"Behind the Iron Curtain" is a live album released by Nico, the German singer-songwriter, released officially in 1986. This album was recorded during a concert in Warsaw, Poland, in 1985 during her "Camera Obscura" tour.
The album features several of Nico's most captivating songs from her career's various stages, starting from her Velvet Underground days to her solo career, including songs like "Femme Fatale," "All Tomorrow's Parties," and "Das Lied Der Deutschen". It holds a significant place in Nico's discography due to the poignant and powerful live renditions of her songs that taps into a raw, atmospheric sound, reflective of her unique vocal styles and musical sensibilities.
John Cale, her longtime collaborator and member of the Velvet Underground, produced the album. The album demonstrates Nico's musical journey and evolution and the influence of her European roots and ambient style on her music. The name of the album also bears a historical significance, as it was recorded during a time of geopolitical tension and division represented by the "Iron Curtain" that separated the communist Eastern bloc and the Western world.
The sound quality of this album has received mixed reviews from critics because it was recorded in a live setting. Nonetheless, the album is a testament to Nico's haunting musical style and stands as an important part of her discography. Whether it be her somber reinterpretation of the national anthem "Das Lied Der Deutschen" or her captivating version of "Femme Fatale," every track tells its own story, representing Nico's emotional depth and diversity as an artist.
