New Wave Outpost Forum

I just returned home after seeing The Nomi Song documentary in NYC.
I was lucky enough to be joined by Skinnytie and Blir.
We all enjoyed the film very much, which featured some very rare footage of Klaus Nomi performing at the New Wave Vaudeville Show, at Irving Plaza, Fiorucci, and even in his apartment.
Interviews with his contemporaries, including Ann Magnuson, Man Parrish and Kenny Scharf provided insight into Nomi and the NYC art/music/fashion scene.
At the screening we attended there were Nomi's friends, band members and even a former lover. The director Andrew Horn introduced his film, and afterwards took questions from the audience.
If you're not able to see the film in a local theater, by all means watch for the DVD release!

Phew, finally back in CT, tired but sated. Being a west coast guy originally, I think I was even more wide-eyed at The Nomi Song than Skinnytie and Schwenko. To watch this wonderful slice of the city in the late 70s/early 80s was enthralling. It was like a brief awakening of the ghosts of the old Village as much as it was a movie about Nomi himself.

That feeling was made even more pronounced by the film's interviews of his longtime friend and German compatriot Gabriele La Fari, especially her sad disclosure that she couldn't bare to listen to any of Klaus' music since he became ill...and then to realize that there she was, sitting across the theatre isle from us! We were all dying to ask if this was her first exposure to his material after all these years, but of course felt that that would be much too personal.

It was further ironic that none of his inner circle interviewed for the film went to visit him in the hospital, either out of fear or unbearable saddness. But then to have a gentleman, not in the movie, raise his hand during the director's Q&A and profess that he was Klaus' lover during his last two years and give an account of his demise from Kaposi's Sarcoma was poignant and surreal, wow!

I don't mean to imply that the film dwelled on his sickness. Quite to the contrary, most of it was great and crazy-rare footage interspliced with the interviews, shots of the city, his youth, etc. Pretty hilarious too. It's definatley a new wave must-see.

My first exposure to Klaus Nomi was from the "Urgh" soundtrack, not realizing that he was on the scene prior to that with a more theatric show with different musicians in his coterie. I really enjoyed the way the film showed his origins, both musically and personally, and it was wonderful insight to not only him but the art/ music scene that was happening in NYC at the time.
The film maker did discuss bonus material for the DVD release, some of which will consist of full performances that were in the film. If anyone is unable to see the film in the theater, then the DVD will be the way to go.
Not much more I can add; otherwise I'd be repeating what Schwenko and Blir have already said. Other than the fact that we're already planning an NWOutpost get-together at the Gang of Four show, should it come our way (in May?).

What a stunning piece of work that was.

j0hn.......

Andrew Horn did an interview with radio station WFMU that is archived on the web: http://www.wfmu.org/recentarchives.php
If you are not familiar with Nomi's music this is a good place to start.

That's a killer stream Schwenko!

On another note, you recognized the Marbles and we thought we heard the Dolls, but they're not mentioned in the credits. It mentions Wire - do you think that was the track? It also mentions the Bongos - I don't recall hearing them, do any of you guys? Chi Pig didn't really register either - anyone have any of that stuff?

[quote][i]Originally posted by Blir[/i]
<br>That's a killer stream Schwenko!

On another note, you recognized the Marbles and we thought we heard the Dolls, but they're not mentioned in the credits. It mentions Wire - do you think that was the track? It also mentions the Bongos - I don't recall hearing them, do any of you guys? Chi Pig didn't really register either - anyone have any of that stuff?
[/quote]

Dunno- Skinnytie read the end titles while we we chattering away. Maybe he noticed[?]
The Marbles track was "Forgive and Forget", the "b" side of their second (and last 45).

It's too bad that I missed it. It sounds like a great film. Hey, you guys can always make a trip to Philly on May 21st for the Gang of Four show at the TLA. But, I am almost positive they will play NYC.

That's definately the plan cubby. I go on business there to the CHOP and other places and have a feeling I might have a critical appointment on May 21st! [:D]

I forget whether or not I spotted the Marbles in the end credits. I honed in on Pylon's "Cool" the second it was used in the film.

Sorry for not checking in on this place during the past week. I'm sure Gang Of Four will be making a NYC appearance.

j0hn.......

I don't recall seeing the New York Dolls listed under the songs that were part of the soundtrack. Seeing as how the filmmaker originally wanted to use an Ultravox track for where the Marbles tune was used, but couldn't because of the expense, I would assume that using a New York Dolls song would have been just as costly.
I don't remember seeing any other music used, other than Klaus's, that hasn't already been mentioned by either you, Blir, or Justjohn. And curious, Justjohn, it seems like you saw the film as well. Where did you catch it?

[quote][i]Originally posted by schwenko[/i]
<br>[quote][i]Originally posted by Blir[/i]
<br>That's a killer stream Schwenko!

On another note, you recognized the Marbles and we thought we heard the Dolls, but they're not mentioned in the credits. It mentions Wire - do you think that was the track? It also mentions the Bongos - I don't recall hearing them, do any of you guys? Chi Pig didn't really register either - anyone have any of that stuff?
[/quote]

Dunno- Skinnytie read the end titles while we we chattering away. Maybe he noticed[?]
The Marbles track was "Forgive and Forget", the "b" side of their second (and last 45).
[/quote]

Skinnytie asks:

"And curious, Justjohn, it seems like you saw the film as well. Where did you catch it?"

I too was at the Cinema Village 7:30 showing.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/Justj0hn/Nomi.jpg">

j0hn.......

[quote][i]Originally posted by Justj0hn[/i]
<br>Skinnytie asks:

"And curious, Justjohn, it seems like you saw the film as well. Where did you catch it?"

I too was at the Cinema Village 7:30 showing.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/Justj0hn/Nomi.jpg">

j0hn.......
[/quote]

For those who weren't there, the picture is of the restroom door!

Color me jealous guys. I only hope that it makes it's way to Seattle at some point. I mean Kyrgyzstan.

So John, did ya see us, did ya see us? Three guys who looked like they could be a "Blir", "Schwenko", and "Skinnytie"?? [:D]

We were sitting a row back and across the isle from that Gabriele lady with the blue hair.