Anita Lane
Sex O' Clock

THE REVIEW

Anita Lane is a lady who has been frequenting the most alternative territories of world rock for more than fifteen years with such nonchalance that it seems music is more of a hobby than a profession for her.

During this long period, very little material has been officially released under her name, even though her collaborations with many artists, most importantly Nick Cave, are countless. This 2001 album is her latest effort, and it showcases a truly remarkable expressive maturity. The musical reference point remains Cave. This is evidenced by the sound, but above all by the names listed among those responsible for the project.

Anita indeed surrounds herself with many Bad Seeds, among whom Mick Harvey stands out, co-signing most of the tracks. It is an incredibly fresh work, sustained by a sound sufficiently dark to please the most demanding critics, yet also pleasantly tempered by excellent arrangements and thus accessible to a wider audience. Anita Lane performs with great sensuality over intriguing bases of Hammond and violins.

The songs are all beautiful, particularly the opening "Home Is Where The Hatred Is", the single "Do That Thing" and "A Light Possession". One track in particular alone justifies purchasing the album: the unexpected English cover of "Bella Ciao" (the very one sung by partisans), transformed into a moving murder ballad...

Unique!