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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Modern Lounge At Its Best !!!!!, June 23, 2003
Today's "Lounge" music may be electronic, but most of the artists still pull both inspiration and sounds from vintage musicians of the past such as Henry Mancini, Les Baxter, John Barry, and Martin Denny. "Sacrebleu" is a stellar example of just how well this mixture can work. Before you even listen to the CD, the cover art gives you an idea of what to expect, with its 1950's lounge font and spoof on RCA's then-famous "Living Stereo" logo (here it is Yellow Stereo). The songs will sweep you backwards in time to a swank, dimly lit, smoke-filled Parisian lounge circa-1960, with just enough modern electronics to bring you home again. There are plenty of great samples, slow electronic beats (picture an old Moog perhaps), french dialogue, and organs to satisfy those young hipsters hanging out in New York City's more exclusive jazz clubs. Yet, the album is smooth enough to please those retro-chic fans still spining original vinyl copies of "Martinis With Mancini." Volvo fans will rejoice with the single "Une Very Stylish Fille," as heard in the S80 ads a few years ago. The track includes a great sample of Audrey Hepburn asking the question "How do I look?" and sounds like something right out of her movie "Breakfast At Tiffany's." The other single "Sacre Francais" has a simillar vibe. The single "Dirty Larry" is my favorite by far, as it evokes the 60's spy music produced by John Barry, Edwin Astley, and Lalo Schifrin. Vintage driving bass, harpsichord, and a chilling Moog-sounding lead synthline. Just picture the bad guys in an old black Peugeot sedan chasing the hero spy in his green MGB down the winding streets of Paris, and you've got this song. "Monsieur Dimitri Joue Du Stylophone" is a perfect short for those who love vintage keyboards. "Nothing To Lose" sounds like Herp Albert working with that other great french band, AIR. There are two versions, one with breathy female vocals and a bonus instrumental. "Reveries" is a mild drum and bass (picture an Aphex Twin remix of something by AIR or The Art Of Noise perhaps). "Un Woman's Paradis" is a dance number that sounds like some of Martin Denny's late 70's works. Very upbeat with organs and piano, but little percussion. Another great standout track is "Un World Mysteriouse" with a haunting, otherworldly sound simillar to Mancini's "Experiment In Terror." The entire album is a delight to listen to and the perfect chill-album for your next cocktail party. This album is best listened to with the lights down low, some candles, and a cocktail in hand. A must for both modern and vintage lounge / exotica fans alike. If you like AIR and Etienne DeCrecy or Les Baxter and Martin Denny, give this CD a listen.
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by Dimitri From Paris 
