid was performed at Antony and the Johnsons concerts ^[9] .

In 2008 , the Throbbing Gristle industrial team decided to record their version of Desertshore . Three-day, 12-hour sessions were recorded on audio and published under the name The Desertshore Installation ^[10] . In 2012, Throbbing Gristle announced the upcoming release of a completely rewritten version of Desertshore . The tribute album was released in conjunction with the album The Final Report ; according to musicians, this double release will be the last in the discography of the group ^[11] . The recordings were attended by such performers as Anthony Higarty , Blixa Bargeld , Mark Almond and Sasha Gray ^[12]

All compositions are written by Nico.

1. Janitor of Lunacy - 4:01
2. The Falconer 5:39
3. My Only Child - 3:27
4. Le Petit Chevalier - 1:12
5. Abschied 3:02
6. "Afraid" - 3:27
7. Mütterlein - 4:38
8. "All That Is My Own" - 3:54 #

• Desertshore on discogs.com