Histoire De Melody Nelson

Before I talk about the album itself, let me share about the rabbit hole I fell down. I was about halfway through the first track, Melody, when I thought, “Man, this song *really* sounds like Beck’s song Paper Tiger. Then I remembered that Beck once produced an album for a French Singer named Charlotte Gainsbourg… I look it up, and sure enough, Charlotte is Serge’s daughter. Just an interesting couple of facts (I think this is what happens when an INTP is a big fan of music) . By the way, I looked it up and Beck actually sampled the Serge Gainsbourg track on Paper Tiger, which explains their startling similarity. The article in which I found that information about Beck sampling Serge pointed something out that hit home for me. It said that the two are rare amongst singer-songwriters in that they are as attracted to sound as they are to song. That really spells out why I don’t like most singer-songwriter music, it seems like for many of them the music is merely a vehicle for them to present their lyrics. One could say they are just poets masquerading as musicians. But there is an album of the day to talk about! To borrow a word from the succeeding generation, this album slaps. I didn’t know I needed an album that sounds like George Baker’s Little Green Bag overlaid with whispered, French, spoken-word vocals and orchestral blasts, but here I am. Serge is apparently considered the greatest musician France ever produced, and has influenced many that came after him, so he definitely belongs on the list My personal enjoyment: 4/5 Did it belong on this list: 5/5

I would say that I enjoyed the music behind this one. But knowing my history of the nation of France, I decided to look up what this album is about and boy did I find another reason to not like the french. This album is about a man hitting a 15ish year old girl on her bike with his Rolls Royce, who he then promptly falls in love with and seduces. I don’t care about the artistic intent and all that when the subject is pedophilia. Not a fan

Non-content de nous proposer une ribambelle d'albums rock de merde. Robert Dimery, l'emminent créateur de cette liste scandaleuse n'a selectionné que deux albums français au sein des 1001. Parmi eux donc, cet album de Serge Gainsbourg, figure emblématique de la chanson française. Mais là encore, Robert avait tout faux. En effet, malgré la ribambelle d'albums comprennant au moins un titre classique de Serge Gainsbourg, Robert a trouvé le moyen de choisir un album experimental racontant une histoire dont tout le monde se fout, d'autant plus que les décérébrés votants du générateurs ne pipent pas un mot de français (ce qui vous en conviendrait, démontre une fois de plus leur manque flagrant de culture). La France est donc representee par cet album ridicule ou le Serge s'amuse a nous susurrer des mots a l'oreille, ce qui me plaça dans un inconfort palpable. Le pire dans tout ça, c'est que celui sur qui nos derniers espoirs reposent n'est autre que le hautement surcoté MC Solaar, que je me devrai de sanctionner d'une note assassine pour l'ensemble de son oeuvre. Ce mercredi matin ne démarre clairement pas de la meilleure des manières, d'autant plus que comme vous le savez, il semblerait que je n'ai plus d'eau chaude a mon domicile.

wtf, this is absolute crap. like an even less interesting, less musical version of that moby turd. singer just whispers in french with the mic INSIDE his mouth, music is just sporadic jazzy numbers. I'm sure artists think it's cool, but i think it fucken sucks.

no, no, no. absolutely not. i don't care if many music critics and personnel find this influential and life changing. this album is about statutory rape! i was going to give it 2 stars because musically, it wasn't too bad of an album, but that was until i got to the sex noises in "en melody". what on earth is this album? i wish i could give 0 stars.

I saw a documentary about Serge Gainsbourg maybe a dozen years ago, and that made me a fan. Fascinating person and artist. This album is great. It's very, well, Serge Gainsboug. Weirdly accessible, even in the 2020's, and even though I don't understand any of the lyrics because I know maybe a dozen words in French (nearly all food, my fellow fromage-heads). The musical arrangements are fantastic, and, wow, that guitarist can play! Somehow, with the music playing underneath the spoke French dialogue, it just works. This is one I'll listen to again.

the instrumentation and production are impressive, but the concept is cringey AF

Fuck this ode to pedophilia.

French music is already way overrepresented in this list, but now you want me to listen to an album about a lecherous old pedophile "romancing" an underage girl? FUCK NO! "Oh this album is so influential" say sexual predators, creepy old bastard men and rape apologists because it gives their sick and disturbed predilections validation. This album is garbage and should be wiped from the cultural landscape.

Who is ̶K̶e̶y̶s̶e̶r̶ ̶S̶o̶z̶e̶ Melody Nelson? Had I the fluency required to understand this album I might have enjoyed it more (the Wikipedia certainly didn't help), but it's just not something I'd ever want to return to. It wasn't half bad, and I actually enjoyed the background music and chords that played throughout, but by god it sounded like this man was recording post mic-consumption, and I just couldn't get past that.

