Tracks
- Melody
- Ballade de Melody Nelson
- Valse de Melody
- Ah! Melody
- L'hôtel particulier
- En Melody
- Cargo culte
Histoire de Melody Nelson is a lurid album. The music is French rock. From the start it's obvious this kind of rock isn't a descendent of the blues. There is a funky rhythm and there are fleeting riffs, but the music sounds owes more to classical music quartets and theatrical music à la Jacques Brel.
If you can't understand French or if you haven't read the English version of the lyrics, you might think this is a sexy album. There is a strong sense of style. Serge Gainsbourg's voice is seductive and the music is cool. It all seems so innocent, that is, until you figure out what he's singing about. The gist is that he has a romance with a young girl. Perhaps that's what all middle-aged men dream of, but when it's told in this manner it's quite depraved and repulsive.
Despite the lyrics, which will be unintelligible and even appealing to most, this album is really good. It has a wonderfully crisp and clear sound. I think it should be listened to, but I don't think it belongs on the 1001 Albums list. Had there been more representation of music from outside the US and UK, I'd be more inclined to say this belongs on the list. But within the context of the list, there is no understanding how this album stands in the world of French rock.
All the songs sound great. Melody, L'hôtel particulier and Cargo culte are the real stand outs.
★★★★★★★★★☆
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