Name: Drama of Exile (1981 Version)
Brand: Nico

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

CDMH230

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2021-09-10

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

090771823021

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Nico

Genre GB

Classic

Label GB

Modern Harmonic

Vinyl variants, bonus material and signed editions exclusively available from Rough Trade.

Modern Harmonic is an imprint of a renowned music label that was launched in 2016. With a focus on delivering exceptional musical experiences, Modern Harmonic brings together a diverse range of artists and genres to create unique and captivating sounds. From reissues of classic albums to groundbreaking new releases, this label is committed to providing music lovers with the highest quality recordings and memorable listening experiences.

With its extensive catalog, Modern Harmonic offers something for every music enthusiast. Whether you're a fan of jazz, rock, soul, or experimental sounds, you'll find an impressive selection of albums that showcase the best talent from around the world. Each release is carefully curated and remastered to ensure optimal sound quality, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the artist's vision.

As an authoritative voice in the music industry, Modern Harmonic has gained recognition for its commitment to preserving and celebrating musical history. By unearthing forgotten gems and shining a spotlight on overlooked artists, this label plays a vital role in keeping our cultural heritage alive. With their dedication to excellence and passion for great music, Modern Harmonic continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be at the forefront of contemporary music.

Nico, born Christa Päffgen, was a German singer-songwriter, musician, and actress. She rose to prominence as a member of the Velvet Underground in the 1960s. With her distinct deep voice and unique style, Nico became an influential figure in the avant-garde music scene.
After leaving the Velvet Underground, Nico embarked on a successful solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums. Her haunting vocals and poetic lyrics captivated audiences worldwide. Known for her collaborations with renowned artists such as Brian Eno and John Cale, Nico's music transcended genres and pushed boundaries.
Throughout her career, Nico continued to experiment with different musical styles, incorporating elements of folk, rock, and electronic music into her work. Her songs often explored themes of love, loss, and existentialism. Despite facing personal struggles throughout her life, Nico's artistic vision remained uncompromising until her untimely death in 1988.

Drama of Exile is the sixth studio album by German musician Nico. This version was initially released in 1981, and a second release followed in 1983 which was a re-recording of the first one done in May 1981. The album featured a Middle Eastern rhythm section and was produced by Corsican bassist Philippe Quilichini. This was Nico's only album not to feature John Cale.

In Paris in the seven year gap between the recording of The End and the release of Drama Of Exile, Nico appeared to be doing little more than feeding a heavy heroin habit. When she met Aura Records founder Aaron Sixx after a gig there she told him that she was eager to start recording again. He told her to contact him when she was next in London. When she arrived it was with a new harmonium in tow - claiming the previous one had been stolen and that its replacement was a gift from Patti Smith. 

She also brought with her the Corsican record producer Philippe Quilichini and his girlfriend - a half French half Vietnamese creature who Nico would introduce as her new manager, though really she was little more than her pusher. She and Quilichini had already finished the demos of the seven new songs and two cover versions that eventually they would record for the album. Quilichini’s production on the album and in particular Mahamad Hadi’s guitar parts emphasised the eastern promise of the numbers and provided a stirring counterpoint to Nico’s heavily accented teutonic vocals which gave the whole thing a stark beauty. 

“The real surprises on Drama are the covers. Lou Reed’s ‘Waiting For The Man,’ one tune she didn’t sing on that first Velvets album, is invested with a deadened user’s authenticity that Reed’s self-conscious streetcool sneer couldn’t deliver, while Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ has an unexpectedly flexible vocal (Nico gayly intoning ‘I, I will be King’), exuberant playing and a radio-active disco pop arrangement that could even see our lady in the charts after all these exiled years. Still crazy, still smart.” – Sandy Robertson (Sounds Magazine, 1981)

Bonus tracks on the CD: 10.Genghis Khan (Alternate Mix) 11. One More Chance (Alternate Mix) 12. Henry Hudson (Alternate Mix) 13. Waiting For The Man (Alternate Mix) 14. Sixty Forty (Alternate Mix) 15. The Sphinx (Alternate Mix) 16. Orly Flight (Alternate Mix) 17. Heroes (Alternate Mix)