Quark Side of the Moon

Laurie Anderson's Exploration of Outer and Inner Space

"HELLO, can you tell me where I am?" One could facetiously reply "Glasgow" to Laurie Anderson’s question, the first of many tonight, but you know she has something more cosmic in mind. She has, after all, just spent a couple of years as Nasa’s first ("and last") artist-in- residence. When Nasa called her, she assumed it was a cruel joke by someone who knew her "secret dream". She took the job, "and for two years I worked as a government agent".

The audience laughs conspiratorially with Anderson at the thought of such a kook let loose on Cape Canaveral. Anderson presents the audience with her Nasa end-of-term report, a performance piece, The End Of The Moon, that suggests a fateful symmetry between journeys into outer and inner space. For example, captivated by the beauty of a Hubble telescope photo of stars being born that looks "like classic Disney", Anderson discovers the picture has been touched up by Nasa.

An Artistic Journey

"And I thought I was the artist-in-residence," Anderson observes wryly. Yet she’s not outraged, recalling the way in which memory can also tweak photos, how a skin of forgetfulness hides the way those Christmas snaps show a miserable rather than happy Yuletide gathering. Anderson starts the show in a large green armchair, like she’s fronting Jackanory for junior mystics. Soon she’s standing centre-stage, alone with her violin and PowerBook. The floor of the stage is speckled by candles, and one wonders whether they’ve been placed randomly or in the shape of constellations of stars, those "bonfires of the universe" she rhapsodises in that almost sing-song voice, calm as a talking atomic clock.

An Unprecedented Perspective

Her shows are routinely described as sound-poems but there’s enough material here for a sprawling novel in the style of Don DeLillo, with whom she shares an acute perceptiveness, laconic wit, and a facility for seeing the bigger picture in the smallest moments. Anderson once quoted DeLillo on an album track, his line about "terrorists are the only true artists" obviously contentious since 9/11. That day and the wars that followed haunt The End Of The Moon as they’ve haunted our culture ever since.

In one anxious anecdote, buzzards sinisterly hovering over her dog on a country stroll remind her of the planes rushing towards New York, her home. Coincidentally (or is it?), if you look closely at the cover of DeLillo’s 1997 book Underworld, which features the Twin Towers, you can see two large birds flying in their direction, a weird portent. Anderson herself performed her 1981 freak hit O Superman for the first time in two decades in New York the week before 9/11, the lyrics – "This is the hand, the hand that takes / Here comes the planes / They’re American planes, made in America" – seemingly prophetic. You can get the bends thinking about this stuff.

Hotels: The Perfect Retreat

While Laurie Anderson explores the cosmos, back on Earth, hotels provide a different kind of retreat for weary travelers. Whether you're on a business trip or enjoying a vacation, finding the perfect hotel can make a significant difference to your overall experience. From luxury resorts to budget accommodations, there are various options to suit every traveler's needs.

Comfort and Convenience

Hotels offer unparalleled comfort and convenience. With amenities such as comfortable beds, clean rooms, room service, and Wi-Fi, they provide all the essentials for a pleasant stay. Additionally, many hotels offer on-site restaurants, fitness centers, swimming pools, and spa facilities, ensuring that travelers have access to everything they need during their stay.

Location, Location, Location

The location of a hotel can greatly impact one's travel experience. Whether you prefer staying in the heart of a city, close to popular attractions, or in a serene and secluded area, there are hotels available to suit every preference. The choice of location allows travelers to easily explore the surroundings or enjoy a peaceful retreat, depending on their needs and desires.

Personalized Services

One of the advantages of staying at a hotel is the personalized service provided by the staff. From receptionists who greet you with a warm welcome to concierge services that assist with travel arrangements and recommendations, hotels strive to make their guests feel valued and attended to. This level of service enhances the overall travel experience, allowing guests to relax and focus on enjoying their stay.

In Conclusion

As Laurie Anderson delves into the mysteries of outer space, hotels continue to provide a haven for travelers. With their comfort, convenience, and personalized services, hotels play a vital role in ensuring a memorable and enjoyable travel experience. So, wherever your journey takes you, remember to find the perfect retreat in the form of a great hotel.