I thought his voice sounded so creepy so I looked up what the album was actually about: “Its Lolita-esque pseudo-autobiographical narrative follows the illicit romance that develops between the middle-aged Gainsbourg and 15-year old girl Melody Nelson.” Yeah, no. This was gonna be a 2 based off what I initially heard and now it’s a 1.

No thanks. I actually hear the air from his mouth. Grosses me out

Sauvegarder Avant: Rien Dès Le Début: Melody, Ballade De Melody Nelson, Valse de Melody, Ah Melody, L'hôtel particulier, En Melody, Cargo culte (c'est à dire tout l'album) Presque Sauvegarder: Rien Notes Générales: As someone who speaks French, I figure my two-cents is valid here. In terms of the "Lolita" part of the wikipedia page, that's really not a big part of the narrative and the whole narrative is clearly not meant to be taken seriously as the guy meets her after hitting her with his Rolls Royce as he's driving on the sidewalk. The music is the most important part, and once you let Gainsbourg's mic-swallowing exist in the atmosphere of the tracks it's not so jarring. Would've been a 5 if it was longer, I just wish it had more time to develop some of those songs. But I guess that's the point of the album, it's a short fling from car crash to plane crash. 4.5 that gets rounded to a 4 for length.

Tre merde !

Pretty groovy. Really dope precision bass tone. Sexy French lyrics I don’t understand at all. Super simple drums. And a throaty blues guitar. Kind of a perfect 70’s rock album

Really nice to listen to. I don't speak French, so I didn't understand most of the spoken word/sung lyrics, but I'm sure it was all very innocent and wholesome, right? Right?

There are more pedos than women on this fucking list...

lost one star for perving on a minor, and another for being french. if you perv on minors, you deserve to suffer. if you’re french, fucking kill yourself. music was ok though.

How come I didn't even know about this album before? I've heard of Serge Gainsbourg, but never in context of music. And now I know what a mistake that was. Histoire De Melody Nelson is a really well crafted album (although very short, just 27 minutes), that combines four main pillars, that could stand on their own anywhere else: - a funky bass line, that welcomes us to the album and doesn't leave us until the last notes - guitar with incredibly psychedelic solos, you could easily mistake it for a Pink Floyd part - orchestral elements added by Jean-Claude Vannier, adding another dimension to the album - and finally the vocal of Gainsbourg, soft and very deep voice, mostly just talking, is like a perfect topping for this musical cake. The whole album feels like a jam session of four musicians playing different genres of music, but somehow not only it works well, but is absolutely amazing. One of the easiest 5 stars on this list, especially among the albums I have never heard of.

When I think of Serge Gainsbourg, I’m immediately reminded of the surreal TV tribute by Les Petits Chanteurs d’Asnières—a children’s choir dressed in dark shades, each holding a fake cigarette and a glass of "whiskey," belting out one of Gainsbourg's hits. Meanwhile, a teary-eyed Gainsbourg chain-smokes real cigarettes as he watches. Bizarre barely begins to describe it. This odd tribute captures Gainsbourg’s world—one that feels completely culturally, ideologically, and musically alien to me. Histoire de Melody Nelson treads a similarly mystifying line, presenting the unsettling story of a middle-aged man (played by Gainsbourg) infatuated with a 15-year-old girl (played by the very much of-age Jane Birkin). Even by the standards of the '60s and '70s, this was a taboo subject. Viewed through today’s lens, it can provoke strong repulsion, a reaction that is entirely understandable- and even justified. Yet, this perspective risks conflating the art with its disturbing themes. Much like Anthony Hopkins' chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, the protagonist of Histoire de Melody Nelson is not meant to be sympathetic, yet his story remains compelling. The Silence of the Lambs excels through its taut storytelling, masterful pacing, and relentless psychological tension, rendering Lecter’s monstrous nature both horrifying and fascinating. Similarly, Histoire de Melody Nelson captivates with its seductive orchestration and avant-garde arrangements, even as the narrative unfolds in a morally troubling manner. Musically, the album is a tour de force, with Jean-Claude Vannier’s brilliant arrangements at the forefront. The lush string sections, combined with funky basslines and jazzy percussion, create an intoxicating contrast between elegance and raw emotion. Each track transitions seamlessly into the next, crafting a cinematic experience that feels like a fever dream—unsettling yet beautiful. Vannier’s orchestration is both grand and minimal, featuring moments of baroque splendour that draw the listener deeper into the album’s strange world. Jane Birkin’s voice, with its suitably lustful and breathy delivery, perfectly embodies the naive yet seductive character of Melody. The synergy of Gainsbourg’s murky storytelling, Vannier’s lush instrumentation, and Birkin’s ethereal performance make Histoire de Melody Nelson an album where the music itself is as compelling and provocative as the story it tells. The album’s innovative use of strings and its brooding, cinematic quality can be heard in the work of Trip Hop acts like Portishead and fellow Frenchmen Air, who similarly blend melancholic orchestration with moody, atmospheric textures. Gainsbourg’s fusion of orchestral grandeur with modern sounds laid the groundwork, making Histoire de Melody Nelson not just a product of its time but a lasting influence on the evolution of experimental and genre-blending music. Does this album belong on the list in my opinion: Yes Would this album make my own list: No Will I be listening to it again: Infrequently

