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Life On A String - Laurie Anderson
Life On A String Image
Metascore
67 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: This is Laurie Anderson's first music release since 1994's 'Big Red.' Originally conceived as a studio verision of her recent theatrical production "Songs and Stories from Moby Dick," the thirteen-song album contains only three tracks from that show, supplemented with newer material. Guest musicians include Lou Reed, Dr. John, Bill Frisell, Mocean Worker and Van Dyke Parks.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. PopMatters
    80
    The haunting melodies and string arrangements enhance the CD's contemplative mood, bringing us into the artist's reverie about emotional pain and art's dependence on such painful experiences.
  2. Rolling Stone
    70
    Laurie Anderson is a singer-songwriter of crushing poignance - a minimalist painter of melancholy moods who addresses universal themes in the vernacular of the commonplace.
  3. Blender
    60
    Though the drones drift into Enya-like ambience on "Slip Away" more often, as on "Pieces and Parts" and the keening "Broken," Anderson dresses up her hard-won koans of personal wisdom just enough to make them alluring. [Aug/Sep 2001, p.120]
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See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. MikeW
    9
    Best since Big Science, still strong remnants of the old style in there, with some good rich mature sounds.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. SteveP
    9
    Almost back to her best!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. Ron
    8
    chamber music and L.A., not ready, unexpected, fragile, looking for new ways
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 4 User Reviews

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