Niki N. Phaser

              Mazzy Star’s best known song, Fade Into You, is not a very complicated track, it hardly ever crosses the acoustic border. Hope Sandoval’s vocals are also pretty steady all over. The structure is simple, the production minimal. Yet maybe it’s just these things that make Fade Into You the perfect soundtrack for that moment we all take once in a while, those few minutes when we just stop. It provides the distance we all need sometimes when looking at our lives. It might be mistaken for a love ballad, but Fade Into You just seems more like an ode to closeness. Lyrics like “I look to you and I see nothing, I look to you to see the truth” are as truthful and cynical as any relationship, no matter what are the circumstances. The demystifying of love is exactly what gives it strength and before happiness there is the warmth of a comforted heart. But then again, I’m really just guessing here, hear for yourself:

FADE INTO HERE

             Massive Attack are continuing the proccess of unleashing their new album Heligoland. The latest step is the video for Paradise Circus, a track which features vocals by Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star fame. The song feels a lot like a departure for the trip hop masters, sounding quite minimal and classic, except for the claps-filled beat. Nevertheless, it’s tragic cross-bearing aura will take its toll on the listener. It certainly creates an unique product, when combined with the video, which is comprised of an interview of former porn star, Georgina Spelvin, as well as uncensored scenes of her most well-known movie, The Devil in Miss Jones. It is an interesting and original work and it’ll be no wonder if more bands start digging up aging porn stars from the 70′s for their videos. On the other hand, this lady does come off as some kind of tragic figure, philosophizing about making ‘fuck movies’ and concluding that “We are our own devils”. After all, these are just some porn scenes in slow-motion. But, maybe, this one is NOT for over analyzing. If you are +18, see for yourself:

PARADISE CIRCUS

             The unbearable lightness of waiting for a new Massive Attack LP has come to a halt. The band announced through their official website that February 8th 2010 is the date when the abstinence ceases. Except for the four track EP Splitting the Atom, released this fall, it has been seven years since a full MA studio album pleased our trip hop senses.

              The new album, Heligoland (it’s still unclear whether the boys are fans of Shena Mackay or of geography), will feature guest vocalists on most of the tracks and the these guests are all ‘cat’s meow’ material. Damon Albarn finds one more project to attach his name to, as well as Elbow’s Guy Garvey. A bit of yankee edge is provided by TV on the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe. On the female side, you have tour buddy Martina Topley-Bird and also the wonderful voice of Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star fame. Old friend, Horace Andy is not forgotten either — he contributes to two tracks, including first single, Splitting the Atom. Check the band’s official site for complete tracklisting and artwork.

P.S. This picture is not the cover, but one fascinating painting by Robert del Naja.