NICK CAVE
Abatoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheus (Mute/Anti)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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It's Christmas time for Nick Cave fans. Two, count 'em two discs of delicious goth gospel, suave croon pop and of course, plenty of spine chilling moments. Cave's voice may be smoothing with age, but like fine whisky, there's a kick waiting at the end. Just when Nick lulls you into a comfort zone, he slips in a horrific image to turn that daydream into a visceral nightmare. The best of both worlds really: great hum along tunes adorned with tinkling pianos and angelic voices, then an easy glide to the disturbing dark side, all sweaty, dirty and deliciously noisy. Usually a double album is a needless exercise in excess. With Cave, it may not be nearly enough.

© 2004 - John Sekerka