U.S. vinyl LP 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.
A**Y
Masterpiece
Erm, what is there to say? Bass playing and arrangement extraordinaire. It's a glorious album and the production / recording / engineering is such a high standard. The CD sounds great.
J**U
Genius at work
Been meaning to buy this for years. Don't be put off by the fact that it's all in French . Gainsbourg is revered as a genius in France and with good reason. Some of his work is best described as challenging, but this is easy to get into. Almost a chill album at times years before chill. A masterwork.
A**S
Short but very sweet...
Other reviewers have explained better than I could just how important and influential this album was/is... beautiful and of it's time yet ahead of it's time too... If you're a lover of popular music you need to own it. Short, but very sweet. And no, you don't need to be fluent in French to enjoy it!
J**Y
Simply stunning
An incredible musical experience. Even if you don't speak a word of French you can still become totally immersed in the unique musical universe Gainsbourg conjures up on this album. A cursory understanding of the language will take your experience to a whole new level. Or look up the numerous translations on the Internet for the flavour of the story. But the true genius of the lyrics are to be found in the original French.I've lost count of how many times I've lain in a darkened room and left this album on repeat and reveled in it for hours on end. Stunning string arrangements by Jean Claude Vannier set against proto hip-hop like beats twenty years ahead of their time, along with Gainsbourg's mellifluous drawl, make this album as fresh as the day it was released. Go on - treat yourself!...con,Nue...Genius!
J**T
Best album of all time?
Treated myself to this as love the album so much for many years. I'm old skool and like to use the CD player when cooking, so a great addition to my vinyl and CD collection!
K**0
great orchestration and arrangement
great orchestration and arrangement,some sublime bass playing and subtle psychedelic guitar playing,a real find despite not understanding a word of French.
F**E
Serge
Really like this. If you know of Mr Gainsbourg then this album is a must. A comprehensive c.d and interesting DVD telling of the making of this album.Go on YouTube and watch him. Interesting character, always smoking, always...and likes the odd drink, and lady!
W**5
Five Stars
So good I named my daughter Melody after it.Sublime
Trustpilot
3 weeks ago
2 weeks ago