Blind Windows

Nash the Slash's whole persona is an enigma, complete with wrap-around bandages to conceal his true identity. This CD is a compilation of his first two solo releases following his first departure from FM. The songs are entirely instrumental and entirely solo, and very hard to categorize. While it is electronic, it isn't "dance" or "ambient" or "new age," and yet all of those genres go into the mix. There is a small debt paid to Eno, but Nash creates his own unique, original sound. He is capable of writing beautiful and haunting melodies, as evidenced by such songs as "Un Chien Andalou" and the incredible "Masquerade." At the same time, he is able to create music from noise, terrifying the unsuspecting listener. All the music tends to lean towards darkness, but some songs are just downright creepy (let's not forget his second album, included in its entirety on this CD, was titled Dreams and Nightmares). "Blind Windows/Countervail," "Lost Lenore," and "'Til Death Do Us Part" are prime examples of the more unsettling side, and yet in their own way these songs are also quite beautiful. Fans will delight in being able to obtain his first two albums on CD, and music fans craving something different and original would enjoy this CD. As an added bonus, the EP Bedside Companion is included twice, once in its original form, and once in a slowed-down 33 version (the EP was recorded to be played at 45 rpm). Both versions are equally enjoyable. Highly recommended.