Malcolm McLaren 1984
Introduction
When Madam Butterfly was released in the second half of 1984, it really resonated with me. I thought the combination of R&B and opera, and hip-hop to a lesser extent, was fascinating, and very well executed.
Malcolm McLaren
Following the release of Malcolm McLaren’s debut album Duck Rock in 1983, the McLaren name was almost synonymous with innovation. The marriage of hip-hop, world music, rap and techniques like sampling on Duck Rock was way ahead of its time.
After being a fashion designer, salesman and manger for bands like The Sex Pistols, Adam And The Ants and Bow Wow Wow, McLaren was also a musician now, and an innovative one as well, who create trends instead of following them. More on McLaren in the article SEX, fashion, punk and Sex Pistols: 430 Kings Road, London.
Malcolm McLaren – Fans
Fans
In December 1984 the second solo album by Malcolm Mc Laren was released: Fans. Another album utilizing a unique sound pallet. R&B was mixed with the world of opera. On paper it seemed remarkable and quite unlikely, but the first single off the album, Madam Butterfly, had caused quite a stir. The combination worked surprisingly well, resulting in a downright moving song.
The music combined R&B, unusual instruments, narrating voices and opera. The opera music was based on actual opera’s by Giacomo Puccini in 5 songs and the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet in 1 song. The operatic recordings were done at the Unitarian Church, Belmont, Massachusetts. That building guaranteed beautiful acoustics, which enhanced the album’s sound considerably. On the song Carmen hip-hop influences were put to great use. Electric guitars are part of the mix as well.
By and large, the album tells the tale of the tragic love between the main character and the geisha (?) Cho Cho San. From album opener Madam Butterfly until closer Death Of Butterfly McLaren plays the role of narrator, and brings the classic opera tales, helped by his mocking, sarcastic tone, to the current time. At times, the end result is very moving indeed.
Malcolm McLaren – Madam Butterfly – Video
Review
Upon hearing Madam Butterfly for the first time I was amazed and moved. I didn’t (and still don’t) like opera, bit in the context of this song it was just overwhelming. The soprano, surrounded by McLaren’s storytelling and the R&B rhythms made for an intoxicating sound.
As on the previous album, McLaren isn’t the one with the biggest musical input and/or talent, but he thrives at bringing together the right people, ideas and environment for everyone to excel. McLaren, as catalyst and organizer, is able to (let others) create beautiful music.
The idea doesn’t work equally good on every song, but if it works it generates 5-star performances, which is true for 50% of the songs. What’s left is an impressive EP, filled with swing, classic opera, hip-hop like sounds and careful, über-European, eroticism.
Malcolm McLaren – Fans – Back cover
Singles
Two singles were culled from the album:
- Madam Butterfly (Un Bel Dì Vedremo)
(released on August 20, 1984) - Carmen (L’Oiseau Rebelle)
(released on December 31, 1984)
Malcolm McLaren – Madam Butterfly – Ad
Songs
All songs written by Malcolm McLaren and Robbie Kilgore, unless stated otherwise.
- Madam Butterfly (Un Bel Dì Vedremo)
(from Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly) (Malcolm McLaren, Stephen Hague, Walter Turbitt) - Fans (Nessun Dorma)
(from Puccini’s opera Turandot) - Carmen (L’Oiseau Rebelle)
(from Bizet’s opera Carmen) (Malcolm McLaren, Robbie Kilgore, Stephen Hague, Walter Turbitt) - Boys Chorus (Là Sui Monti Dell’Est)
(from Puccini’s opera Turandot) - Lauretta (O Mio Babbino Caro)
(from Puccini’s opera Gianni Schicchi) - Death Of Butterfly (Tu Tu Piccolo)
(from Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly)
Malcolm McLaren – Fans – Inner sleeve
Musicians
- Madam Butterfly
- Betty Ann White – soprano
- Debbie Cole – voice Cho Cho San
- Malcolm McLaren – voice Pinkerton
- Stephen Hague, Walter Turbitt, Robbie Kilgore – instruments
- Diane Garisto, Sheila Pate – background vocals
- Fans
- Angie B. – vocals
- Michael Austin – tenor
- Malcolm McLaren – voice (dresser)
- Timothy McFarland – piano
- Robbie Kilgore – instruments
- Carmen
- Valerie Walters – soprano
- Angie B. – voice Carmen
- Malcolm McLaren – voice Don Jose
- Robbie Kilgore – instruments
- Jimi Tunnell, Craig Bihari – guitar
- Boys Chorus
- Malcolm McLaren And The Boston Choir – vocals
- Robbie Kilgore – instruments
- Jimi Tunnell – guitar
- Lauretta
- Betty Ann White – soprano
- Diane Garisto – voice Lauretta
- Malcolm McLaren – voice Ricky
- Robbie Kilgore – instruments
- Death Of Butterfly
- Betty Ann White – soprano
- Malcolm McLaren – voice Pinkerton
- Robbie Kilgore – instruments
Malcolm McLaren 1984
In closing
What’s your opinion on Malcolm McLaren’s solo work and on Fans in particular? Let me know!
Video/Spotify
This story contains an accompanying video. Click on the following link to see it: Video: Malcolm McLaren mixes R&B and opera on Fans. The A Pop Life playlist on Spotify has been updated as well.
