After Chelsea Girl, Velvet Underground chanteuse Nico began composing her own material. She chose a harmonium for musical accompaniment, creating an eerie, medieval quality. A new Nico was unveiled on 1968’s The Marble Index and 1970’s Desertshore. VU alumni John Cale provided musical arrangements and production on both albums. “Frozen Warnings,” “Evening of Light,” “The Falconer,” and “Afraid” displayed Nico’s deep vocals and often abstract, otherworldly lyrics. These works greatly influenced dark wave, post-punk bands like Siouxsie & the Banshees and Bauhaus. In her quest to redefine the musical landscape, Nico’s unique style qualifies her as one of music’s most enigmatic figures.
Top image via Domino Records
