The German-born model and singer Nico is certainly of a time. Her voice hearkens to an era when music was simply different—and candidly, not so overproduced. She is part Bob Dylan and part Lou Reed. She was a disciple of artist Andy Warhol. And her music remains timeless well after her passing.
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Here below, we wanted explore three examples of her standout songs. A trio of tracks that not only stand the test of time but remain fondly in the hearts of casual fans and critics alike. Indeed, these are three essential Nico songs from an age gone by.
[RELATED: Nico Biopic To Start Filming In November]
“These Days” from Chelsea Girl (1967)
This song, which was originally written by Jackson Browne at age 16, was tracked by Nico for her 1967 LP Chelsea Girl. Nico was the first to record the tune and she sings over a fast-paced, finger-picked electric guitar. A lamenting, nostalgic-sounding track, the song has Nico singing about what changed for her versus how she used to think and act in the past. She has such a unique voice, both soft and sturdy. And she uses it to sing the lines,
I’ve been out walking
I don’t do too much talking these days
These days
These days I seem to think a lot
About the things that I forgot to do
And all the times I had the chance to
“I’ll Be Your Mirror” from The Velvet Underground & Nico (1966)
When you’re friends with artist Andy Warhol, it means you’re part of his universe of compatriots. And that meant running into one another and often collaborating. Thus was born the connection between Nico and The Velvet Underground, who recorded this song together for the 1966 LP The Velvet Underground & Nico. On the tune, Nico sings about creative admiration for singer Lou Reed. And on the song, she offers,
I’ll be your mirror
Reflect what you are, in case you don’t know
I’ll be the wind, the rain and the sunset
The light on your door to show that you’re home
“The Last Mile” (Single, 1965)
Nico got her start after meeting The Rolling Stones’ Brian Jones. With him, she recorded her first single, “I’m Not Sayin’.” And the B-side to that song was “The Last Mile,” which was produced and co-written by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. On the tune, Nico sings about the human condition, its penchant for sad moments and the fact that every life must come to an end. Indeed, she belts,
Rivers were made for flowing
So why not let them flow?
People were made for showing
So why not let them show?
Show a little laughter
Show a little smile
‘Cause we’ve started on the last mile
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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