I've just been listening again to 'O Superman (For Massenet)' by Laurie Anderson, a song which I hadn't listened to in ages.

I'd like to hear some opinions about this tune, as for ages it was held the UK record for being officially the longest single in the UK hit parade (8.32) minutes long.

To me, 'O Superman' was more than just that. It was a synth trip like you've never had before, with New Wave stamped all over it. The song lyrics are indeed very interesting, and take a snipe at a number of issues.

Full credit to Miss Anderson then I think for making a tune with such lastability as 'O Superman'. I've always admired her work, particularly when she did the lyrics on Jean-Michel Jarres 2000 album 'Metamorphoses'.

Quirky she may be, but 'O Superman' was great stuff.

It wasn't a big hit here at all...It failed to crack the charts. I have it on a few compilations. I don't like it...sorry. It is too repetitive and her vocals don't seem to match the music. That's just me :p :)

I agree with Daffy. I thankfully have only heard O Superman a couple of times.

I think I have a Laurie Anderson compilation somewhere. It was released by Rhino Records here in the States, I think. I only listened to it once in the year and half I've had it. Very few artists try my patience and I am even more amazed that a Futurist like Laurie Anderson would be one of them. I can listen to some of her stuff, but then she has long, drawn out moments where she is not making any sense and everything lacks coherence. It sounds funny coming from me since I am a fan of Noise artists like Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire, and Einsturzende Neubauten. They are in the same genre as Laurie Anderson, yet their take on Futurist music sounds fun and challenging, erratic and catchy at the same time. They also manage to keep the audience hooked by throwing in some songs (or parts of of them) that have a certain quality of texture and catchiness (i.e. they flow well with vocals and the music). I do like "O Superman," though. It's one of the few songs I can listen to without feeling uncomfortable in my seat :p Still, I'd happily trade in the compilation I have of hers for any album by Anne Clark (a far superior Futurist female vocalist and performer).

***I would compare Laurie Anderson's art with that of The Blueman Group. It's one of those things where you have to watch her music performance because just listening to it will leave you feeling like there's something missing...

No offense to her fans, but I cannot listen to Laurie Anderson for more than 30 seconds without my ears bleeding. Horrible stuff!

OUCH !
I have every album by Laurie and there are so many great things about her work. As mentioned her work has to be seen live because she uses tons of visuals and they link with the stories she tells. there was a big debate here in england when o superman was released and the nation was split 50-50. She is now deeply involved with Lou Reed both musically and emotionally.

I loved the O Superman album. she's one of the most creative singers/musicians around.
my favorite was the "Sharky" song. I think he was in more than one, kind of like a continuous story. I'd like to buy those cds again.

she may not have been popular on the charts, but very popular on some of the college campus in the 80's.

"O Superman"...I was caught by this track from the first time I've heard it. Far out any category...it's in my personal list of the "songs which are perfect 100%".

does anyone know what album Sharkey is on?

"nobody knows me, nobody knows my name...."and the little girl sings, '...he's Mr. heartbreak...'"

Sharkeys Day and Sharkeys Night are both on "Mister Heartbreak".

thanks Polly. :)

Have any of you guys checked out Lauries fairly recent works on Jean Michel Jarre's album 'Metamorphoses'? You need to....now!! :thumb:

......and.....In 2003-04, Laurie is the first artist-in-residence of NASA

Now my curiosity has been piqued. I might give her a listen to-night...

I just can't seem to get into 'O Superman'. It'ss like one of the longest radio friendly songs I've ever heard

I can see how it became so popular though. It's a quirky new wave classic that grabs you because it is so original :)

I just can't seem to get into 'O Superman'. It'ss like one of the longest radio friendly songs I've ever heard

I can see how it became so popular though. It's a quirky new wave classic that grabs you because it is so original :)

Just slightly off topic, it appeared on a TV Murder documentary the other night, when a homosexual killer was on the loose back in 1981.

The victim who managed to get away was talking about his narrow escape from strangulation, after he had gone back to the killers house to listen to some music, namely 'O Superman' by Laurie Anderson.

So, I guess her music is indeed enough to make you wanna kill! :lol:

A great song that with it's built gets into you... :thumb: ...

Just to resurrect this thread again, I happened to give 'O Superman' a whirl again last night, and I've finally nailed the reason why a track that, on the face of it, really should bore me to tears just keeps me coming back for more.

The secret is in the synth arrangements. The beauty of the track is in the background, and the subtle changes in the synth tempo is just pure class - especially when you consider the time it was recorded in 1981.

Best appreciated at 320kps with a decent set of headphones. ;)

"O Superman" was one of those songs that had to grow on me. I first heard in '82. My sister had the Big Science album and she played that and "From The Air" for me. I didn't like it at all and just thought it was weird. She was also big into Lene Lovich who I liked a little better than Anderson.

Now I can appreciate it and actually have the Big Science CD as well as Mister Heartbreak. You are right about the synth arrangements for the time the were done and also on the Big Science CD, Anderson makes some interesting observations through her lyrics. It gets limited plays, but every once in awhile I get in the mood for it. :happy:

I don't ever listen to Mister Heartbreak. I was very disappointed in that CD.

I love the song. I also own the video, but that is a bit boring. The band Army of Lovers used the sound of O Superman for their song Obsession.

I love the song. I also own the video, but that is a bit boring. The band Army of Lovers used the sound of O Superman for their song Obsession.

And that's a decent tune as well! :yesnod:

I Think It's A Great Track And I Luv It !!!!!

Good Evening From The United Kingdom !

Monty007®

I'm a huge Laurie Anderson fan. I own everything she has done. I had a chance to see her live during the "Language is a Virus" tour.It was the most unique experience I have ever been too.

Most people don't realize that she has done a lot of collaborative work with Peter Gabriel. He has appeared on her albums and she on his.

For those people who don't "get her", I can only suggest you see her live, it's an important piece in the puzzle. I guarantee you will walk away from one of her 6 hour concerts with a new appreciation and understanding.

Laurie Anderson is probably one of the most talented solo performers I have ever seen live. I have to agree with Polly that it's her spoken narrative/stories and video projections that pull all of her songs together when you see her on stage. I'm a fan of all of her stuff-- especially her collaborations with Peter Gabriel and her album Strange Angels--- it is absolutely beautiful and hilarious at times.

She also has the sexiest speaking voice EVER! IMHO :happy: