Search - Nicolette :: Life Loves Us

An optimistic self-affirming listen...

mondo | LA, CA | 06/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...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."

Not as good as Let No One Live Rent Free In Your Head

bowery boy | seattle | 12/29/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"which was sonically and musically all over the board and brilliantly experimental. However, Life Loves Us is Nicolette's most consistent release to date. Each track compliments the one before it creating a refreshing and uplifting listening experience. Presently, I AM WHERE THE PARTY'S AT, SOULFULLY and SUNSHINE are the tracks that stick in my head the most. The BIRTHDAY INTERLUDE is another in which Nicolette samples her friends singing Happy Birthday to her and turns in into a 30 second trip hop ditty. WHOLESOME is probably the oldest single released from Life Loves Us(and it is also where the album title comes from). It appears in a completely reworked (and highly superior) version on Plaid's Parts in the Post. The only setback to the disc is Nicolette wrote, produced, programmed and arranged every track. The absence of the production talents of Plaid and Alec Empire are obvious as some tracks (like the chorus of SUNSHINE or all of WORSHIP) are a bit murky and muddled with Nicolette's voice too high in the mix. A friend I played this for said it sounds like she got a Casio keyboard and plunked out a few songs and I can see his point. For example, the opening snyth swoops of SUNSHINE are frighteningly similar to the synth swoops sample on Music Generator for Playstation. It's not that bad, but Life Loves Us could have benefited greatly with an extra hand or two in the pot to stir things up a bit. Overall if you're a fan of Nicolette you won't be disappointed. Well worth the almost 8 year wait. 3 1/4 stars."

Great music, great singer with a unique style.

Rod Whyte | Candler, NC | 10/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have most of the Nicollette CDs, and I love this one the most. She brings a bright sunshine and exhuberance to her music. It is like listening to a form of drum and bass, mixed in with electronica. Some of the songs are very infectous and I keep hearing them in my head, and I begin dancing."