Desertshore (2024 Reissue)

Nico

Desertshore (2024 Reissue)

Domino

April 11, 2024
Web Exclusive

By Matthew Berliand

Previous vinyl reissues of Nico's landmark 1970 album, Desertshore (her third under her own name after a stint with The Velvet Underground that followed her debut single “I'm Not Sayin'”), left something to be desired both sonically and in terms of packaging. So the news of this reissue (re-released side-by-side with The Marble Index same day) is like manna from heaven for fans. Cut from the original tapes by legendary mastering engineer Barry Grint, Desertshore it flies here in a way not found in many previous releases.

All that said, those unfamiliar with the album or Nikos' solo work in general would do well to start here. Although not as immediately accessible as the orchestral pop of her 1968 debut Chelsea Girlsis, at least on the surface, a slightly less harsh and more engaging sound than the aforementioned The Marble Indexher second solo effort since 1969 and the album that truly began her unique sonic journey.

Starting with the haunting “Janitor of Lunacy” (a tribute to her late friend Brian Jones) and even featuring vocals from her then eight-year-old son Ari on “Le Petit Chevalier,” Desertshore is not only Niko's masterpiece, but the album on which her aesthetic was arguably best represented.

And while, roughly like The Marble Index, Nico did little to promote it and initially it didn't sell well, it inspired a variety of future musicians, notably Throbbing Gristle (who even dedicated an installation event and accompanying 12 CD set), Michael Gira, and others from around the world of noise and experimental music. However, its impact is not limited to the avant-garde, as The Cure's Robert Smith has also long listed it as one of his favorite albums, and its songs have been covered by Björk, Bat for Lashes and others.

Plus, the liner notes come from legendary writer Peter Doggett Record collector A magazine and part of a beautiful insert booklet are also included, and the reissue also comes with a download code. The labels on the vinyl itself also replicate the original orange Reprise labels but with Domino written on it. This is another great reissue! (www.dominomusic.com)

Author Rating: 9/10