Customer Reviews

Fugu 1

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mehdi Zannad, a gifted French multi-instrumentalist, leads Fugu. Full of
archetypal pop references and sweeping shots of symphonic wonder, Fugu 1 is
a proverbial sound maze where each instrument deftly follows it's
predetermined path. The little untitled piece opening Fugu 1 - a blend of
piano intermingling with a series of minor and major chords, a cello, a
trumpet, an organ, a splash of ocean for sonic background, a dusting of
kitchen noises, and a dry, soft bass line weaving a spider web - sets the
tone for the entire album. Wander between vivid strings, woodwind, brass
and choir; follow the harpsichords surrounding Mehdi Zannad's fragile
voice, so shy that it blends in with the surrounding soundscapes. This is
lush pop - orchestral, continental, and classic - mining touchstones from
The Beatles, Beach Boys, and Harry Nilsson to early-Stereolab and The
Apples In Stereo. But Mehdi is no mere retro-worshipping revisionist,
Fugu's approach results in exuberant, melodic music as relevant as the air
shimmering with Fugu's music from your speakers to your ears. Even
Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier brings her talents to the party, lending her
soothing vocals to the hypnotic pop hymn "Sol Y Sombra."

If there's anything that can be described as 'fluffy baroque pop', Fugu 1 might be it. At first, it sounded like late Stereolab meeting 'Pet Sounds' era Beach Boys. But upon listening to it further, it's basically a mix of sweet 60's pop, lush melodies, with baroque-style instruments, eg, harpsichords and strings. Fugu's vocals (shades of Gilbert O Sullivan) is accompanied by delicate candy-coated music, that soothes but has enough bite to it as the sametime. It almost as if Fugu may have gone to the Sean O'Hagan or Brian Wilson school of music, yet has a degree in Medieval or Baroque history. A tad thin on range, Fugu 1 gradually becomes tiresome, but this 'period piece pop' is interesting enough where it might be worth a listen.

I don't think the power of my prose could match that of our fellow pop fan in NYC, but I will definitely second the notion that 'Fugu 1' is a wonderful piece of contemporary post-orch. Fans of 'Pet Sounds,' the High Llamas, Nilsson, Stereolab (they're touring together this fall!), Katerine, Emitt Rhodes, and any other bit of well-crafted pop should appreciate 'Fugu 1'. It's a great summer-time, roll the windows down and drive kind of album. Too bad summer's coming to a close, but you do have a few good weeks in the sun with this disc. Hop to it!

I don't know - maybe I got a different album. This album is one of those frustrating ones that you end up never playing because of a few songs. The baby crying one? Oh my. What were they thinking. I am all for exprimental tunes, but the baby has to go. That is the one that immediately comes to mind.
Half of the album is wonderful, brillant, catchy. The other half is tedious and annoying.
I bought this used thinking it would be a steal, but now i may burn the few tracks i like and resell it.

darn.