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Track Listings
| 1. 5:55 |
| 2. AF607105 |
| 3. The Operation |
| 4. Tel Que Tu Es |
| 5. The Songs That We Sing |
| 6. Beauty Mark |
| 7. Little Monsters |
| 8. Jamais |
| 9. Night-Time Intermission |
| 10. Everything I Cannot See |
| 11. Morning Song |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Even without Charlotte Gainsbourg's musical heritage, the prospect of an album written and performed by Air, with lyrics by Jarvis Cocker (ex-Pulp) and Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy) would be enough to entice most sensible music fans. But as a combination, 5.55 is far better than probably even the participants imagined it would be. The combination of Air's trademark glide complements Gainsbourg's voice (which is less singing and more melodic, breathy recitation), to the point where, had the lyrical input been less than stellar, this could easily have sent the listener to sleep. Instead, the emotional detachment in Gainsbourg's delivery acts as a foil to the passion presented in the lyrics. For their part, Cocker and Hannon excel with their trademark darkly humourous input- the passenger on a doomed flight in "AF407105", the surgery/seduction metaphor in "The Operation", or the venomous "Jamais" being particular standouts.
Even though 5.55 bears all the hallmarks of its creators (if so inclined, one could see this as a new Air album, or imagine Cocker or Hannon singing the lyrics), it's even more than the sum of its parts and is almost certainly one of the best albums you'll hear in 2006 or beyond. --Thom Allott
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I picked this up in France having heard one track on the radio, and have been listening to it repeatedly since then. It's a thoroughly fresh and surprising listen from start to finish.
Gainsbourg's voice is not a strident, confident and trained instrument, but her subtle, tender, and at times timid delivery is very engaging. She was apparently so nervous at times recording the album that she sang from beneath a sheet. She need not have worried.
The duo that form Air provide the soundtrack, while Jarvis Cocker and Neil Hannon provide the lyrics. All have excelled themselves: the melodies are gorgeous, at times swooping and exultant, at times minimal and delicate; the lyrics are subtle and beguiling.
From first listening it struck me that this album is one of those collaborations that rarely comes along, which is pure magic. The chemistry between the collaborators was obviously just right, and has resulted in a fine creation.
Gainsbourg's voice is not a strident, confident and trained instrument, but her subtle, tender, and at times timid delivery is very engaging. She was apparently so nervous at times recording the album that she sang from beneath a sheet. She need not have worried.
The duo that form Air provide the soundtrack, while Jarvis Cocker and Neil Hannon provide the lyrics. All have excelled themselves: the melodies are gorgeous, at times swooping and exultant, at times minimal and delicate; the lyrics are subtle and beguiling.
From first listening it struck me that this album is one of those collaborations that rarely comes along, which is pure magic. The chemistry between the collaborators was obviously just right, and has resulted in a fine creation.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Atmospheric, timeless and mesmerizing. Reminds me of "Serge Gainsbourg", Mick Harvey, Anita Lane and Tindersticks...Buy it now!!!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Just a gorgeous album, uplifting and lipchewing at the same time, perfect bright pop with cool shadows, like Air's 'You Make It Easy'(must admit, I prefer this to most of their own releases even) or St Etienne's lovelier moments. Try to hear some samples, try to hear the whole album. It's lovely lovely stuff.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Gentle and sweet...
I took a chance on this album, not having heard any of Charlotte Gainsbourg's material previously. I'm pleased I did. Read more
Published 2 months ago by G. Witham
A Beautiful Gem!!
I bought this because I am a HUGE fan of AIR and so it was a 'must have' especially with such great reviews here on Amazon, but I didn't know what to expect. Read more
Published 19 months ago by L. G.
My first introduction to Charlotte Gainsbourg's voice
Before listening to her third album, IRM, I was first introduced to Charlotte Gainsbourg's singing talents with this album, co-written with the french group AIR. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Omnes
Great debut - a slice of French pop!
Look at the other reviews available on the net and here at amazon for more background.
For those always on the listen for someting different - this is a beautiful album,... Read more
For those always on the listen for someting different - this is a beautiful album,... Read more
Published on 16 Mar 2010 by Rebel
stylish
Bought this on impulse and was pleasantly surprised. The lyrics are OK if a little pretentious at times, but its the overall atmospherics that are produced by Charlotte's breathy... Read more
Published on 20 Oct 2009 by The Apple God
A thing of great irritation
She cannot sing.,fact!..so she whispers instead, now for the opening track it's o.k. but buy the time you have heard all the album (if you have not already pressed eject) you want... Read more
Published on 18 Oct 2009 by K. L. Smith
The Divine Pulp Air Songs That We Sing
Teaming up with the people who brought you The Divine Comedy, Pulp and Air, Charlotte Gainsbourg delivers a shimmery collection of songs, whispered confessions and savage... Read more
Published on 4 May 2009 by Richard Hine
Ditto
Thanks for the very accurate reviews.
Have bought cds on the strength of reviews before and have quite ofen been disappointed.Not this time. Read more
Have bought cds on the strength of reviews before and have quite ofen been disappointed.Not this time. Read more
Published on 10 Nov 2008 by T. S. Lansdale
Better than Pocket Symphony by AIR
This is a lovely record, very french, very melodic and showing all the beauty of a typical AIR release. Read more
Published on 20 Jun 2007 by Bruce Percy
Magnifique
I came across this searching for stuff from Air, and it's absolutely terrific. Charlotte's gorgeous breathy voice and some tremendous music from the Air boys make for a great... Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2007 by David Atherton
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