Histoire de Melody Nelson I have listened to this before, it’s one of those cult albums that is always on lists as being hugely influential, which is very clear as this seems the stepping off point for Portishead in particular. I love the bass, drums and guitar, particularly the bass though - what a great tone, with great melodicism and it’s perfectly placed in the mix, anchoring as well as moving the songs forward. The string arrangements are excellent too, cinematic and widescreen, but also slightly unsettling, kind of familiar but unsettling at the same time. Thematically it's kind of interesting to try and pick apart, and it’s kind of hard to discern whether it's pederastic fantasy, or a Lolita-esque treatise on obsession. He certainly had a tendency for relationships with women much younger than him, and this album could quite easily be seen as a pervy endorsement of relationships with teenage children, but equally seen as narrative fantasy, with any paedophillic readings telling you more about the listener than him. I guess it probably falls somewhere between the two, and the openness to interpretation is deliberate and what makes it such a fascinating piece of art. Musically I do love this, as I say the bass is excellent, the production is superb and as a 30 minute narrative sing cycle it is excellent. The marriage of funk with cinematic strings with atonal tendencies, and the occasional French folk element gives it a propulsive yet slightly off kilter atmosphere, which feeds into the whole narrative theme of it. I’ll go 4, I can’t quite work out whether the ick is central to it’s quality or detracts from it slightly. 🧅🧅🧅🧅 Playlist submission: Melody

If soft core porn were an album. This would be it. The male voice trying to be sultry gave me a bit of cringe thinking that he was talking to the 15 year old girl on the album cover. It's the kind of album you listen to at night after your wife has gone to bed. All that aside, the music had nice get high and relax feel to it. It seemed almost timeless considering it's from 1971. It could easily have fit into any decade. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to but I wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.

C'est en lisant dans le livre des 1001 la critique d'un certain JiH dans le grimoire de Robert que j'ai enfin ouvert les yeux ; cette compilation des 1001 albums ne s'adresse qu'à la communauté hipster. Pas question pour l'éditeur et ses complices de sélectionner un album à succès, non, jamais. Il est ici question de choisir l'un des albums les moins connus de l'artiste afin de jouer au connaisseur et pisser sur le mainstream. Une bien triste vision des choses que je dénoncerai en message privé à l'intéressé, puisque je le connais.

While I would not go back and listen again, I definitely felt cool while listening 😆

Probably the most pretentious, least enjoyable pile of absolute shit I've ever heard. Who the hell is this for besides music students who need to pretend that awful music is good to feel smart?

This sounds like the musicians were told to play as quietly and with as few notes as possible while the singer talked into and had mouth sex with his microphone. Garbage.

1971 concept album by French songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. Histoire de Melody Nelson is considered by many critics and fans to be Gainsbourg's most influential and accomplished work, as well as one of the greatest French-language albums in popular music. Its Lolita-esque pseudo-autobiographical narrative follows the illicit romance that develops between the middle-aged Gainsbourg and 15-year old girl Melody Nelson. While it became a pivotal album of the 1970s and was instrumental in the development of French rock music and trip hop genre... Thanks, Wiki! I was surprised by the sound of this album. Spoken word "whispering" vocal... The funky bassline is cool! Since I like trip-hop it was interesting to hear the music that influenced some representatives of this genre... French female voice pronouncing "Melodie Nelson" is sitting in my head all the day :)))

Just an effortlessly cool album, you can hear how much it influenced another great French artist, AIR. I will be digging through his catalog. Love the jazz influence and just really solid guitar and bass.

Really enjoyed this! Epic orchestral moments along with some good ol’ rock music that felt like a bit of a jam session. Felt really modern too. Maybe lots of people have been influenced by him but it all just felt really familiar. A couple of tracks properly sounded so much like Nick Cave & Kylie’s ‘Wild Rose’ track, I’d be shocked if they weren’t straight up trying to make a Serge Gainsbourg track when they made it. Will defo revisit this album.

Not the masterpiece it is usually hailed as, but very original and atmospheric. An album where to come back from time to time.

