In 1983, the world was still reeling from the loss of Klaus Nomi, the otherworldly countertenor whose voice and stage presence had defied categorization. A true original, Nomi was a musical mad scientist, fusing opera, New Wave, and camp theatricality into a unique and unforgettable concoction. "Encore!" his posthumous third album, serves as a bittersweet farewell from this enigmatic artist, a final encore from a performer who was always ahead of his time.
Nomi's rise to prominence in the late 1970s New York City music scene was as improbable as it was meteoric. A classically trained singer with an otherworldly falsetto and an eccentric fashion sense, he seemed to emerge from another planet, a bizarre and beautiful anomaly in a world of cookie-cutter pop stars. His performances were legendary, blending high-art opera with B-movie sci-fi aesthetics and a healthy dose of self-aware camp. He was a cult figure, adored by those who embraced his unique vision and dismissed by those who couldn't comprehend his genius.
"Encore!" captures the essence of Nomi's artistic output, showcasing his eclectic tastes and fearless exploration of musical boundaries. The album is a mix of previously released material and new recordings, a testament to his restless creativity and unyielding artistic vision. From the operatic grandeur of "The Cold Song" (a chilling interpretation of Henry Purcell's aria from "King Arthur") to the New Wave-infused "Total Eclipse" (a hauntingly beautiful duet with fellow countertenor Jochen Kowalski) to the darkly humorous "Can't Help Falling in Love" (an Elvis Presley cover reimagined as a twisted torch song), Nomi's voice soars and swoops, a force of nature that defies gravity and genre.
Fans also gravitate towards the album for its deeper cuts. "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead" is a jubilant celebration of the Wicked Witch of the West's demise, reimagined as a campy dancefloor anthem. "Nomi Song" is a self-referential ode to Nomi's own otherworldly persona, while "Wayward Sisters" is a haunting ballad that showcases Nomi's emotional range.
The album's production is a testament to Nomi's collaborative spirit, featuring contributions from a diverse group of musicians and producers, including Kristian Hoffman, Man Parrish, and Tony Bongiovi. Recorded at various studios in New York City, including the legendary Electric Lady Studios, the album's sound is rich and varied, reflecting Nomi's eclectic influences and his willingness to experiment with different sonic textures.
While "Encore!" is undoubtedly a celebration of Nomi's artistic achievements, it's also a poignant reminder of his untimely death from AIDS-related complications. Released just months after his passing, the album is imbued with a sense of loss and longing, a final testament to a singular talent who was taken from us too soon. Yet, even in the face of tragedy, Nomi's music remains defiantly optimistic, a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend even the darkest of times.
In the end, Klaus Nomi's "Encore!" is more than just an album; it's a testament to the power of individuality, the importance of artistic expression, and the enduring legacy of a true original.
