The Marble Index (2024 Reissue)

Nico

The Marble Index (2024 Reissue)

Domino

April 11, 2024
Web Exclusive

By Matthew Berliand

One can only imagine what it was like to listen to Nico's second album, The Marble Index, in 1968, given how different it was, and still is, from anything else on the 'pop' music landscape. It would also be a shock to hear coming from Nico's relatively simple (especially by comparison) debut solo LP in 1967, Chelsea girl. As such, the orchestral pop and baroque flourishes of that gorgeous LP have been stripped away here, replaced by a stark, minimalist, foreboding sense of doom from Nico's harmonies, her utterly unique voice, and her ex-Velvet Underground bandmate's one-of-a-kind arrangements John Cale and production (for which he was not credited).

The result is an album that owes more to early 20th century minimalist classical music and European art songs, but filtered through the prism of the late 60s, than perhaps anything ever released on a major label before or since. .

While this might not be the best place to start for Nico neophytes not into 'easy' music, its rewards are endless. This is also the beginning of a series of albums now considered a trilogy (the others are from the 1970s Desertshorewhich was also recently reissued by Domino at the same time as this, and from 1974 End), both of whom also collaborate with Cale.

Sonically, this is a marked improvement over previous reissues, as is the Desertshore reissue, cut from the original tapes by legendary mastering engineer Barry Grint. Also, just like the Desertshore reissue, liner notes by legendary author Peter Doggett Record collector Also included is a magazine and part of a beautiful insert booklet, and the reissue also includes a download code. The labels on the vinyl itself also replicate the original Elektra labels in light brown, but with Domino written on it. A great reissue! (www.dominomusic.com)

Author Rating: 9/10