The french lyrics and slow melody is reminiscent to beatnik spoken word sessions in a cafe shrouded in cigerette smoke. Overall, a mysterious and alluring mix of rock and jazz.

Love the frwnch language! Hat french people

If you think the concept of this record is crazy, just wait until you hear about the song/music video he made with his daughter in 1984.

cool!

I really liked this album.

"Historie de Melody Nelson" is a concept album by French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. It was arranged and co-written by Jean-Claude Vannier and produced by Jean-Claude Desmarty. The album concept follows an illicit romance which develops between the middle-aged narrator (Serge) and a 14 year-old girl Melody Nelson (portrayed by British-French actress, singer and Serge's then-partner Jane Birkin). The music and vocals are a mix of funk-style electric guitar and bass, spoken word and Sprechgesang (talking and singing) vocal styles and lush strings and choral arrangements. Many critics consider this album as one of the greatest French-language albums in popular music history. The seven-minute "Melody" opens the album. Serge's deep, cigarette-soaked voice talking softly. The guitar, bass and drums eventually get louder. Strings are added and there's an air of suspense as the narrator collides his rolls royce into a girl, Melody, on a bike. They exchange information. A pyschedelic guitar gives this a spy movie sound. Jane Birkin vocals appear in "Ballade de Melody Nelson" as she and the narrator talk and the narrator falls in love. A thumping bass and guitar at the start with strings coming in later to accentuate the emotion. Serge is whispering throughout "L'Hôtel particulier" as he meets Melody at a secretive hotel to have sex. Lush and prancing strings. The funk and 60's style guitar really gets going in "En Melody." There's laughter of a girl and then just silence with the wind blowing as an airplane crashes with Melody in it as she is returning home to Sunderland. The narrator laments Melody's death in the closer "Cargo culte." Soft music initially that builds. A vocal choir in the background. Some nice garage, pyschedelic guitar. The narrator compares his misguided hope of Melody returning to the Cargo cults of Melanesia. Now this is a compelling album , notwithstanding the age of the female involved. Suspense, drama, romance, sadness. The string and horn arrangements and core band perfectly fit the story moments are they are told. Excellent arrangements. The band is great...pyschedelic and funky bass and guitar. Serge talks, whispering and sings. This is a great album and I see why it has influenced many and is held in such high esteem.

For a few decades, Serge Gainsbourg was likely the most famous rock star that France had ever produced. It wouldn't be until the 90s and early 2000s that we got the likes of Daft Punk, Air, and Phoenix, and they all had to performe in English to achieve their fame. Before then Gainsbourg was it. His influence would end up being huge by the 90s, finding new life among some indie artists, and especially the emerging trip hop scene. Famous fans included Beck, Air, Portishead, R.E.M., Stereolab, and countless others. Mike Patton of Faith No More would later join Lovage, which was practically a Serge Gainsbourg tribute band. Less flattering, but the idea of a short, sort of ugly man being a 60s sex symbol would be an a model for the character of Austin Powers. "Melody Nelson" was Gainsbourg's masterpiece and his only really fully formed album. The plot concerns a very seedy narrator (who uncomfortably resembles Gainsbourg himself) hitting an underage girl with his car before trying to seduce her. The idea is repulsive but the story is vivid. Not all main characters need to be likeable and this one certainly isn't. Musically, the album is built around themes and expertly blends rock with orchestral arrangements. He certainly wasn't the first to do this but the style is something different here. Whereas other artists might inject an element of classical music to elevate the sound, here the orchestra feels dragged down by the overall seediness of it all. "Melody Nelson" set a template for all kinds of chill, sexy, and carefree music that would eventually converge with 80s hip hop and 90s indie rock for some amazing music. Sleazy as the content may be, this album is certainly noteworthy

I loved this album for years, and really feel like it continues to stand out as a unique and beautiful piece of work. I don't know any French so had no idea about the Lolita-esque "ick" factors with the concept. Unfortunately this initially soured my previous appreciation of the album and I have had a tough time listening through and connecting with the vocalists as much as I used to. At the end of the day, I remind myself that these are characters in a story created by an artist who prides himself in being controversial. No children were harmed in the making of this album and the goal does not seem to be an "advocation" of the narrators egregious acts (though again I don't know French so can only read synopses and do not understand the nuisances of the language). Reflecting on what initially drew me to the album: his voice is amazing, there is so much musical variation and depth across it's short runtime, it was and continues to be cutting edge, it's funky and expressive, and it all comes full circle through masterful sequencing. For a non-french speaker like me, what is there not to love? 5/5

<sigh>

Somewhere within my last 100 albums, I had Let's Get Killed by David Holmes, which underwhelmed me except for one song - Don't Die Just Yet. That song stood out so much I had to figure out why, and I discovered it samples this album. So after that I listened to this Serge Gainsbourg album. I really enjoyed it and have listened to it a couple times since then before generating it today. (And now I know why it already sounded familiar because I listen to a lot of Beck as well.) Anyway, I'm going to rate this a 5 because that's how I felt about the music - which is fantastic - before learning the content of the lyrics just now. I genuinely hope the point is to be disturbed by the character on this album, but...to what end? I've given low ratings to several albums because of creepy or downright misogynistic lyrics. But was that easier because I didn't really like the music that much either? Why should this album get a pass? I can't answer that right now. I will reflect and read some think pieces. Maybe I will change my rating.

