Live Heroes

As Nico's reputation as one of alternative music's leading influences became universally acknowledged, her catalog expanded with numerous live albums that fed her fans' insatiable appetites. Her live performances are an integral piece of her career, since in concert she often approached music in ways her studio albums never dared. Containing both live and studio material, Live Heroes is curious, especially due to the inclusion of "Femme Fatale," a Velvet Underground track performed here with The Blue Orchids (which feature several former members of The Fall). Joy Division producer Martin Hannett brings The Invisible Girls to Nico for studio recordings of the Velvets' "All Tomorrow's Parties" and Nico's self-penned "Procession." "My Funny Valentine," a track from 1985's excellent Camera Obscura, sounds tailor-made for Nico's deep Germanic vocal, as does The Doors' "The End," which she performed throughout her career, often with just herself on harmonium. The most jarring moment, however, is the full-on rock of her cover of David Bowie's "Heroes." Rarely did Nico sound so upbeat.