Histoire de Melody Nelson Mercury****

This album was first released in 1971 and is held in high regard by the likes of Jarvis Cocker, Portishead, David Holmes, Air and Beck. Histoire de Melody Nelsonruns just under 30 minutes, yet it's viewed (rightly) as something of a masterpiece in freewheeling concept and soundtrack style. True, the Lolita-esque plot belongs in the pages of Penthouse(rich, middle-aged man accidentally knocks over a bicycle belonging to sexually precocious teenage girl; romance and seduction ensues). However, the music is quality, blending spoken-word tracks, layered string and choral arrangements (by Jean-Claude Vannier) and a funkiness unbecoming men of a certain age. Even better, this deluxe edition reissue also features alternate takes and a DVD that includes archive documentary footage of the making of the original album. Fantastique. See sergegainsbourg.com

Download tracks: Melody, Ballade de Melody Nelson, Cargo Culte