A fascinating piece of work. As soon as it started I recognised the trip hop influences. Really enjoyed this, will definitely listen again. Hey, it's not the most modern storyline but lots of people here don't realise France didn't have an age of consent "at all" until recently and only then set it at 15 in 2001.

Beautiful album, somewhat haunting at times too. Love the orchestra that plays throughout the album and the really funky guitar playing on En Melody. Gainsbourgs voice is beautiful too.

## In-Depth Review of *Histoire De Melody Nelson* by Serge Gainsbourg Serge Gainsbourg's *Histoire De Melody Nelson*, released in 1971, stands as a seminal work in the landscape of French music. This concept album is a daring exploration of themes such as desire, obsession, and the complexities of illicit love, all wrapped in a lush musical tapestry. The album's narrative follows a middle-aged man's infatuation with a young girl named Melody Nelson, echoing the controversial themes found in Nabokov's *Lolita*. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its lasting influence while also weighing its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Histoire De Melody Nelson* are both provocative and poetic, showcasing Gainsbourg's mastery of language. The narrative unfolds through a series of vignettes that depict the narrator's obsession with Melody. The opening track, "Melody," introduces her character with an almost dreamlike quality: > "A little animal / That Melody Nelson / An adorable tomboy / And such a delightful child / Who I only knew for a moment." These lines set the tone for the album’s exploration of fleeting beauty and tragic desire. Gainsbourg's use of imagery is striking; he paints vivid scenes that oscillate between romantic and unsettling. In "L’hôtel Particulier," he describes a sordid hotel room where their relationship unfolds: > "If it’s available, say that you want room forty-four / They call it here the Cleopatra room..." This juxtaposition of lush descriptions against morally ambiguous actions creates a tension that permeates the entire album. Gainsbourg’s delivery—part spoken word, part singing—adds to the raw intimacy of the lyrics, allowing listeners to feel the weight of his words even if they do not understand French. ### Music Musically, *Histoire De Melody Nelson* is groundbreaking. The album features a blend of rock, funk, and orchestral arrangements that was innovative for its time. Collaborating with composer Jean-Claude Vannier, Gainsbourg crafted a sound that is both lush and minimalist. The prominent use of bass guitar by Herbie Flowers drives many tracks, providing a sensual groove that complements the lyrical content. The opening track "Melody" features a hypnotic bassline and sparse instrumentation that gradually builds tension. This is contrasted by "Cargo Culte," which closes the album with sweeping orchestral arrangements that evoke a sense of melancholy and reflection. The production is meticulous; every element—from the strings to the background vocals—serves to enhance the narrative and emotional depth of the songs. ### Production The production quality of *Histoire De Melody Nelson* is exceptional. Jean-Claude Vannier's arrangements are integral to the album’s success, blending elements from various genres to create a cohesive soundscape. Vannier’s orchestration elevates Gainsbourg’s provocative lyrics into something resembling high art rather than mere pop music. The album's short runtime (approximately 28 minutes) is another notable aspect; it delivers its narrative efficiently without overstaying its welcome. This brevity contributes to its impact, leaving listeners wanting more while also providing a complete story arc. ### Themes Thematically, *Histoire De Melody Nelson* grapples with complex issues surrounding desire and morality. The relationship between the narrator and Melody raises uncomfortable questions about age, consent, and obsession. Critics have noted that while Gainsbourg's portrayal can be seen as an exploration of forbidden love, it also risks romanticizing predatory behavior. The album’s exploration of innocence lost is poignant; it reflects on fleeting moments of beauty and desire against a backdrop of societal taboos. Gainsbourg himself described his work as surrealistic and fantastical, distancing it from reality while simultaneously engaging deeply with human emotions. ### Influence The influence of *Histoire De Melody Nelson* extends far beyond its initial release. It has been cited as an inspiration by numerous artists across genres—from Beck to Portishead—who have drawn on its innovative blend of orchestration and lyrical boldness. The album has been credited with laying groundwork for genres such as trip-hop and has influenced modern cinematic scoring. Critics have hailed it as one of the greatest French-language albums in history, often placing it alongside other masterpieces in popular music. Its unique sound continues to resonate with contemporary musicians who admire Gainsbourg’s fearless approach to songwriting. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Innovative Sound:** The combination of rock, funk, and orchestral elements creates a unique listening experience. - **Lyrical Depth:** Gainsbourg’s lyrics are rich in imagery and emotion, prompting deep reflection on complex themes. - **Cultural Impact:** The album has influenced countless artists and remains relevant in discussions about music history. **Cons:** - **Controversial Themes:** The subject matter may alienate some listeners due to its portrayal of an inappropriate relationship. - **Accessibility:** Non-French speakers may miss nuances in the lyrics without translations. - **Short Runtime:** While some appreciate its brevity, others may feel that it leaves too much unsaid. ### Conclusion Serge Gainsbourg's *Histoire De Melody Nelson* is an audacious work that challenges listeners both musically and thematically. Its blend of provocative lyrics and innovative sound has solidified its place in music history as a landmark album that continues to inspire artists today. While its controversial subject matter may provoke discomfort or criticism, there is no denying its artistic merit and lasting influence on popular music. This masterpiece invites listeners into a world where beauty and darkness coexist—a testament to Gainsbourg's genius as both a songwriter and provocateur.

