Year : 1971
Label : Philips
Genre : Rock
Style : Art Rock, Progressive rock
The "Story Of Melody Nelson" is the first of four concept album series by Serge Gainsbourg and, probably, the most representative work of the french Pop Avant-Garde from the second half of twentieth century. It includes Jazz Rock arrangements, symphonic expressions and spoken words inspired by the French literature. According to the Rolling Stone magazine, its the 4th greatest French rock album being part of the main influences for various contemporary artists such as Air, David Holmes, Jarvis Cocker, Portishead or likewise Beck. "Histoire De Melody Nelson" was recorded in collaboration of arranger Jean-Claude Vannier (keys), featuring Jane Birkin (vo), Jean-Luc Ponty (vl) from Mahavishnu Orchestra, Big Jim Sullivan (eg) and Brian Odgers (eb) from Apollo 100, supported by the Opéra Comique's choir and the orchestra "Les Jeunesses Musicales de Paris". Titles include "Melody", "Valse de Melody", "L'hôtel Particulier" & "Cargo Culte" composed by Serge Gainsbourg, the "Ballade De Melody Nelson", "Ah! Melody" & "En Melody" by Serge Gainsbourg & JC Vannier. All tracks arranged & conducted by JC Vannier, recorded at Marble Arch Studios, London and Studio Des Dames, Paris between 1970-1971.
