Anderson, Laurie – “Homeland” – [Nonesuch Records]

Laurie Anderson’s new 2010 release “Homeland” is comprised of both a CD and DVD documentary. The pieces on the CD were written while she was on tour and she explains in the liner notes that she began the process by “making an ever-changing series of stories…and songs about America.” Her signature haunted talk-sing vocal style with effects recites her poetic musings about traversing the country. She’s joined by a range of collaborators, including Eyvind Kang (viola), John Zorn (saxophone), Rob Burger (keyboards), Antony (vocals on “Strange Perfumes”), Lou Reed, and Tuvan throat singers. Full of contemporary cultural references and commentary on modern society, it’s truly a deep listen from an important artist who has always been an experimenter. The documentary provides an inside look into the creative process behind the record.