Nico – Unknown 1968 Interview Tape with Danny Fields (pre-Marble Index)
A unique and unpublished/undocumented tape of Elektra Records "house hippy" Danny Fields interviewing his close friend Nico, in advance of the release of her 1968 Elektra album The Marble Index.
We purchased this years ago from Fields, who later managed The Stooges and the Ramones. The 20 minute tape is a discussion between Fields and Nico, about her forthcoming album, which at that time was still untitled. Nico’s answers Fields’ questions in her typically enigmatic way.
They discuss possible album titles, he asks her why she wants people to know about her (she says she doesn’t), he asks what she wants the album to be for her, and she answers “Can’t say any more, not so peaceful, doesn’t represent peace any more, does it? What should I want it to be, my autobiography? It’s very much like me, it’s me, everything about it really” and “It’s just pictures as I like to see them … cause I like to see pictures in every certain way, my own way.” “It’s not much, it’s very bare” she continues.”
There are mentions of Leonard Cohen, of Donovan being accused of copying Bob Dylan, and the title of Tim Buckley’s album Hello And Goodbye. Nico says “maybe I should call the album 'Today,' that would make sense … they are timeless songs, they are not personal … could have been 10 million years ago, they could have been today … I don’t think they have to do with time.” She says maybe she should call the album “'On A Day Like This,' that would make sense,” which Fields thinks wouldn’t be a good album title but maybe a good song title.
This tape has never been circulated or even written about. We have had it in our private collection for many years, but the time seems right to pass it on to a collector. The 7″ reel is in its original Scotch tape box, on the cover is written simply “Nico Interview [indecipherable word] Los Angeles.” With a digital transfer of the audio. (Sorry, we will not make copies.)
$1,500.00
Nico – Unknown 1968 Interview Tape with Danny Fields (pre-Marble Index)
- Sheila Klein
- Head held high
- Posts: 705
- Joined: 15 Feb 2010 20:16
Nico – Unknown 1968 Interview Tape with Danny Fields (pre-Marble Index)
from Record Mecca website:
Re: Nico – Unknown 1968 Interview Tape with Danny Fields (pre-Marble Index)
That looks amazing. Still, it sort of pisses me off that Danny Fields' archive has ended up with Record Mecca, with Jeff Gold letting it leak out in dribs and drabs as he sees fit. A collection as rich as this should be with a library or university archive where it's properly catalogued and accessible.
8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1
-
- Head held high
- Posts: 569
- Joined: 23 Jul 2011 08:58
Re: Nico – Unknown 1968 Interview Tape with Danny Fields (pre-Marble Index)
That asking price...
Re: Nico – Unknown 1968 Interview Tape with Danny Fields (pre-Marble Index)
I don’t blame Danny Fields for selling to Jeff Gold. Jeff pays top dollar, and Danny has the right to monetise his assets, if he so wishes, whilst he is still alive. A library wouldn’t give him anywhere near what Jeff could offer. One has to be realistic about these things.
Speaking of realistic pricing, I do agree that the Nico tape is overpriced at $1,500. Recordmecca first listed it for sale in October 2020, so this isn’t news. If it was priced reasonably, it would have gone by now. I just don’t see that much worth in 20 minutes of interview material, no matter how interesting it may be.
I have spent that kind of money myself with Jeff (and would do so again), and got far better bang for my buck. Then again, all it takes is one obsessive who buys into the cult of Nico in a heavy way ….
Speaking of realistic pricing, I do agree that the Nico tape is overpriced at $1,500. Recordmecca first listed it for sale in October 2020, so this isn’t news. If it was priced reasonably, it would have gone by now. I just don’t see that much worth in 20 minutes of interview material, no matter how interesting it may be.
I have spent that kind of money myself with Jeff (and would do so again), and got far better bang for my buck. Then again, all it takes is one obsessive who buys into the cult of Nico in a heavy way ….