Author: Bashung, Alain

Format: Remixes included

Release Date: 19-11-2002

Details: Product Description 2002 album for one of France's biggest recording artists. Guests include Marc Ribot, Arto Lindsay, Simon Edwards (Talk Talk), Martyn Barker (Shriekback) & Steve Nieve (Elvis Costello). Universal. Amazon.ca "Dark" is the word that immediately comes to mind when describing L'Imprudence, a deeply haunting record with few equivalents in French music. It is a setting in which Bashung's art is clearly too confined, as evidenced by the diverse backgrounds of the musicians he invited to support him in this endeavor. Such as, for example, faithful guitarist Marc Ribot—a pillar of the New York downtown scene and a friend of Bashung since Chatterton—who twists the entire work with his fundamentally atypical playing, or his compatriot Arto Lindsay, who is also present. The others are no less remarkable. The rhythm section, powerfully sensual yet complex, is provided by Simon Edwards, former bassist for Talk Talk, and Martyn Barker, former drummer for Shriekback. The magical piano chords are the work of Steve Nieve (spotted with Elvis Costello), and some metallic percussion is played by jazzman Mino Cinelu. However, the album owes the essence of its urban opulence, paradoxically both heavy and airy (much like the previous Novice and Fantaisie militaire), to the production of Jean Lamoot, a true director/sound designer assisted by a few young electronic enthusiasts, including Ludovic Bourse (a close associate of Zend Avensta, who is also present) and Mobile In Motion. Jean Fauque, as well as Miossec, for a single track that closes the record beautifully ("Faisons envie"), have written precious lyrics. Many of the lexical discoveries refer to musical atmospheres that play like cinema for the ears—notably when a Morricone-esque harmonica resonates. Bashung hovers over the whole, imperial, with his famous talk-over style that evokes Gainsbourg. At such a level of intensity, around here, there is hardly anyone else besides the latter and Christophe. Among Anglo-Saxons, one might cite the Wyatt of Rock Bottom—a sacred reference—for a certain slightly macabre crack that does not exclude humor. Or, even better, Mark Hollis of Talk Talk. In short: a dizzying opus. Certainly not Bashung's most accessible, but by far the most intoxicating. One of those you return to constantly, without needing to be asked. --Philippe Robert

UPC: 766489616223

EAN: 0766489616223

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood