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Serge Gainsbourg

Histoire De Melody Nelson (LP, Clear)

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*Crystal Clear Wax* 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 his 1971 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 (L’Enfant Assassins Des Mouches), 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.

Light In The Attic’s reissue of Histoire De Melody Nelson finally gives this still radical record the respect and attention to detail it so rightfully deserves. Dispelling countless myths, hearsay, and rumors surrounding Nelson, New York-based writer Andy Beta contributes a stylish essay for your edification while Finders Keepers’ honcho and Twisted Nerve founder Any Votel shares his deep knowledge of Gainsbourg and the Gallic/UK music scenes with great insight – never before have these stories been told. The maestro himself even chimes in with a period Q&A interview from France’s Rock N Folk Magazine, and printed lyrics (both with English translations).

So as we said before, sex sells, and yes, we are buying. With its massive inspiration reaching out to the quintessential rap of De La Soul and The Beatnuts to like-minded and eclectic singer-songwriter, Nelson continues to entrance. Light In The Attic looks forward to continuing to spread Gainsbourg’s provocative message to thrill seekers the world over…

“There’s an ambition, a conceptual depth to Melody Nelson that’s incredibly hard to pull off but which Gainsbourg does completely. It’s very cool and its dynamic is genius…It’s one of the greatest marriages of rock band and orchestra that I’ve ever heard.” - Beck

  • Old school style tip-on gatefold jacket with the original artwork
  • Insert includes 1971 Q&A interview with Serge and liner notes by Andy Beta
  • LP pressed at RTI
Details
Cat. number: LITA 040
Year: 2024

Release notes

Contains white label with the following text: * "One of the greatest marriages of rock band and orchestra that I´ve ever heard" - Beck 10/10 - Best New Reissue - Pitchfork 5/5 - AllMusic * Featuring extensive notes revealing the untold story behind this landmark release and a 1971 Q&A interview with Serge *180 gram LP * Old school style tip-on gatefold jacket with the original art *Remastered from the original tapes Originally released on March 24th, 1971 as Philips 6 325 071

Tracklist
A1Melody7:33
A2Ballade De Melody Nelson2:00
A3Valse De Melody1:32
A4Ah! Melody1:46
B1L'Hotel Particulier4:08
B2En Melody3:27
B3Cargo Culte7:40
Credits
Brian Odgers
Bass
Jean-Claude Vannier
Conductor, Arranged By
Kiki Ajidarma
Design [Re-Release]
Dougie Wright
Drums
Jean-Luc Ponty
Electric Violin
Chris Ferraro
Executive-Producer [Re-Release]
Drew Christie
Illustration
Vic Flick
Lead Guitar
Andy Beta
Liner Notes
Tony Frank
Photography By
Andy Votel
Producer [Re-Release]
Jean-Claude Charvier
Recorded By
Rémy Aucharles
Recorded By [Assistant]
Dave Cooley
Remastered By
Big Jim Sullivan
Rhythm Guitar
Jane Birkin
Vocals
Serge Gainsbourg
Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Written-By

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