I listened to this on my work computer am I going to get fired? But also, "Melody" is incredible in its squirminess; song that goes just about everywhere and soars and evolves dramatically. And I never realised just how directly David Holmes ripped it off for "Don't Die Just Yet."

From the opening bass-bending strings, this is a real classic. Obviously you can blame this for that period in the late 90s where all rock music had an orchestra sloshed all over it. But the use is far more subtle here. I have no idea what Serge is perving on about underneath the music, and I don't want to know. Actually, no, I do. And well obviously the lyrics are extremely evocative. Also he talks about Sunderland. Yes. In that one where Jane Birkin is being tickled. It's so funky. And the final return to the theme of the opener but this time about cargo cults and Serge wishing for crashing planes to bring back his lost paedo desire. It's brilliant. Obviously it's ick. But it's still quite clearly brilliant. It's also, you know, fictional. Also shout out to the concept album over and done in half an hour. A few could learn from that.

The influence of this record is everywhere. 5/5

I’ve known about Serge Gainsbourg for about 25 years now, but this is my first time listening to one of his albums from start to finish. He’s truly incredible. This album has such a strong mellotron presence, giving it lush orchestral arrangements that bring out that baroque and chamber pop vibe. You also get some psychedelic rock touches and these raw, gritty guitar riffs that even flirt with a proto punk sound. The entire album is sung in French, and all those musical elements I mentioned are layered on a French pop foundation. The production is fantastic, with the bass especially standing out. This is definitely one of those albums you want to listen to with headphones to really appreciate all the sound layers. If the rest of his catalog is as solid as this, Serge Gainsbourg might just work his way into being one of my favoritesi.

My only interaction with this man before now was seeing footage of a room full of children dressed up to look like him with fake beards, whisky, and cigarettes, all singing to him as he wept. One of the funniest things I've ever watched and also this album was pretty good

utterly french, in every aspect. and absolutely brilliant

La critique va être difficile, tellement je suis fan... Mais je vais, tout de même, essayer de faire preuve d'un peu d'objectivité. 1971, le génie d'un art mineur sort un album abouti, sulfureux, voire scandaleux pour certains. Taillé dans le son anglais de l’époque, l'album est un ovni sonore. Et comme beaucoup d’albums avant-gardistes, il a eu bien du mal à trouver son public Et d'ailleurs, l'album sera un flop commercial qui attendra 12 ans pour être certifié disque d'or. Le grand Serge Gainsbourg sort en 1971 l'album "Histoire de Melody Nelson", album-concept imprégné du rock anglais et des écrits de Vladimir Nabokov. L'Histoire de Melody Nelson est un chef d'oeuvre dans la longue et quasi-irréprochable discographie de Serge Gainsbourg. C'est un album mythique, un album culte qui sera N°1 au pays de Jane. Un beau 5/5 soit une note méritée au vu de l'oeuvre et une note donnée sans aucune objectivité.

I listened to this while making a quiche and it made the entire activity seem like such a sexy endeavour.

Firstly, this is a tight half hour. No filler, no need to stretch the album out to 40-60 minutes. While this isn't what I'd consider driving music and I can't really see myself sitting down to jam with this, it's very good. It's evocative of its time without falling into a caricature of its time. And it's sexy, man. I mean, wow. I don't know anything about Serge but I'm guessing this is a time in his life where we never had to suffer a full day without someone offering him sexual favors. I have no trouble believing that this album was the soundtrack to many an intimate evening.

