Life Loves Us

Artist: Nicolette
Label: 3d
Category: Music

Average customer rating:

Format: Import
Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1
EAN: 4543034005192
ASIN: B0009EVGBE

Release Date: 2005-06-02

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Tracks:

Intro -- Life Is But a Dream/Groovy/Frenchified Interlude: Ton Allure
Sunshine/Idealistic Interlude: Stork/Bass Player
Jenny/Family Values Interlude: Welsh Accent/So Tired
Fire in the Heart/Food Interlude: Feast/Saag Lamb
Wholesome/Life Interlude: Life Loves Us/Yesterdays
Down Day/Nothing Matters Interlude: It's All Good/To Think But Not Thi
High Wave/Benevolent Interlude: If You're Singing and Stuff/Dad's Song
I Am Where the Party's At/Party Interlude: Where Are You From?/Granny'
Pretty Autumn Shade/Clarity Interlude: Be Kind Unto Me
Worship/Birthday Interlude: Happy Birthday Nicolette
Soulfully/Unguent Waves: Open Demonstrations of Affection as Natural a
Guru/Peace and Love Interlude: Practice/Family Values II/Outro -- Life

Customer Reviews:

an optimistic self-affirming listen..........2005-06-04

...is what Nicolette offers on her follow-up to the critically acclaimed "Let No-one Live Rent Free In Your Head" from eight years prior. Her writing and singing style still employ the metaphors and mumbles from her past works, but there is something more cohesive about this body of work thematically and in production. The album was predominantley produced by her and the subject matter is such a celebration of self and individualism that it's hard not to get caught up in her "-isms". One can picture her as electronica's "love child" sitting on your shoulder affirming in your ear "Life!! Live it!!! Love it!!! Eat it!!! Breathe it!!!". The whole album exudes this contagious energy throughout. The production feels live and spontaneous. The interludes which are segued between tracks express a universality through dialogue and conversations in different languages from different cultures. This concept is not new but in these times of war, genocide and mass materialism it's a welcome option we need reminding of.
Though some of the songs seem very abstract her voice is what guides you through the more difficult arrangements. One example would be "Sunshine". It could easily be Drum & Bass but it's softer and more abstract having more connections with abstract jazz. Her rendition of Paul Simon's "Feeling Groovy" may seem like an odd choice to cover with with it's frenetic, hyper jack-in-the-box beats, it really fits as the lead-off track setting the tone for the rest of the album.
That's not to say that every track is bubblely and happy. The track "Down Day" begins in distress but ultimately rummages through the conflict through shifting tempos and lyrics. The eastern strings of "Worship" are a little eerie, tense and have much in common with her cover of "Where Have all the Flowers Gone" from '-Rent Free'. These tracks unfold after a while and what seemed off-kilter and odd as an arrangement eventually ends up as subliminal and intentionally focused. Nicolette wraps up the album nicely with the mantra "Guru" flaunting sitars and eastern stylings against a backdrop of bubbling house breaks.
Nicolette has crafted a fun and joyous album. Her songs and interludes allow us glimpses into her fun and vibrant world. This joy is the ultimate lasting impression. The energy is contagious and though some may label her as "odd" or "idiosyncratic", it's those characteristics which make her original. The album closer has her voice booming in the distance reminding us that "Life is but a dream"....Truly.

Music CD:

Music CD

Music CD

Music CD

From the Ghetto ~ Dread Flimstone & Modern Tone

The Gift ~ Jon Secada

New Normal ~ Cog

Treat Me to Some Life ~ Lenola

Universal Masters Collection ~ Asia

Gateway to South ~ Balham Alligators

Phew ~ Phew

Walls Don't Exist ~ Science Fiction

Down With the King ~ Run-D.M.C.

Turn It Up ~ Raja-Nee