Anna Domino - East And West

Following a few months after her 1983 debut single "Trust, In Love," East And West provided the fuller foundations for Anna Domino's later reputation, later sealed by her full self-titled debut in 1985. This effort, though only five songs total, captures much of Domino's ability in essence; even her penchant for excellent covers. In this latter case the song of choice is Aretha Franklin's "Land of My Dreams," delivered as a cool, post-Martin Hannett/Durutti Column wistful semi-lament. Similarly, the remaining originals are, as is so often the case with Domino, songs both of the moment and recalling earlier eras. More murkily post-punk than much of her later work, songs such as "Everyday (I Don't)" and "With the Day Comes the Dawn," with echoed vocals and a low moody crawl that suggests much of the Factory label's early output, give contrast to Domino's distinctly non-goth vocals. Whether for reasons of confidence or preference, she's much deeper in the mix than she would be later, but the effect isn't disconcerting. She's helped, in retrospect, by a striking collection of musicians; Tuxedomoon's Blaine Reininger on well-chosen saxophone parts, Virginia Astley on piano, Luc Van Acker with various contributions; and the result, while transitional, is still of interest both to the Domino fan and in its own right.