That was brilliant!

Very nice.

Can't believe it took this long to get to a Gainsbourg album. It's short and sweet and there should probably be about three more of his albums on this list. Perfectment

I don’t know what he’s saying, but it sounds sexy. Great drums, heavy basslines, and generally just a cool album.

Sensational album, first track is where Portishead got its sound from, the Jane Birkin lolita-like singing, beautiful and werird and big variety in type of music, 9 out of 10 French albums I find at best "okay", this is the 10th

Narratively, this album is a strange, transgressive Lolita-esque tragedy. It is purposefully repulsive and obsessive. Musically, it is phenomenal. It is delivered via spoken word and sung portions. The music features lush orchestration and great funk guitar work. It sounds very much ahead of its time and I feel like Serge Gainsbourg’s discography could be a rabbit hole for me. This album has also been incredibly influential among Beck, Portishead and others.

This one is for the pervs and the rhythm section! Gorgeous and lush, the production of this record has been imitated many times, but this is kind of singular. My only complaint is that the record is a little short.

5/5

I have the joy of appreciating both the lyrics and the music. The orchestration is great, he's a master lyricist, and has a masterful delivery

Getting mad at the story presented here is a bit like getting upset over Nabakov’s Lolita. By dismissing it totally, you kind of miss the point. It is a work of art, from the viewpoint of the bad guy. Nobody likes a pedo. Doesn’t mean you can’t tell a good story about one. And, at the time of its release, the subject of middle aged men having a mid-life crisis and chasing after ridiculously young women, was kind of the zeitgeist. Context helps when it comes to art. Musically, this is really lovely. It’s even better if you don’t understand French. The twanging guitar and rhythmic drums of En Melody can be heard decades later in bands like Stone Roses and Ride. The low driving sound of Cargo Culte could have come from a Soundgarden song. The influence of this record is everywhere.

This album exceeded all my expectations. What a concept album! An album with a theme that could almost no longer be made these days; social media would explode. Now it was also quite provocative in 1971, but 2 years earlier the big hit "je 't aime, .....moi non plus" was released by this Serge Gainsbourg and his muse and partner Jane Birkin, which already caused quite a stir. Now Serge liked provocations and the more reactions that generated, the better. Much later he managed to shock half of France with 'Lemon Incest' sung by him and his very young daughter Charlotte, accompanied by a clip that again caused quite a stir. In any case, the story of 'Histoire de Melody Nelson' is not complicated. A 40-year-old man drives a Rolls Royce in a somewhat seedy neighborhood and muses about his life. Not paying attention, he runs over a young, doll-like girl on her bicycle. He seduces her and after a short passionate relationship (a cooing Jane Birkin in L'Hotel Particulaire) Melody leaves back for England, but her plane crashes. The record is first and foremost an ode to Serge's muse and long term partner Jane Birkin: Melody is a conjugation of Jane Birkin's middle name and Nelson was a national war hero and also a hero of Jane's father. You will of course also recognize 'Lolita' by Nabakov, a book that immediately appealed to Serge Gainsbourg. The music, especially the first song of 7.5 minutes, is particularly sultry with the languid, lazy bass, the organ and the unruly guitar. It's easy to imagine why this record was such a source of inspiration for the trip hop movement from the 90s (Tricky, Portishead et al). Serge talks sometimes, then sings, and musically it is almost impossible to imagine what comes next. It's a complete musical spectrum of funk, soul, jazz rock, but also strings and a whole choir. The music was not written by Serge, but by his friend Jean Claude Vannier who might've made his best work of a lifetime. Superb

Beautiful

Very unusual, liked it!

Well. What a conflicting album this is. On the one hand, it's brilliant. Musically, lyrically, stylistically it is genuinely one of the most compelling, captivating and consuming albums I think I've ever heard. The production of it is great. On the other - the subject matter is a bit icky. I guess it's meant to be. Brilliant album. And L'hotel Particulier is absolutely stand-out. Can clearly see how it influenced Jarvis Cocker for F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E.

A mí en particular me a encantado, un adelantado a su tiempo.

It's rare to get a 5 star album from an artist you've never heard of. The bass playing on this is killer, especially the first track. The music on this album is a pleasant surprise. I don't understand anything that's being said, I almost prefer it. Most lyrics are pretty droll to me.

Listen this at: 05/02/2024

This was a surprise, I love this. That last track really hits. Cinematic, those cellos absolutely ripp

Between a four and a five. Leant the generous side due to its influence on Tranquility Hotel. And to mildly irk Myfanwy.

Un grand grand classique, orchestral, drôle et sensuel.

