United States Live cover

United States Live

Laurie Anderson · 1984

264 min · 78 tracks

An eclectic blend of spoken word, experimental soundscapes, and innovative instrumentation that challenges traditional music forms.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    O Superman — This track blends spoken word with haunting melodies, showcasing Anderson's innovative use of technology and thematic exploration of communication and alienation.
  • →
    New Jersey Turnpike — In this piece, Anderson's narrative weaves personal reflection with broader cultural commentary, embodying her signature style of blending everyday experiences with profound insights.
  • →
    Dance of Electricity — With its intricate layering of sounds and rhythms, this track highlights Anderson's ability to create immersive auditory experiences that challenge conventional music structures.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • experimental soundscapes for exploration
  • thought-provoking spoken word segments
  • immersive long-form listening experience
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • engaging performance art elements

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward song structures
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1984, United States Live captures Laurie Anderson at a pivotal moment following her acclaimed breakthrough album, Big Science. This live recording showcases her theatrical performance style and avant-garde approach while solidifying her reputation as a pioneering multimedia artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· Sonic Youth· David Byrne
New to Laurie Anderson? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • O Superman

    The gradual build-up to a repetitive refrain creates a hypnotic atmosphere as the narrative shifts between personal and universal themes.

    This structural choice emphasizes the cyclical nature of communication, making the listener reflect on the impact of technology on human connection.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Say Hello 5:01
  • 2 Walk the Dog 6:45
  • 3 Violin Solo 2:13
  • 4 Closed Circuits (for voice and amplified mic stand) 6:03
  • 5 For a Large and Changing Room 2:50
  • 6 Pictures of It (for acoustic Tape Bow) 1:31
  • 7 The Language of the Future 8:02
  • 8 Cartoon Song 1:12
  • 9 Small Voice (for speaker‐in‐mouth) 2:03
  • 10 Three Walking Songs (for Tape Bow Violin) 4:19
  • 11 The Healing Horn 3:01
  • 12 New Jersey Turnpike 11:19
  • 13 So Happy Birthday 6:23
  • 14 EngliSH 2:08
  • 15 Dance of Electricity 3:02
  • 16 Three Songs for Paper, Film, and Video 6:02

Disc 2

  • 1 Sax Solo (for Tape Bow Violin) 0:55
  • 2 Sax Duet 0:38
  • 3 Born, Never Asked 5:16
  • 4 From the Air 2:46
  • 5 Beginning French 2:16
  • 6 O Superman 11:05
  • 7 Talkshow 6:57
  • 8 Frames for the Pictures 1:08
  • 9 Democratic Way 1:41
  • 10 Looking for You 1:19
  • 11 Walking and Falling 1:21
  • 12 Private Property 3:04
  • 13 Neon Duet (for violin and neon bow) 3:52
  • 14 Let X=X 6:17
  • 15 The Mailman’s Nightmare 0:46
  • 16 Difficult Listening Hour 3:10
  • 17 Language is a virus from outer space ― William S. Burroughs 7:55
  • 18 Reverb 0:26
  • 19 If You Can’t Talk About It, Point to It (for Ludwig Wittgenstein and Reverend Ike) 0:33
  • 20 Violin Walk 2:44
  • 21 City Song 3:34
  • 22 Finnish Farmers 5:13

Disc 3

  • 1 Red Map 1:57
  • 2 Hey Ah 3:50
  • 3 Bagpipe Solo 3:17
  • 4 Steven Weed 1:05
  • 5 Time and a Half 2:14
  • 6 Voices on Tape 1:28
  • 7 Example #22 2:33
  • 8 Strike 2:11
  • 9 False Documents 1:59
  • 10 New York Social Life 3:32
  • 11 A Curious Phenomenon 1:06
  • 12 Yankee See 7:58
  • 13 I Dreamed I Had to Take a Test… 1:19
  • 14 Running Dogs 0:38
  • 15 Four, Three, Two, One 1:15
  • 16 The Big Top 2:52
  • 17 It Was up in the Mountains 2:14
  • 18 Odd Objects (for light‐in‐mouth) 4:03
  • 19 Dr. Miller 5:18
  • 20 Big Science 7:20
  • 21 Big Science Reprise 1:47

Disc 4

  • 1 Cello Solo 2:44
  • 2 It Tango 1:51
  • 3 Blue Lagoon 9:38
  • 4 Hothead (La Langue d’Amour) 4:47
  • 5 Stiff Neck 1:33
  • 6 Telephone Song 1:34
  • 7 Sweaters 3:58
  • 8 We've Got Four Big Clocks (and they’re all ticking) 2:24
  • 9 Song for Two Jims 2:56
  • 10 Over the River 3:30
  • 11 Mach 20 2:47
  • 12 Rising Sun 3:25
  • 13 The Visitors 3:01
  • 14 The Stranger 1:57
  • 15 Classified 5:25
  • 16 Going Somewhere? 0:55
  • 17 Fireworks 2:46
  • 18 Dog Show 0:48
  • 19 Lighting Out for the Territories 3:13

What to play next

Mister Heartbreak
Listen next

Mister Heartbreak

1984
Big Science
Go back to

Big Science

1982
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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata