The Walrus - Music With Big Fuckin' Teeth!

10/02/2007

O, Laurie Anderson

Laurie Anderson spent the late 1970s and early 80s experimenting with new and different ways of musical storytelling. Influenced by the likes of Brian Eno, Philip Glass, and William Burroughs, she explored new directions in electronic music and performance art.

In 1981 she created the musical/spoken word opus entitled, United States I-IV. This 8-hour barrage of synthesized voices and odd choreography contained the prophetic (premonitions of 9/11?) and rather spooky piece "O, Superman." Anderson would later release this as a single and subsequently include it on her shamefully under-appreciated 1981 album Big Science. Check out the video below for a glimpse of Anderson's truly unique and fascinating vision.

If you don't own the album already, you are in luck. Nonesuch Records has graciously re-released Big Science with bonus tracks and videos. This album is a must have for any fan of foward-thinking, progressive music.

Check out the microsite with audio interviews and weird pictures!

Buy Big Science from Amazon.

Below I have included one of the best tracks from the album as well as a remixed version by Dan the Automator. Check em out!!!