The Walrus - Music With Big Fuckin' Teeth!

10/29/2007

KLAUS NOMI: A Video Retrospective

The German-born singer, Klaus Nomi was a genuine performance artist, dedicated to his bizarre vision of futurist new-wave-robot-aliens. At face value, his absurdity comes off as humorous. However, it becomes apparent how serious he was about his art after a closer inspection.

Last night I had the pleasure of viewing The Nomi Song, The Klaus Nomi Film by Andrew Horn. This in-depth documentary covers Nomi's life from his glorious start to his sad finish in great detail. His former backing band is interviewed, along with other artists from the 80's New York New-Wave scene.

If you are a weirdo, or if you are planning on becoming totally insane, the following footage will serve as the perfect inspiration:

"Simple Man"

"Cold Song"

"Nomi Song"

David Bowie and Klaus on Saturday Night Live performing "The Man Who Sold The World"

Tragically, Nomi passed away from AIDS in 1983. He will be remembered as one of the most beautiful voices of the 80's New York avant-garde/new wave scene.

Klaus Nomi's debut album, features the songs above, as well as renditions of Lou Christie's "Lightning Strikes" and Chubby Checker's "The Twist!" Totally bizarre!