SERGE GAINSBOURG - HISTOIRE DE MELODY NELSON

Fantastic stuff – and a record that may well be the greatest ever from the mighty Serge Gainsbourg – high praise indeed, considering the greatness of Gainsbourg's other music! The album is one long suite built around a spare, electric bass-driven theme – a slow funk riff that's been sampled countless times over the years, and which has gotten the album continuous play on both sides of the Atlantic for many many years. The mighty Jean-Claude Vannier handles the arrangements, and Serge mutters the lyrics over the top, in a raspy loud whisper – while the funky rhythms dart in and out of odd washes of sound, and unusual eerie sounds. There's a very strong soundtrack feel to the album, as waves of music envelop the lyrics – tripped out in funky beats that have become legendary over the years, thanks to some very famous samples! Titles include "En Melody", "Cargo Culte", "Ballade De Melody Nelson", "Valse De Melody", "Ah! Melody", and "L'Hotel Particulier". Amazing box set version features the whole record on CD and LP, plus a full bonus CD and LP of alternate takes from the album – a real treasure trove of grooves – plus both vocal and instrumental versions of "Melody Lit Babar"! DVD features the original album 5.1 mix – and a 40 minute documentary on the making of the album, with optional English subtitles. Also features an oversized hardcover book – filled with notes in English and French, translations of the tunes, and even rare photos too! (DVD is NTSC coded, All Region). Source: Dusty Groove