SUZANNE VEGA

I first came across Suzanne Vega singing this song which blew me away and alongside hearing 10,000 Maniacs' song 'What's The Matter Here' around the same time stand as one of the most moving songs about child abuse I have ever heard. Both songs tore my heart out and made me like Suzanne and Natalie Merchant ever since and I have followed everything they have ever done.

On this day in music history: April 1, 1987 - “Solitude Standing”, the second album by Suzanne Vega is released. Produced by Steve Addabbo and Lenny Kaye, it is recorded at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, NY and RPM Studios in New York City from Late 1986 - Early 1987. After the release of her acclaimed self-titled debut album, Vega once again works with former Patti Smith Group guitarist Lenny Kaye and Steve Addabbo on the follow up. It is the breakthrough release for the California born/New York City raised singer and songwriter. The album spins off two singles including the title track (#94 Pop) and “Luka” (#3 Pop). It also includes the original acappella version of the song “Tom’s Diner” which is remixed by UK producers DNA in 1990, becoming a huge hit (#5 US Pop, UK #2). The album is remastered and reissued as a SHM-CD in Japan in 2010 in a mini-LP sleeve, replicating the original album cover artwork. A similar standard red book CD is released in France in 2014. Out of print on vinyl since the late 80’s, “Standing” is remastered and reissued on vinyl by Music On Vinyl also in 2014. “Solitude Standing” peaks at number eleven on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

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