Laura Nyro - Nested Mlps (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

The maturation that nobody heard of a wonderful talent

mianfei | 04/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1978, the expressive, dramatic, feminine stylings of Laura Nyro were completely out of fashion in favour of the macho, worldly simplicity of the "punk revolution" and the overblown pomposity of a stiflingly restrictive commercial radio network. The utter commercial failure of "Nested" is thus no surprise, but what is surprising is how well Laura Nyro manages to sound on this recording.

Even though "Nested" cannot be said to have the sense of wonder of Eli, Tendaberry or Christmas, it more than makes up for this with its beautifully melodic soundscapes that are for the most part an improvement on her previous studio album "Smile". The opening track "Mr. Blue" is very sad and takes time to get used to, but its beauty is undeniable, whilst the following two pieces "Rhythm and Blues" and "My Innocence" are highlights of the record. with a bouncy rhythm and thoroughly emotional vocals, these longs express Laura's joy at having at least personally survived despite the loss of her mother. "My Innocence" is particularly impressive with its barbed-wire guitar outro that almost reminds one of Funkadelic. The next three tracks are much darker, especially "American Dreamer" with its attack on business corruption making it the most political song Laura ever wrote.

"The Sweet Sky", however, is the standout track here, a beautiful celebration of the power of music driven by the unique drumming style of Andy Newmark, later to play on Roxy's landmark Avalon. The finale to this song is as powerful as anything in the Nyro canon and Michele Kort was undoubtedly right presenting it during her audio documentary of Soul Picnic. "Light" and closer "The Nest" are just so touchingly beautiful, whilst "Child in a Universe", a celebration of Laura's new son, is a cosmically powerful piece that grows on a listener extremely well.

All in all, even if there was no place to market it, "Nested" still stands up very well amongst an impressive canon. Strongly recommended to all fans of female singer/songwriters with its beautiful feminine tone, some impressive lyrics and Andy Newmark's singular drumming."

A Sweet Sky: Laura gets Mellow

Barry P. Silber | Lutz, Fl. United States | 05/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thank goodness "Nested" is available on CD. I owned the vinyl version, and am so happy to put this in my car CD player. The title, "Nested", refers to the fact that Laura was pregnant with her son, Gil, when this was recorded. Gone are the wails and volume from Laura's previous efforts, such as "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession. However, the listener is treated to a softer, optimistic, and mellifluous Ms. Nyro.

Every cut on this album is outstanding, and despite the "softer" content, there is no absence of Laura's passion. Some highlights:

"Mr. Blue"- it truly is a song of communication. Laura actually sneaks in the "F" word, so inconspicuously, that you don't even notice.

"Rhythm and Blues"- upbeat, rhythmic. You'll be humming it for days. Fantastic harmonica by the great John Sebastian.

"Sweet Sky"- Laura may have been "mixed up like a teenager", but the positive message will have you singing it, especially on the 4th of July!

"Child of the Universe", "Nested", reveal Laura's love for her soon-to-be-born child.

To reiterate, every song is wonderful. I believe one day, Ms. Nyro's greatness will become known to many others. She is already beloved by her "tribe", which includes the numerous singer/songwriters she influenced. During these stressful economic moments, there is no better time to listen to the greatest singer/songwriter.

"

Beautiful 70's Folk Rock

Richard Thompson | El Paso, Texas | 10/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just got my newly re-issued CD of Laura Nyro's "Nested" album. It is one of those special albums from my childhood. I was lucky enough as a young music listener to recieve a promo copy of this album (from an unknown source), and even though I was more interested in Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith at the time, I gave it a few spins and it wasn't long before I was hooked.

Laura Nyro was one of the most talented singer-songwriters of our generation, she just was not as "popular" or mainstream as say James Taylor or Carole King. But her music was just as good and she was a great performer. What a beautiful voice she had. If you like the 70's soft rock of JT, Carole King, Paul Davis, Bread, etc. you should do yourself a favor and check this album out. It is my favorite, besides her live material, which is equally excellant. I can't say enough about this one. I am so glad that it has been re-mastered and re-issued. Thank-you Icon Classic Records! This gem had been out of print too long. And now that Ms Nyro is gone, her beautiful music is all we have left to enjoy.

****Highly Recommended****

...and deserving of every 5 star rating this album Will recieve."

Unrecognized Masterpiece

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 07/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Laura Nyro is my very favorite singer. Her music speaks to my soul, the struggle to be a light in a world so often in darkness. While many of Laura's other albums speak strongly to me, most notably New York Tendaberry, I've come to regard "Nested" as Laura's unrecognized masterpiece. As I've played it on vinyl and now CD over the years, the consistent level of writing and emotional focus in "Nested" are impressive. Whereas "Tendaberry" frequently flew to stormy rage & rending sadness, "Nested" is more happy & optimistic, well suited to a mother-to-be.

The album begins with "Mr. Blue (The Song of Communications)," a bubbly track where Laura sings, "I've been studying the radar in the sky," almost like she's trying to tune another person like a radio signal. "My Innocence" sways with a jazz tinge in Laura's pop confection with the beautiful lyric, "My innocence, I give to my lover, to his lips; My innocence I give to my cold cold lover; Earth under my feet splits in the sun, the nest blows away, the sweet summer days die young." "Crazy Love" follows with Laura's songcraft melodic & catchy. The set moves to another sterling track, a biographic detailing that seems to speak of Laura re-signing with Columbia rather than going with David Geffen's then-new Asylum Records, "There's nothing we can do, we couldn't get there in time; It's too late, she signed on the dotted line." "Springblown" seems like an unassuming soft track but sticks in my head with its lovely swaying refrain, "I've been waiting baby to set my soul free; Still baby, everytime I see your face, it's like a warm embrace to me." Another incredibly original track follows like fireworks, "The Sweet Sky," "I was mixed up like a teenager, Now I'm gone like the 4th of July." "Light -- Pop's Principle" bubbles with Lydia Nata's percussion sparkling as words of wisdom penetrate, "In your flight, send your love out to the planet's soul cause all are one & all living things they need some light to grow." Laura's amazing set continues with the glorious "Child in a Universe," "I'm just a grain in the universe; I come from Earth, and the Earth is a grain in the galaxy, Could you send some peace on Earth to a child of the universe?" "Nested" concludes with the hopeful, joyful title track. Laura Nyro was at her most joyful on this set. It's a supreme pleasure to have the disc on CD. Bravo!

"

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	Laura Nyro Nested (Mlps) Genres: Folk, Pop, Rock Track Listings (10) - Disc #1 Mr. Blue (The Song of Communications) Rhythm and Blues My Innocence Crazy Love American Dreamer Springblown The Sweet Sky Light (Pop's Principle) Child in a Universe The Nest Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve and includes two bonus tracks. Sony. 2008.
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