The perfect audio companion to these grey, gloomy days we've been catching in NYC now that fall is upon us. Nico's debut solo album is heavy on sparse, moody folk and dour chamber pop string arrangements that make her deep, female Bela Lugosi-esque vocals seem even more foreboding and intense. A couple of these tracks - the Jackson Browne-penned "Fairest of the Seasons" and "These Days" - were used to good effect on the soundtrack to The Royal Tenenbaums, and they're pretty great, but dig a little further and you'll find gold like "I'll Keep It With Mine" (contributed to Nico by Bob Dylan) and "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams," written by former her former V.U. bandmate / luvvah, Lou Reed. Jim Morrison ("Chelsea Girls"), John Cale ("Winter Song") and Tim Hardin also wrote songs for the album, but when you're listening to it, all you can really think is... Nico! (R.I.P.) 10 tracks total, clear and white smoke colored pressing, recommended.

• clear smoke colored vinyl
• limited edition
• music label: Polydor 2018

reviewed by larri byrd 10/2007