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BUY + LISTEN |
NOUVELLE VAGUE (LUAKA BOP) |
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Nouvelle Vague is an interesting reinterpretive effort, to say the least. Marc Collins and Oliver Libaus, “two well seasoned multi-instrumentalists/producers” going under the name Nouvelle Vague, have decided to rework - drastically, I might add - works from the “classic post-punk period from 1978-1981” into bossa nova! Bossa new wave? (Note: A couple of these tracks fall outside the listed time period, but whatever ...) Funny though this may seem at first, there’s actually more than just throwaway novelty tracks at work here. These are engaging and interesting pieces in their own right. A Euro-sounding bossa remake of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” opens the disc; from there you move to a perkier take on Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough.” A more contemplative return to the first tracks kicked back pace occurs with TuxedoMoon’s “In a Manner of Speaking.” The Clash get reworked in a reserved and jazzy but full of attitude version of “Guns of Brixton.” Pil’s “This is Not a Love Song” gets a sultry bossa nova reinvention. Perhaps the most startling title in the track list is The Dead Kennedy’s “Too Drunk to Fuck,” whichs ups the pace (for bossa nova) to a dancey rhythm; with the lyrics, vocal presentation and overall feel, this is one of the strongest tracks on the disc. Sister of Mercy’s “Marian” kicks off with a catchy percussion groove and brings in the gentle acoustic guitar for a nice chilled groove. “Making Plans for Nigel” by XTC is a hooky bit of downtempo and “A Forest” by The Cure (sweet!) is another one of my favorite reworkings herein (of course I’m biased since I really dig this song). “I Melt With You” from Modern English gets light grooves, guitar and some xylophoney stuff - along with curled lips and lipstick attitude. The Undertones’ “Teenage Highs” adds some understated fuzz guitar to the bossa nova sound and comes off quite nicely. Killing Joke’s “Psyche” is almost downtempo backed spoken word. “Friday Night Saturday Morning” from The Specials gets a revamp that comes off strongly as shoegazer pop. “Sorry for Laughing,” a Josef K track, closes this unique disc with a folky singer/songwriter flavor. This disc won’t appeal to everyone, but those who want some interesting reinterpretations or who just like offbeat variations of this style of music will find much to enjoy here. -- review by Kristofer Upjohn
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