Klaus Nomi's Unfinished Symphony, or Operetta, or "Space Western". It was also a song from his show, and it's the title of this new release. Loosely translated, it means Heaven, or "Homeland for Nomis". He left behind reco... more »rdings, photos, and a few videos-but if you had never been in the same room with him... you will never know. A performer of startling vocal ability and even more striking visage, Klaus Nomi had no peer-and due to his untimely departure, the world will never know how he might have applied those talents. When he left Earth on August 6th, 1983, Klaus Nomi took with him the resolution to his Magnum Opus-a work we had always assumed would be titled Za Bakdaz, or "Nomi Homeland".« less
Klaus Nomi's Unfinished Symphony, or Operetta, or "Space Western". It was also a song from his show, and it's the title of this new release. Loosely translated, it means Heaven, or "Homeland for Nomis". He left behind recordings, photos, and a few videos-but if you had never been in the same room with him... you will never know. A performer of startling vocal ability and even more striking visage, Klaus Nomi had no peer-and due to his untimely departure, the world will never know how he might have applied those talents. When he left Earth on August 6th, 1983, Klaus Nomi took with him the resolution to his Magnum Opus-a work we had always assumed would be titled Za Bakdaz, or "Nomi Homeland".
CD Reviews
Brilliant and beautiful!
Amie S. | Tennessee | 03/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I received my copy months ago and I am still fascinated by Nomi's latest. It contains not only the haunting and beautiful voice of Nomi, captured by the remarkable talents of George Elliott and Page Wood, but a sleeve full of mysterious short stories about Nomi that will draw you in, reading over and over, trying to find their meanings. Behind this entire album I believe there is a deeper meaning. This post humous work left an emotional mark on me, the beautiful artwork, the music that also included Klaus's very rare "Silent Night" recording, and just the total mystery and talent that make this album is unlike anything else you will find in today's artists. It will continue to be one of my favorite albums, so creatively put together out of love for Klaus Nomi and his fans."
Nomi
Persson Ekstam Susanne | 01/07/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Well what can you say !This record is an amazing journey into the mind of Klaus Nomi.Of course he had some help but still.."
A letter we received:
P. Wood | Los Angeles, CA USA | 01/03/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dear Mr. Wood and Mr. Elliott,
I received my Za Bakdaz CD two days ago and I am hypnotized, stunned, amazed...by the whole album, but in particular by Valentine's Day. It is not an exaggeration to say that the emotional impact of that song is profound.
I'm sure you are quite busy, but it would mean a lot and be tremendously appreciated if you could shed some light on that song--any details or history. It is one of the most graceful, delicate and moving pieces of music I have ever heard. This will sound sentimental, but when I played it for the first time two mornings ago as I was driving in my car, the song has barely gotten underway and I suddenly just burst into tears because it was so beautiful. I can say that I am not a big crier and that this was very unusual, even disturbing, but I suppose in a good way--to be able to be so moved by music.
Thank you for making this album available for us and letting us in on a little more Klaus.
Kind regards,
Ellen McCurtin"
Give this album a chance...It deserves a listen or ten
Moribund The Cheeseburgermeister | FL | 07/25/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Regardless of the perception, by some, that this album is "picking over the bones" of the late, great Klaus Nomi - My opinion is that this is the TRIPPIEST album I've heard in a long time. Mr. Elliot and Mr. Wood have crafted an offering full of different textures and moods deserving of notice in it's own right. It reminds me of early Pink Floyd in it's approach and flow.
The fact that the CD is short (actually the "opera" is only 28 minutes long if you subtract the added tracks 'Rubberband Lazer' (demo) and 'Silent Night' (single)), does not matter. It's the content that counts. BTW - Slayer's "Reign In Blood" is 29 minutes long and it's considered by many to be the most important thrash/death metal album ever. Again ... it's about the content.
If you're looking for a long lost Klaus Nomi album with proper "songs": This isn't it. However, his spirit permeates all of the tracks. Give it a chance. It's an important recording (imho) and I could only hope that Wood and Elliot put out an album under their own banner (even if it's completely instrumental).
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1