Serge Gainsbourg Histoire de Melody Nelson Genres:International Music, Pop, Rock 2009 U.S. pressing of this classic album from the controversial French singer/songwriter, originally released in 1971. Sex has always sold, but presented with a landmark musical backdrop, the combination is rare as finding... more » the elusive "G Spot". Quite often, attempts fall flaccid, missing the titillating mark by a mile. But French icon and national treasure Serge Gainsbourg is no stranger to sexual proclivities, and with Histoire De Melody Nelson, he shared an erotic tale as seductive today as the day it was released. With help from actress, amour, and inspiration Jane Birkin, arranger/conductor and co-conspirator Jean-Claude Vannier, not to mention a tight hand picked crew of top shelf UK session musicians, Nelson is often cited as Gainsbourg's master work, an essential album for the discerning music lover. Seven tracks.« less
2009 U.S. pressing of this classic album from the controversial French singer/songwriter, originally released in 1971. Sex has always sold, but presented with a landmark musical backdrop, the combination is rare as finding the elusive "G Spot". Quite often, attempts fall flaccid, missing the titillating mark by a mile. But French icon and national treasure Serge Gainsbourg is no stranger to sexual proclivities, and with Histoire De Melody Nelson, he shared an erotic tale as seductive today as the day it was released. With help from actress, amour, and inspiration Jane Birkin, arranger/conductor and co-conspirator Jean-Claude Vannier, not to mention a tight hand picked crew of top shelf UK session musicians, Nelson is often cited as Gainsbourg's master work, an essential album for the discerning music lover. Seven tracks.
"This 2009 release from Light in the Attic records is the way to go, but be informed that despite amazon's claim, there are no extra tracks on this release, just the 7 original ones, clocking in at a little under half an hour. That's okay, though, because every second of this music is perfect. Buy it now. You won't regret it."
Bolero squared with a mod, irresistable edge
Music like water | 12/20/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If your looking for mood music that will create a sexy, seductive atmosphere this is it. Staying on course throughout, impossible to resist, it will exceed your highest expectations. Just add the wine & scented candles and let it roll..."
It's hot. It's cool. It's hip, it's nostalgic... it's The Po
J. Gunning | Midst the Oaks of SRH | 11/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bored? Have you heard it all before? Try this record: the logical conclusion of all Pop preceding it, and the antecedent to most of what has followed. Including sumptuous Pop, cool Jazz, stinging Rock, and sensual emoting, you probably have heard this record before, but you may not know it. This record echoes in the subconscious. It's hot. It's cool. It's hip, it's nostalgic... it's a timeless classic. For an average American, it's a true sophisticate's discovery and an unexpected journey. For everybody, it's instantly enjoyable, yet also challenging, a bit frightening, funny and, most of all, lush. Whatever this is, specifically, it's not been done better."
Classic
Bill Your 'Free Form FM Handi Cyber | Mahwah, NJ USA | 08/30/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like most of my review cohorts, I don't know French.
Then again who needs story. The absolute richness of Melody Nelson makes this more than enough for repeated listening. This thick, churning music is the perfect backdrop for Serge Gainsbourg's molasses voice, and the fact that I don't know what he is saying here only focuses me more on what a finely tuned instrument his voice is: both in terms of aural depth, and his ability to pace a narrative.
I'll also single out for praise Jean Claude Vannier, who handles the arrangements. His work with guitars and bass to build Melody Nelson's cornerstone is amazing, but the absolute silky richness of the strings here are the real highlight of the album. Only on Elton John's Madman Across the Water have I heard a full string section used with such conviction. If you like the arranging here, check out Vannier's L'Enfant Assassin Des Mouches
Melody Nelson is a touchstone for listeners of "other music" but this is one of the few times an album matches its reputation."
