As light as air (Moon Safari - Air)

Member Name: pontecaille

Product:	Moon Safari - Air
Date:	18/07/01 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: excellent value, lovely music, for once it is a French band

Disadvantages: none, none, none

The French music is hardly known in Great Britain or even worldwide. Mind you French people tend more to turn towards American or British incomings also. That is why few years ago, some radio stations launched a special programme to promote French music. To do so they decided to broadcast less foreign songs. It was a good initiative as it allowed to French composers or singers to be heard and to value their work. Of course the good oldies are still in the air but far less than before.

The first time I heard about “Air” was in Edinburgh. My manager used to play the CD every night in the restaurant. I appreciated it straight away and went in a music shop to get it. It is as light as air. The band was created by Jean-Benoît Dunckel (who was student in architecture) and Nicolas Godin. The album is one of the most loved by disc jockeys.

Originally the album was supposed to be only a project by Nicolas, a music lover. He signed his first titles (Modulor, Sourcelab) thanks to Mo’Wax, the famous TripHop English label. He had a nice success and asked to Jean-Benoit to help him out. Few months later they finished an album called “Moon Safari” and it was a hit in GB but also in 40 other countries. Out of the ten titles of this CD, 3 only are sung, 2 by an American singer Beth Hirsch and one by Air.
It is a light music, close to easy listening and retro style. Every time I listen to it, I have this feeling of holidays coming and the unforgettable summer seasons this safari is a unique journey as it goes through the Milky Way. Nicolas et Jean Benoit are like two astronauts showing us the beauty of the stars and the universe using electronic and old-fashioned sounds. I say old-fashioned because the music coming out of the instruments is similar to the one from the 80’s. I relate quite easily to the album and it is part of my daily musical absorption. It might be out of the charts quickly like many critics say but it def
initely is an excellent album to me.

The album is composed of:
“La Femme d’Argent” meaning literally “The Silver Woman”. Orgues, pianos and moog are the main instruments and it is very soft.
“Sexy Boy” is more of a hymn for gay people on a rockish and Garbage length.
“All I Need” is a guitar playing song and is for me the best piece. Very emotional song.
“Kelly Watch The Stars”
“Talisman” is the central piece of the album and represents a classical work of art.
“Remember” marvellous piece of guitar at the end giving another dimension.
“You Make It Easy” well wrote sensitive lyrics.
“Ce Matin La”
“New Star In The Sky”
“Le Voyage De Penelope”

They want to redefine the music and the world by the imaginary notion. The album becomes then mystic with Multiples influences, popular and in the same time contemporary style. They went on a tour in the USA and the concert hall was full of Americans something quite rare when a French band performs there. I am not surprised to know that most of the sales come mainly from outside the Hexagon.
So go and get the album, it is excellent.

It is the first time I make an opinion on a band so I would appreciate your comments.
Thanks for reading.

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