Charlotte Gainsbourg | 5:55 (U.S. Release April 24)

Since Charlotte Gainsbourg’s 5:55 is finally finding it’s way to U.S. shores (courtesy of Vice Records), I figured i’d dig up this old review I did back in December of this excellent album. If you happened to let this slip past your radar, than this is a perfect time to catch up. Read it up, and pick this up when it’s released on April 24!

If you happened to catch The Science of Sleep during it’s theatrical run a few months ago, than you may remember a French actress by the name of Charlotte Gainsbourg. Sadly, I did not get to see this film because it never made it to the theater here in Auburn. I’d rather not drive all the way to Atlanta or something just to go to a theater, so i’ll have to wait till it’s out on dvd unfortunately. That’s neither here nor there as if you indeed remember that actress than you’ll be glad to know that she released (internationally) her second full-length release to coincide with the film – the album is titled 5:55. I’ve been listening to most of this amazing album for a couple of months now, and it absolutely asks for a U.S. release as it perfectly goes along musically with the current winter season.

It’s been a decade between 5:55 and her debut, which was written by her father – the late Serge Gainsbourg (mother Jane Birkin) who was a French pop star in the 70’s. On 5:55 an amazing ensemble of collaborators was assembled to assist with this album – I mean this is truly an all-star collaborative effort. Lyrics were written by former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker and Neil fucking Hannon (will just refer to him as that from now on) of The Divine Comedy. To add to what would already be considered brilliant in it’s own right just from those two lyricists, she also managed to bring in the help of French electro ambient group Air and producer Nigel Godrich – both Charlotte happened to meet at a recent Radiohead concert apparently.

So does this abundance of talent involved equal success for the album? A resounding yes in my opinion. From the opening title track you see right away the work of Air – who by this point just complete masters at their craft – with their familiar dream-like keyboards and driving bass lines. This along with Charlotte’s vocals – which kinda have a hint of frailty to them, just envelopes the entire album in this sound that comes off as dark and mysterious. Not to say everything is completely covered in gloom, as tracks like “Everything I Cannot See” add some appreciated pop sensibilities.

5:55 seems to be a wonderful follow-up after such a lengthy period between recording albums (she has worked with numerous artists over the years though). There’s no definite word on a U.S. release, as there are hints of a possiblity in the spring sometime. For now, will just have to deal with it being an import (not anymore! – ed.).

myspace / website / buy
Charlotte Gainsbourg | “The Operation”
Charlotte Gainsbourg | “Everything I Cannot See”

This entry was posted on Monday, April 16th, 2007 at 2:44 am and is filed under Reviews, The Yellow Stereo, Upcoming. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.