BRIGHT RED

After Laurie released her debut album "Big Science" in 1982, she suddenly found herself with a lot of fans for her unique style. The speaking of the lyrics, not rapping, just talking which right away made that album standout from the crowd. But she needed the lyrics to really make this work, and this lady has a way with words like no other. When I surveyed what a lot of her fans feel is her best album it seems that her debut and this 1994 release "Bright Red" get mentioned the most.They are so different from one another as she sings more here, and the mood is melancholic. It feels like night-time music, lots of atmosphere, ambient for sure.

On paper this should be my favourite record by her, but I prefer "Big Science" and the followup "Mister Heartbreak". By the way after the success of her debut she not only attracted a lot of fans, but musicians as well. From having musicians I have never heard of on her debut to having Peter Gabriel sing but also play with her synclavier on the followup "Mister Heartbreak". He also co-produced it with Bill Laswell who plays bass on that one. Oh, and Adrien Belew adds some guitar on that 1984 release and he's back 10 years later doing the same on "Bright Red".

We also get Brain Eno here, really adding to the ambience and atmosphere, plus he produced this record. Lou Reed will also guest on this one, and he and Laurie will marry. So 14 tracks worth about 53 minutes. I have a lot of respect for this record, but it's so hit and miss as well. Just not one I want to play. At least with her first two there's that novelty factor of wanting to hear her unique style where it all began. 3 stars is all I got.