Suzanne takes you down

Press, 23 July 1987, Page 24

Suzanne takes you down

SUZANNE VEGA “Solitude Standing” (A and M RML53233).

Suzanne takes you down to a place by the water, her music is fit enough to drink. It seems appropriate here that Leonard Cohen’s “I’ll Take Manhattan,” should be a hit because generally Vega’s delicate, haunting, and occasionally mysterious music is her 80s to his 60s.

Vega could be in danger of becoming the butt of jokes from “The Young Ones,” but not for now. The unaccompanied opening of “Tom’s Diner,” with its spying, only makes the powerful “Luca” all the more potent. “Luca” is probably the most physical of her songs, not only in content, but the way in which it is played. The LP is worth listening to. The acoustic

guitar makes an impact on songs such as “Night Vision,” and the backing production work (thanks to Steve Addabbo and Lenny Kaye) is marvellous.

Occasionally weak songs, such as “Language” and “Gypsy” are overcome by sound — her voice and instruments. Her voice is quietly vulnerable enough, child-like enough, as in “Luca” to make you take notice. But, her stories also have some independence such as the delightful “Calypso.”

If you like Vega after hearing commercial radio thrash “Luca,” try the LP and then turn back the clock — get her first album which has some equally good songs. But don’t ask to have every song deciphered. —NEVIN TOPP.