Mauvaises nouvelles des étoiles
Serge Gainsbourg · 1981
114 min · 33 tracks · funk · jazz · progressive rock
A whimsical blend of chanson and reggae, layered with Gainsbourg's signature lyrical wit and sardonic charm.
Why this album works
'Mauvaises nouvelles des étoiles' is notable for its innovative fusion of styles that influenced French pop music and artists who followed. The album received mixed critical reception but has since been recognized for its audacious arrangements and complex themes, contributing to Gainsbourg's legacy as a provocateur in the music scene.
- Best for
- whimsical explorations of nostalgia dynamic waves of sound playful charm for relaxed listening
- Context
- Released in January 1981, 'Mauvaises nouvelles des étoiles' marked a transitional phase for Serge Gainsbourg as he explored new musical territories beyond his established sound. Following the controversial success of 'L'Histoire de Melody Nelson' in 1971, this album showcased his continued experimentation with genres, including dub and reggae elements, reflecting his artistic evolution during the late 70s and early 80s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Michel Polnareff· Johnny Hallyday· Jacques Higelin· Sandra· Françoise Hardy· Mireille Mathieu· Sheila· Dalida
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Overseas Telegram Standout 3:41
- 2 Ecce homo 3:25
- 3 Mickey Maousse 2:46
- 5 Shush Shush Charlotte 3:12
- 6 Toi mourir 2:18
- 7 La Nostalgie, Camarade Standout 3:55
- 8 Bana Basadi Balalo 3:06
- 9 Evguénie Sokolov 2:38
- 10 Negusa Nagast Standout 2:12
- 11 Strike 2:56
- 12 Bad News From the Stars 3:07
- 13 Ecce homo et cætera 3:04
Disc 2
- 1 Overseas Dub 3:08
- 2 Dub Homo 2:49
- 3 Dub Maousse 3:04
- 4 Juif et Dub 4:26
- 5 Dub Charlotte 3:55
- 6 Toi Dub 4:38
- 7 Nostalgie Dub 5:12
- 8 Bana Basadi Dub 4:05
- 9 Strike Dub 4:15
- 10 Dub From the Stars 2:45
- 11 Overseas Telegram Standout 3:25
- 12 Ecce Homo 3:25
- 13 Mickey Maousse 3:27
- 14 Juif et Dieu 3:52
- 15 Shush Shush Charlotte 2:57
- 16 Toi mourir 3:28
- 17 La Nostalgie, Camarade Standout 3:04
- 18 Bana Basadi Balalo 3:22
- 19 Evguénie Sokolov 3:15
- 20 Negusa Nagast Standout 4:33
- 21 Strike 4:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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