Album Club 20.12.2011: Laura Nyro - Christmas and the Beads of Sweat

[Beechwoods]

Can not believe I missed this one.I own and love The First Songs,New York Tendaberry,Eli and the Thirteenth Confession and Nested.
So thank you for a great write up,have now got this on order and can't wait.

I can't believe it either! I'm glad you've decided to treat yourself, it is a definite progression from the earlier albums, but on a continuum, no massive volte-face. Hope you enjoy it Roy!

[royzak]

I can't believe it either! I'm glad you've decided to treat yourself, it is a definite progression from the earlier albums, but on a continuum, no massive volte-face. Hope you enjoy it Roy!

Thanks again Nick,it will be worth it if only for that delicious cover.

[Bazil]

I've played this several times and its pretty good its really easy and pleasant to listen to. I don't like Map to Treasure with the piano doodling but this is offset with a fabulous cover of Up On The Roof. 6/10

[keiths]

I've had a couple of listens to this on vinyl now, but haven't really made up my mind. A few of the tracks on side 2 remind me a bit of Rickie Lee Jones but I think I need to listen a few more times to get more used to her voice before voting.

[The Grand Wazoo]

I like this a lot, thanks for bringing it to my attention Nick.
I have her first album but my appetite for exploring her music a bit more has been spoiled by the fact that 'Stoned Soul Picnic' and most of Eli and the Thirteenth Confession annoys the hell out of me! It sounds a bit too much like songs from a musical for my taste.

Anyway, this album really hits the spot for me & your descriptions are spot on. I notice more than a little hint of her in Kate Bush after hearing the last three tracks here.

Great album & an 8 out 0f 10 for me - I will be looking it out.
Thanks

[Tim]

I'm still mulling this one over before voting as initially it wasn't working - a bit too pop. However, it has led me to Mother's Spiritual which I really like

[Alex_UK]

Thanks for the reminder Chris & Tim that I hadn't voted... (Sorry Nick!)

Yes, I continue to enjoy it - and will be getting hold of a copy I think, and exploring her catalogue. I always struggle a little with sad artist stories and music, so I have to get over that not tainting my enjoyment of her music for what it is. (49 is no age at all - and I also read that her mother died at exactly the same age from the same disease! ) Still, she left a great legacy.

[keiths]

Didn't quite do it for me, I'm afraid. Some very strong songs, but also some not in a style that I especially enjoy and I just can't make myself like her voice - too many not quite in-key high notes that grate a bit. Not unhappy that I bought a copy and will play it again every now and then, but can only score it 6 out of 10,

[MartinT]

I hadn't really ever listened to Laura Nyro before. Coincidentally, I have just watched BBC4's documentary on Easy Listening, which it would be easy to categorise this as - no insult, since the Carpenters were heavily featured.

However, further listening puts this into the singer/songwriter genre and she sounds a little ahead of her time to these ears. I would seriously love to get this on vinyl as it sounds like the perfect medium for her (I know Nick would say 'tape').

A solid 7/10 from me, and merits more playing time.

[Reid Malenfant]

Listened to this earlier & totally forgot to vote Gets a good 6/10 from me, though if the Spotify source had been better it may well have been a 7


Not my normal cup of tea but thoroughly enjoyable none the less!


Glad you logged in Nick, you reminded me to vote after I listened earlier