Anderson, Laurie
Big Science
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1982 Original. Laurie Anderson’s “Big Science” is her debut studio album, released in 1982, and stands as a pioneering work at the intersection of experimental music and performance art. The album is perhaps best known for its single “O Superman,” which unexpectedly climbed to number two on the UK Singles Chart, propelled by its haunting minimalism and poignant social commentary. Anderson’s use of vocoder and synthesizers throughout the album creates a distinct soundscape that was both innovative and reflective of the emerging electronic music trends of the early 1980s. The album merges spoken word, monologue, and song, exploring themes of technology, communication, and the human experience. Anderson’s background as a performance artist is evident in the theatricality and conceptual depth of the tracks, engaging listeners in a multi-sensory experience. “Big Science” is not just an album but a seminal piece of art that challenged the conventions of music production and performance at the time. It showcases Anderson’s unique ability to blend narrative and sound, offering a prescient commentary on society's relationship with technology. For those interested in avant-garde music and the evolution of electronic sound, “Big Science” is an essential listen that continues to influence artists across genres.