soleil rare 11 - gotcha.

Philippe Nicaud & Eddie Barclay - Le réveil.

Yeah, Barclay on the track ! Eddie Barclay, the music nabab, playing for his own label-to-be-major. Philippe Nicaud was a comedian, who recorded a few records ; some of them became hard-to-find (as original issues) gems like "Erotico...Nicaud". 

Here Nicaud says a text like if he were acting at the theater, talking to his mistress when waking up. But it's a monologue, only Nicaud, and you'll have to imagine the responses if you understand the French language. 

The music is a slow funky track that becomes of secondary interest after a few seconds. Weird and unexpected, the theme of this compilation. 

Bert Kaempfert and his Orchestra - Zambesi.

I don't really know what's behind the genre called "easy-listening". That's how Bert Kaempfert's music is generally labelled. To me, he's underrated. He was a melody maker, and a decent jazz player and songwriter. Sometimes, he's confused with Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass ; it's true they often use the same formula.

He's the composer of one of the most sung songs in the world, but is unfortunately never credited for it : as a matter of fact, "Strangers In The Night" is his legacy, but was made famous by Sinatra's voice.

The track "Zambesi" is featured on "A Swingin's Safari", an album that was influenced by South African music, released in 1962. Swinging indeed.     

Tom Scott - Baby, I Love You.

Tom Scott is pretty ignored. Well, was. Until the main sample of Pete Rock & CL Smooth's "T.R.O.Y." was identified. Indeed, the horn part was taken from this album. The same saxophone is the main attraction of this "Baby, I Love You", backed by nice chorus shouts. The use of the sitar is a time signature : "The Honeysuckle Breeze" was released in 1967 by Impulse!.

Some funky danceable jazz here. 

BADBADNOTGOOD - Fall In Love.

So far, this is a mp3-only release by BADBADNOTGOOD. As explained earlier on this blog, BBNG is a young Toronto-based trio, with a simple yet exquisite formula : keys, bass, drums. All live. 

This track is of course a cover of Slum Village's song "Fall In Love", originally produced by Jay Dee, off the classic album "Fantastic Vol. 2". Since Dilla died, this song has been heavily remixed as tributes to the master. 

BBNG's interpretation is hypnotic, like most of their tracks. While playing the track, drums addicts will have to be patient, but it's for their own good. The whole thing sounds so fresh, so authentic. Get a decent rapper on this. 

Björk - Aeroplanes.

Björk is a character. Always has been, always will be. The song "Aeroplanes" is taken from her album "Debut", released in 1993. This album was her first work after she left Iceland to settle in London. 

The move to London was a major turn for Björk, as she left her punk period behind her to make what only her knows how to label. 

"Aeroplanes" was actually composed while the singer was still a member of The Sugarcubes, in Iceland. But the track didn't fit with the punk outfit. So, Björk kept it for a future demo. "Aeroplanes" showcases the classic elements of Björk's music : nature sounds, tribal percussions, chimes, and of course her powerful voice. And another weird element : sax. Surprising. A nice introduction to Björk's world. 

Sébastien Tellier - Kissed By You.

This guy is a weirdo. A genuine one. You never know what his next move will be. "Kissed By You" gives you an example of what he's able to do. A very very slow ballad, interrupted by aggressive guitar riffs. What the hell.

Considering his abilities to waste his own tracks and to vary the moods, it's no wonder that his major successes are his movie scores and soundtracks. Because they are dope.

Since the beginning of his career, Tellier has been linked to the finest of the French electro scene. He's notably linked to Air, Mr. Oizo, and the Ed Banger crew. A weird but nice association of horizons.   

Janko Nilovic - Tapatapa.

Back in the days, Janko Nilovic was the godfather of library music. Nowadays, he gives interviews at McDonald's. His influence on today's music is heavily underappreciated : just listen to the track. It starts like a Just Blaze track. And then, everything's there, the beat, the choruses, the guitar solo... "Tapatapa" is from "Supra Pop Impressions", which is among his most wanted and expensive albums. 

The Roland Kovac Set - Genesis.

I don't know much about Roland Kovac, except he's Austrian. 

The song starts like a church song. But next, whoa, it's all psychedelism... just like a Pink Floyd track, with electric guitars under deep wah-wah influence ! Then come the drums, free as a bird, then back to the organ... unreal ! Crazy. Crazy good but crazy nonetheless. And the end ? Just nonsense. You wanted something different ? Gotcha.  

Charlie Winston - Like A Hobo.

I know, if you're a European, you heard it too much a couple of years ago. On TV, radio, in commercials... everywhere, anytime. Still it remains a catchy song, a very famous one, so it was perfectly unexpected here. Charlie Winston put whistling and chanting back in the charts. It became a decent alternative to the "Seven Nation Army" in the stadiums. 

Paul Piot et son Grand Orchestre - L'Amour Et L'Enfer.

This must be the Holy Graal of the library music records. But anyone knows it as it has been sampled by the best and most thorough diggers. The album, recorded for the library label Chappell, contains wonderful melodies coupled with funky drums. A digger's dream. 

Strangely enough, it's hard to find data about Paul Piot ; yet, he backed a lot of bands and singers with his orchestra in the 1950's and 1960's. But I guess the guy stayed in the shadow all his life... his music stays. Priceless (but expensive).   

Link in the comments.