Entertainment For Lively Minds
The Ocean Tango
Posted by Chris Evans on 8 July 2011 - 6:20pm.
What's it called?:
The Ocean Tango
What It Sounds Like:
The Ocean Tango is a one-off collaboration between veteran French singer/songwriter/arranger Louis Philippe and Swedish art-pop conceptualists Testbild!, and it's a sumptuous mix of Wilsonesque melodies and harmonies, chamber-jazz (the track called Azimuth is a tip of the hat to the ECM outfit of that name) and a smattering of Eno-esque electronics. The result is one of the lushest, most seductive and most constantly surprising albums I've heard in many a year and it'll surely appeal to anyone who values the kind of sinuous melody that takes multiple bars to weave its spell.
What Does It All "Mean"?:
This is the kind of record that exists independently of fashion; the kind that demands you immerse yourself in its silky warmth and enjoy every last ripple of sound. And it's no mere nostalgic wallow in the pop values of a bygone age.
Goes well with...:
A warm summer evening, a zesty sauvignon blanc and a shit-hot hi-fi.
Might Suit People Who Like...:
Brian Wilson, Kenny Wheeler and John Taylor, bossa nova, el records, Hatfield and the North, Steely Dan, flutes, flugelhorns, strings, harpsichords, Wurlitzer pianos, analogue synths and nylon guitars. And especially sophisticated melody.
