Sebastien Tellier Sexuality Review
French Electronic Musician Shows Off His Sexual Sportwear on New CD
Jul 10, 2008
The electronic album is an ode to love making, spinning tales of passion, tryst and maneuvering as only the French can do. And like any good affair, the album starts off hot and bothered building up to a dizzying climax before tapering off to fuzzy contentment.
The Divine Monsieur Tellier
Relatively unknown in North America, his fan base is slightly larger in Europe, especially in his native France. Tellier followed the release of Sexuality, with controversy. Chosen as the artist to represent the nation in the ever-popular Eurovision song contest, Tellier chose “Divine” as his entry. The song, mostly sung in English rather than French, spurred feedback from the ever language-sensitive French speaking public.
Besides that, Sexuality doesn’t slide into verbal vulgarity or explicitness as the title could suggest, however it does at times lean towards the cheesier side of French electronic music. The bop in “Divine” sounds juvenile at first, but after a few spins it is the very sound that keeps you hooked and humming along.
Sexual Kilometer
Lead track “Roche” starts off with bouncy synths reminiscent of old Stevie B records before a silky-voiced male singer chirps in about the beginnings of a romantic relationship over enough coos and oohs to suggest the singer is already in the throws of passion. There hasn’t been this much sexual stimulation burned to vinyl since Serge Gainsbourg released “Je T’Aime Moi Non Plus,” an imaginary dialogue between two hot lovers, with kitty cat coos courtesy of Jane Birkin back in ’69.
“Kilometer”, a harder-edged track features a buzzing bass line and shock synths that collide with an early 80’s sounding jam burning in the background while a female moans in ecstasy. She once again appears in “Pomme” to whimper and meow to the point where the song ceases to be a pop song and becomes the soundtrack to a steamy sex scene in a B movie.
Sexual Sportwear
Tellier’s music shines best when he leaves the bells and whistles behind and concentrates on making beautiful synth-driven tracks. “Look” contains enough sensuality to make hips sway without traipsing on kitsch, “Une Heure” sounds somewhat straight-laced, in a good sense, while “Sexual Sportwear” explodes with erotic synths and a soothing yet stimulating beat that rockets the panties off the remaining tracks on the album. More here than anywhere else on the album, the Daft Punk influence is felt through looping swirls that hypnotize as much as antagonize.
Down tempo lounge track “Elle” is probably the most accessible track on the album. Its smooth and straightforward melody gently rocks in afterglow after the sweat-a-thon of “Sexual Sportwear”.
Fingers of Steel
Sexuality, the album, plays out like the act it’s based around. Picking up ground, Tellier left the best tracks for the end when senses are heightened and the listener can’t pull himself away. “Fingers of Steel”, one of the stand out tracks, caresses and stimulates the ear drums with sticky synths and a heavier beat.
Closer “L’Amour et la Violence”, a piano driven ballad makes the perfect cuddler. Just enough breathe to survive with one eye open, this track is the perfect post-climax relaxer. “Dis-moi ce que tu penses de ma vie,” (tell me what you think of my life) asks the male singer whose heavy questioning doesn’t necessarily make for the best pillow talk. Regardless, “L’Amour et la Violence” is a pretty ending to a voluptuous album.
Sebastien Tellier may not have invented sexuality, but he has done a great job setting it to music. Sexuality, originally released in February 2008 is available now.
Fans of lounge music may also enjoy the new album by Simon Star.
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