I don’t like the concept for this concept album, but this is by far the best concept album I’ve heard. Maybe if I was French and understood the nuance of the lyrics I could take a better stance. But musically it’s phenomenal.

beautiful

Musically this is just astonishing, like nothing else really. You can query the narrative, but it's clearly a character - like the musical equivalent of Lolita

Very cool precursor to Lou Reed

With Histoire de Melody Nelson, Gainsbourg creates the first true (and perhaps only) concept album. Precursors first linked tracks thematically, then sonically, then historically, but the tracks were always separable from the whole; the music stood up by itself. Later attempts at concept albums have culminated in epic feats of navel-gazing. Histoire de Melody Nelson is the first album where the music is incidental to the story, and the story is incidental to a deeper philosophy of life. Gainsbourg wields rock music to pose us questions on sex and violence, to challenge us to confront the ideas posed by Nabakov, Ballard and Bataille. And before we know it, the music boils over, leaving us more stranded than we were before.

that was interesting af

French concept album, which was to be expected to be included in the 1001 list. Apart from a (great) compilation album, it is the only Serge Gainsbourg album in my cd collection. The plot is pretty stupid, but I am not able to understand the lyrics anyway, and the music is great, especially the final song, Cargo Culte. Score: 5 stars (9/10)

The mixture of overdrive guitar funk sound with the orchestra/choir, as well as that smooth ass french voice (I have no idea what they're saying). Makes this one of the most unique albums I've listened to.

Who knew French music could be so fascinating? Fun album that holds up remarkably well for 50+ years.

Deeply unsettling

Close to being perfect in my mind. A bizarre mix of rocky riffs, orchestral bites, jazzy interludes and almost spoken word lyricism. It's clearly an inspiration for some of my favourite artists, beck, Alex Turner, and so on, but the overall theme leaves a gross taste in my mouth. It's so incredibly French, the sound of a cigarette and adultery in a bohemian hotel room. 09/07/23

This is what this whole 1001 greatest albums process is all about. Completely left-field choice, something I'd never even heard of before, a concept album in a different language - and it's a real, genuine hidden gem. What an atmosphere this album has. It's quite dark and dangerous and sexy and seductive. The music and production is incredible. I love the violins, the sudden explosion of drums, that deep driving bass. Very very good. I've given it about 3-4 listens now, and it'll definitely be one I go back to a fair bit. There's something really compelling about this. Album 192 and I've finally found my first 5 star album from an artist who was completely unknown to me beforehand - thank you!

It's a classic story. Man runs over teenage girl with a Rolls Royce, has an illicit affair with her in a sketchy hotel, and then she dies in a plane crash. I've been a fan of Serge Gainsbourg's songs for a long time, including "Ballade de Melody Nelson," but I'd never listened to this concept album of his. I quite enjoyed the progression of movements, incorporating orchestra and chorus along with sultry bass and funky guitar. It's a unique and compelling sound.

Well, my years of high school French weren’t enough for me to follow the details of this story, but the music was sure groovy. I can very much appreciate its influence. Now reading about the theme creeps me out, so I am going to try to ignore that…

5 stars, and I’m only on the first song.

Gillar Serge. Har lyssnat mycket på honom de senaste 10 åren men inte så mycket på just denna platta. Klart som fan att det är bra.

Serge! You sexy man! Ooo lala. His voice is like liquid chocolate... I'm loving this ganache of sweet tunes, littered with the sweet voice of an angel. Influential and sampled by many and reviled by an army of angry liberals I just yearn for his yellow stained fingers to stroke the nape of my neck.

oh, yeah, smooo-ooth, lush and pure 1970s. Quelle Poesie decontracte, esprit de reves. This is so different & new to me. I do like a concept album from time to time.... (But if I had to guess, the its Francoise Hardy, (but I'm wrong, its Jane Birkin) and yes zeh eenglish weeel be geluwss that a french man can spend an album in admiring contemplation of a single, fascinating woman while sustaining our rapt attention.

fuckig brilliant

Groovy.

Incredible

Banger after banger after banger. The only downside is it is a short album at 30 minutes.

Gainsbourg is the epitome of cool. This album is rocking and sexy and suave, and doesn't outstay its welcome.

I have always wanted to learn French, and after hearing this album for the first time, I enrolled so that I could understand the lyrics on my own. I love this album so much!

This is a great album; you can hear how Jean-Claude Desmarty has inspired producers like Nigel Godrich (check out "Paper Tiger" by Beck to hear what I'm talking about).

This is a really fascinating album and piece of art. It's disturbing, perverted, poetic and sonically unique. I really enjoyed it.

In an alternative, dystopian world, I could have lived and died without ever having heard this 28 minutes of sublime music. Fortunately, I do not live in such a world, so I have heard it, and my life is enhanced by having done so.

Surprisingly delightful!