aaamusic | On 13, Nov 2011

Gainsbourg masterpiece Histoire de Melody Nelson gets re-released, together with bonus tracks.

For those who are not familiar with the 70s concept album, this will be the perfect occasion to dig into one of the most popular and creative French artists. Never one to be defined easily by genres, in his 40s Gainsbourg decided to approach rock, giving it some of his twist, together with  Vannier.

Recorded with Jane Birkin, who plays Melody Nelson, this concept album strikes the listener for the beauty and perfection of the vocals and the orchestral arrangements, as well as taking it by surprise as the dominant instrument, unlike most records at the time, is not the guitar, but the bass (perfectly executed by Herbie Flowers).

The album tells the story of the 40 something man who meets and seduces Melody Nelson, who then suddenly dies in a plane crash. Don’t be put off by this: it is brilliantly told.

40 years on, a must have album.

 

James Smith