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Finally, an album has come out this year that I can review. Even though I have a few old ones to finish, I thought I would take a break.  Due to the miracle of technology I was able to listen to this album a few days before it comes out.  Why? you might ask.  Two reasons: because I could and Beck.

Charlotte Gainsbourg is a French actress and the daughter of Serge Gainsbourg.  She has a few solo albums, but this one has been making serious waves as of the last few months.  She is joined on this album by Beck, who produced, co-wrote lyrics, arranged songs, provided backing vocals and other technical things of that sort throughout.  The end result: amazing.

Charlotte’s haunting vocals floating over Beck’s samples or guitar work are fantastic.  ‘Time of the Assassin’, ‘La Collectionneuse’ and ‘Le Chat du Café Des Artistes’ are mesmerizing.  Then you have Beck’s trademark sound on ‘Master’s Hand’, ‘Dandelion’, ‘Heaven Can Wait’ and ‘Voyage’.  If you place Beck’s Modern Guilt and Sea Change in a blender with a French singer, you would have this album.

I’ve been looking forward to this album for some time, and I’m glad that it is finally getting released this Tuesday.  As much as I want Beck to make new material of his own I’m glad that he can work so well with others to make something just as amazing.  I have a feeling this album will do well this year; it just catches you off guard at a few points and you feel wonderful.

My first review of new music for the decade, and I’m glad I picked a solid album. You won’t be disappointed if you want something soothing and fresh.

PS – Do you miss 90s guitar rock?  ‘Floating Vibes’ by Surfer Blood, go!