Vivien Goldman: Resolutionary Vinyl LP

Vivien Goldman has donned many guises over the years. The London born, New York based Goldman is currently one of the foremost chroniclers of reggae, punk, hip hop, and Afrobeat, and a professor at NYU. However, between 1979 and 1982, she was a working musician who had the chance to record with the likes of John Lydon (Sex Pistols, PiL) and The Slits. Resolutionary chronicles her first three musical formations; first as a member of experimental British new wavers The Flying Lizards, next as a solo artist with her single “Launderette,” and then as half of the Parisian duo Chantage with Afro-Parisian chanteuse Eve Blouin. The majority of the tracks are produced by dub master Adrian Sherwood, and Goldman’s soprano contrasts nicely with Sherwood’s bass heavy rhythms. While reggae had been her jumping off point in England, Goldman turned towards the music of Africa after moving to Paris. Steelpan, African soukous guitar, and sobbing Romani violin can be heard in the music of Chantage. Since the time period documented on Resolutionary Goldman has worked with Massive Attack, Basic Channel (on Round One’s “I’m Your Brother”), and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Eight tracks in all. Released by Staubgold on black vinyl.

• music label: Staubgold 2016

reviewed by ninetwofour 06/2016