This album was released in 1992 and, yes, it sounds as much. The cool, clean electronica and unnaturally clear production make it a thing of its time. Bill Laswell's heavy dub-influenced bass on some tracks add to the effect. Dated, certainly, in the same way as Nirvana and John Zorn's Naked City are dated. But that doesn't stop it from being very very good. Partly, it's the talent on display, here. Sleazy old John Cale sounds as charmingly absinthe-soaked as Aleister Crowley's carpet and Gerard Depardieu recites with utter conviction. David Sylvian turns in performances every bit as good as anything on 'Blemish' or 'Secrets of the Beehive.' Khaled astounds and the arrangements on 'I'll Strangle You' and the shattering 'Ophelie' astound. One of the absolute must-haves of 90s music. A masterpiece.
