Its hard to believe that we already find ourselves near mid August as this year continues its resolute trudge towards 2011. It then is equally hard to believe that four months and some change has passed since the release of UEDS.
And what an album it has turned out to be, a risky and inspired moved by Alizée that captured the imagination of critics if not the buying public (sadly). Still even though sales have been low on all accounts I am glad Alizée out there and made the album that she wanted to make, if anything she has garnered even more of my respect with this effort, showing she is a creative Tour De Force that knows how to surround herself with the right people needed to tell the story from cover to cover. In this case the story of Edie Sedgwick, a tragic story much has been written about already.
So that being said I thought it would be a good idea to repick my top 3 tracks now that I have lived with the album for a few months:
At position 3: Mes Fantômes
Alizée, Performer
- Jean-René Etienne, Lyricist
- Robin Coudert, Composer
- Robin Coudert, Producer
This is a track that sat well with me from the moment I heard it, and I still list it in my top three even though there are some parts of the production that grate me somewhat (I think they could have cut back just a little on the reverb on her voice). That being said, wow. There is just something to this track that totally captivates me, something that takes me back to my childhood even. Maybe its her haunting voice, maybe its that little something Vangelis (Chariots of fire) in the background and the soaring arpeggiator in typical Moroder fashion (Neverending story) that harks back to happier times. A sad song that invokes contentment in ones soul.
Position 2: Limelight
Alizée, Performer
- Raphael Vialla, Lyricist
- Raphael Vialla, Composer
- Angy Laperdrix, Lyricist
- Angy Laperdrix, Composer
- Robin Coudert, Producer
- Julien Galinier, Lyricist
- Julien Galinier, Composer
- Guillaume de Maria, Lyricist
- Guillaume de Maria, Composer
Limelight, the very first taste we got of UEDS, even when we did not know it. Those strings where teasing us on the very first mysterious teasers vids they put up. Remember that? Those had us going for the longest of time, well done for those. I can still remember listening to this track on Opendisc after a crazy struggle to purchase my boxset, and Morvan doing his best to help me listen so I did not miss out. The only all English track on the album it has now become my go-to track if people ask about her music, its really solid and deserves this second place. The vinyl rests in my music room.
Position 1: Grand Central
Alizée, Performer
- Robin Coudert, Producer
- Rebecca Zlotowski, Lyricist
- Jean-René Etienne, Lyricist
- Jerome Echenoz, Composer
- Jerome Echenoz, Lyricist
- David Stanzke, Composer
- Copyright : (P) 2010 Wisteria Song
One of the nicest beats on the album this is my current favorite, also voted the one I most want to see performed live. Just a solid track from start to finish it scores on good pop sensibilities and on Alizée’s use of those spoken word portions in a foxy voice that would make any man want to ask her number. Sleigh bells and the scarce appearance of a flute (Rob’s producer touch is evident) just rounds it all off nicely.
Special Mention:
I can’t do this without mentioning the Jean Elan remixes of Les Collines, especially the remixed video, well done for upping the energy on this already epic track. Dance floor ready to the max it has taken a prominent space in my playlist, helping to take the strain off the original mix which I have already overplayed to the point of tears!
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That concludes our look back at this album, thank you to Alizée and all those involved. Can’t wait to hear what the future holds!
