If there was ever a more haunting voice to be recorded, it certainly has never been shown to the world.
Born in Cologne, Germany to the name Christa Päffgen, the singer Nico is shrouded in either obscurity, fame, criticism, idolatry, or indifference depending on who it is one asks. Known for her association with Andy Warhol & The Velvet Underground, the outcome of their collaboration was a number of irreplaceable, masterful songs that reflected upon the experimental, avant-garde sound which she is so often affiliated with. While both an overlooked classic and a product of the 1960s folk music movement, Chelsea Girl stands out as a cascade of emotional, daunting trials of humanity — that mirrored upon the lonely, drug-addicted souls of Andy Warhol’s bohemian NYC scene.
Released in October of 1967, Chelsea Girl was Nico’s debut album and fantastically introduced the world to her otherworldly, nearly apocalyptic sound. Her deadpan, sensual voice has been likened to “a cello waking up in the morning” by Richard Goldstein, a Rock reviewer. He also famously described her as, “half goddess, half icicle.” When shown to ERHS students, Greyson Maliski, Samantha Salazaar, and Amaya-Aniston, they remarked that Nico’s music made it seem like they were “writing poems in their bedroom.”
The album, experimental for its time, combines sounds of baroque-folk pop with the elements of chanson and avant-garde music that had captivated the scene. Accompanied by lyrics and musical contributions by figures such as the Velvet Underground, Bob Dylan, John Cale, Steerling Morrison, & Jackson Browne, Nico showcased her distinct, unmistakable, vocals over orchestral strings and flute by Larry Fallon. The title, in reference to Andy Warhol’s film Chelsea Girls, no doubt is meant to reflect upon Nico’s time in The Factory and her experiences at the Chelsea Hotel.
Overall, the piece is an unmistakable and stable into the artistry of Nico — although it had apparently left her dissatisfied, and in 1981 she admitted that it was impossible for her to listen to.
