Home    Histoire de Melody Nelson

Serge Gainsbourg

Histoire de Melody Nelson
LP Crystal Clear $28
LP Transparent Blue $28
  • Old school style tip-on gatefold jacket with the original artwork
  • Insert includes 1971 Q&A interview with Serge and liner notes by Andy Beta
  • LP pressed at RTI
  • 2024 Color Vinyl Editions Available in Two Variants:
    • Crystal Clear Wax
    • Transparent Blue with White Wax

Description

“One of the greatest marriages of rock band and orchestra.” - Beck

10/10 - Best New Reissue - Pitchfork

5/5 - AllMusic

Often cited as the masterwork of French icon and national treasure Serge Gainsbourg, Histoire De Melody Nelson features actress, amour, and inspiration Jane Birkin, arranger/conductor and co-conspirator Jean-Claude Vannier (L’Enfant Assassins Des Mouches), and a tight, hand-picked crew of top shelf U.K. session musicians, including Big Jim Sullivan, Vic Flick, Brian Odgers, and Dougie Wright. Originally released in 1971, this is an essential album for the discerning music lover.

Our initial reissue marked the first time that Histoire De Melody Nelson was ever made available domestically in the U.S., now available in two brand new très chic color variants. Dispelling countless myths, hearsay, and rumors surrounding Nelson, New York-based writer Andy Beta contributes a stylish essay for your edification, while the maestro himself chimes in with a period Q&A interview from France’s Rock N Folk Magazine, originally published in June 1971.

Artist Bio

French icon and national treasure Serge Gainsbourg is no stranger to sexual proclivities, and with his 1971 Histoire De Melody Nelson, he shared an erotic tale as seductive today as it was the day it was released. With help from actress, amour, and inspiration Jane Birkin, arranger/conductor and co-conspirator Jean-Claude Vannier (L’Enfant Assassins Des Mouches), and a tight, hand-picked crew of top shelf UK session musicians, Nelson is often cited as Gainsbourg’s master work, an essential album for the discerning music lover.

Light in the Attic’s reissue of Histoire De Melody Nelson finally gives this ever radical record the respect and attention it so rightfully deserves. This lavishly packaged LP reissue includes true-to-the-original artwork, printed lyrics, and extensive liner notes explaining the times and tales behind the making of this passionate platter. Dispelling countless myths, hearsay, and rumors surrounding Nelson, New York-based writer Andy Beta contributes a stylish essay for your edification. The maestro himself even chimes in with a period Q&A interview from France’s Rock & Folk magazine.

With its massive inspiration reaching from the quintessential rap of De La Soul and The Beatnuts to like-minded and eclectic singer-songwriters, Nelson continues to entrance. It's truly our pleasure to keep sharing Gainsbourg’s provocative message to thrill seekers the world over!

Preview Tracklist

  • 1 Melody
  • 2 Ballade De Melody Nelson
  • 3 Valse De Melody
  • 4 Ah! Melody
  • 5 L'Hotel Particulier
  • 6 En Melody
  • 7 Cargo Culte