Laurie Anderson "Homeland"


No in depth review here but it is simply outstanding, ranking with the best recordings she has done.

More of a return to the narrative style's from United States era but with the savvy and wisdom gained from years as an artist and observer of the global/human condition.

Highly recommended.
richard_stacy
Thanks for the tip, I didn't know she was still recording. Can't wait to listen and be moved!
From a quick pass on Napster it sounds like Lou Reed added some good guitar. Well titled reminder of the hallow Bush-ism "homeland".

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/27/arts/music/27laurie.html

Not many musicians tackling issues like Laurie.
Gee Dgarretson, then you must love the "-ism" that Obama has brought to the USA, specifically "Socialism".

Oh well, only two more years before he's gone!
Hopefully, he will not do too much damage before then.
Laurie Anderson is a very unique artist, her music is in a genere of one. I just finished recording her LP "Mr. Heartbreak" to tape on the reel. I will get "Homeland".
Thanks for the heads-up. I'm a big fan since the 80's. I will definitely pick up a copy.
Good to see so many appreciate her.

Rereading my original comment and a few more spins (of the hard drive) and I may have overstated the "narrative style". There is a dramatic return of the Voice of Authority in the 11.5 minute centerpiece "Another Day In America" but most is musical, just more subtle and ethereal with loose structure. I am liking it more and more every listen and it has the type of depth that I'll unravel over years of listens.

She is one of the very few artists that takes me far away with the first sound of her voice. Maybe some of it's me and the years of hearing her but it's so hypnotic and moves me into another place...and only her music, her voice, can get me there.
Poor Obama, he's still putting out Bush's fires. I'm not sure two more years is enough time to get the job done.
One thing I really like about Anderson's music is the extension she employs. Full range or subs are a must to hear Laurie's work.
Thanks for the heads up on this one. Good stuff

It didn't matter who took over after W. he had us in such a hole no one could get us out of it. This is a what have you done for me lately society and we can't reverse it in this short of time. Obama has made his fair share of mistakes, but no one can ever set this country back the way the W. admin. did.
Clbeanz
One thing I really like about Anderson's music is the extension she employs. Full range or subs are a must to hear Laurie's work.

Ain't it the truth. Still remember the first time I listened to "Life On A String," the walls rattled like never before.
Funny you mention the extension...your amps and woofers will get a workout on track one for certain.

Also some appearances from Antony. He has become the TPain of the Avant Guard! For a while, Tpain was on every R&B single recorded and popping up in every video...Antony is on every artsy compilation or avant guard record out there thee days. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan (Antony not TPain)!
Antony has been one of my favorites for many years, and is probably one of my most played artists as far as vocals. Now I have to go out today and pick up this CD!
Jax...I have some lesser known offerings from Antony you can check out:

The Jamie Saft Trio Plays Bob Dylan - Antony does a version of Living the Blues.

Dark Was the Night, Compilation - Antony contributes I Was Young When I Left Home with Bryce Dressner (The National...I think). Crazy great song/performance!

I'm Not There, soundtrack - Haunting version of Knockin On Heavens Door from Antony & the Johnson's.

More but those are one's I have off the top of my head....
Many thanks, Richard. I'll check those out (I have Dark was the Night, and do remember the cut from "I'm not there" - his voice is unmistakable). Of course there is his contribution to "I'm Your Man", and one of my favorite cuts from him is the title cut from his EP, The Lake, in which he puts that Edgar Allen Poe poem to music...stunning! The first cut on "I am Bird Now", Hope There's Someone, is also quite stunning and a real test for a system IMO when the music becomes very dense and layered. His latest, The Crying Light, is excellent.

Yes, any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I was aware of the EP but have not been able to find a copy, or they've been very expensive.
it is really something, one of my favorites by Antony. Especially the last track,"Soft Black Stars". I only have a FLAC file though, no disc....
Ain't it the truth. Still remember the first time I listened to "Life On A String," the walls rattled like never before.
"Life on a String" is one of a few hdcd'd discs that make me believe in the process.
Funny you mention the extension...your amps and woofers will get a workout on track one for certain.
This new release HDCD?