Julee Cruise: Floating Into The Night (Import, 180g) Vinyl LP

Floating Into The Night is Julee Cruise’s first album, produced and arranged by Angelo Badalamenti with David Lynch writing the lyrics. Cruise’s previous singing experience was strictly rooted in loud, theatrical, Broadway-style belting, but Lynch encouraged her to tap into her ‘soft, sad side’ for a song they were working on for the Blue Velvet soundtrack because they couldn’t afford to license This Mortal Coil’s “Song To The Siren.” Lynch and Badalamenti were so impressed with her ability to mirror the ethereal beauty of Liz Fraser on “Mysteries Of Love,” they decided to record a full album with her. The Twin Peaks / Blue Velvet vibe is present throughout, but it’s more song-y, and that’s fine, as Julee Cruise has an exquisite voice. I can't help but think she was destined for more than “the girl who sings the Twin Peaks songs” before she met David Lynch. Floating Into The Night is bolder than a lot of the music it's often compared to (basically just the Cocteau Twins), unafraid to play with familiar tropes (jazz, new age) and put a perverted twist on them. “I Remember” starts off innocently enough, but there’s a bizarre left turn that comes about halfway through, like you’re actually watching a Lynch movie. “Falling” is the one you’ll recognize from Twin Peaks, and “The Swan” and “The World Spins” repeat some of the same themes to close out the album. Other highlights: “Floating,” “Into The Night,” “I Float Alone”. Recommended!

• 180g, black vinyl pressing
• includes printed insert
• original release year: 1989
• music label: Music On Vinyl 2025

reviewed by carparts, bottles & cutlery 07/2018