This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive.
By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, November 2004
Nick Cave has a way with words. He is a poet disguised as a musician. He’s not the first, and he won’t be the last. Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen are two perfect examples of this breed and Nick Cave fits in well.
His follow up to Nocturama is a double album, but rather than a single album that flows over two CDs, he has released two separate albums in one set. Abattoir Blues and The Lyre Of Orpheus are two distinctly different albums.
The Lyre Of Orpheus starts off with the title track documenting the tale of Orpheus, Greek mythology’s greatest musician. Cave effectively brings the tale into modern time with his song. The music is very theatrical, enhances the story and allows lyrics such as “Eurydice appeared brindled in blood/And she said to Orpheus/If you play that fucking thing down here/I’ll stick it up your orifice!” to stand out. “The Lyre Of Orpheus” on first listen is the worst track, but by the second listen you realize its immense power.
The following track, “Breathless,” is absolutely incredible, beginning with off-key flute and settling into a beautiful melody. A love song without cheesy cliché, “Breathless” is a song to start the day with. The Lyre Of Orpheus continues from this point with consistent quality, one great song after another. There are no bad songs. The worst it goes is the closing track, “O Children,” of which I only have one complaint: too long.
The album constantly has a comforting feel. Sounding familiar yet different; bringing thoughts of David Bowie, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and many more of music’s greats.
Abattoir Blues keeps the same lyrical charm and intelligence but without the same musical excitement. A slower but harder album, the highlights of Abattoir Blues include “Hiding All Away,” “There She Goes, My Beautiful World” and “Nature Boy”.
“Hiding All Away” is a slow song, taking us through a search for the storyteller through the journey of the woman searching for him. With humorous lyrics, it gives offers a good laugh.
“Nature Boy” sounds like an early Elton John track and Cave’s vocals stand out for once in a positive light. “Nature Boy” has a large sound and every instrument does its part to merge with the rest. It is very similar to the previous song, “There She Goes, My Beautiful World,” except with a stronger guitar.
Overall, two great albums. Nick Cave is relentless and doesn’t stop releasing masterpieces.