I worked in a Peach's record store in high school and discovered Lene Lovich's album Stateless when Stiff Records did a marketing blitz in the store. A year later I saw Klaus Nomi's video of Simple Man in a video bar. Intrigued, I bought the album not knowing what to expect.Nomi was a German living in New York City during the early to mid 70's. He grew up listening to American pop and classical music. He achieved an amazing countertenor singing style at a time when men singing high falsetto was not popular in opera circles. He fused this classically trained voice with New Wave future pop music while simultaneously creating an alien creature performance art persona. Nomi concerts were known for elaborate sets, costumes, dancers, and lighting. Unfortunately, Nomi's life was cut short. He only published two albums before succumbing to HIV. He was one of the first known artists to die of the disease.There is an amazing biographical DVD, The Nomi Song, that came out a year or so ago. I would highly recommend watching it, especially if you're a fan of New Wave or Electroclash music. Some of his music is strongly New Wave era. It sounds cute and affected by today's standards (think early B-52's for comparison), but some of the slower and classical pieces are especially moving.Lene Lovich was born in America, but she grew up (spent her adolescence) in England where she became popular. Her music is similar to Nomi's, in that it has a future pop New Wave sound. I loved the Stateless album and played it endlessly! Her vocals are more dissonant, but both artists have an eerie other worldly sound. Lene recently came out with a new CD in 2005, Shadows and Dust, but I haven't had an opportunity to listen to it yet.WARNING: Either you're going to love or hate these artists There's no middle ground!
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