2023-10-28 16:00:00
LE NUC PLUS ULTRA – The fourth album from a discreet singer and the reissue of a Nirvana masterclass: here is the menu of the week.
Already the fourth album by Clio, this too discreet singer, who came to singing late: she learned the guitar at the age of 24 and began to compose immediately. Fed up with the songs of Alain Souchon and Barbara, the thirty-year-old weaves pop vignettes with sunny melancholy. And adopts an electro instrumentation made of small impressionist touches which leaves his muffled voice narrating “stories to sleep on” or slices of daily life.
The track “Carambolage”, which gives its title to the album, is a tasty duet with Alex Beaupain. “I liked singing this duet with Clio first of course because the song was beautiful but also because it tells an accidental and automobile story even though I don’t have a license” explains the latter. La Bisontine – she also sings “I love Paris more” – asserts her style and personality through melodic and catchy pieces, without ever departing from a touching reserve. A pastel modesty which gives this new album an immediate charm to which we subscribe without reservation.
“Love, alas” by Clio
Nirvana, back to basics
In 1993, this album was undoubtedly the most anticipated record of the moment. Two short years earlier, the Seattle group had hit the mark with “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, which had propelled them to the top of the sales charts. Very quickly, the trio’s second album became an essential classic. The challenge for Kurt Cobain, Kris Novoselic and Dave Grohl was to give it a sequel. We knew the aversion of the leader of the trio for the glory and the celebrity which had buried him. It is therefore by returning to its roots that the group will be able to move forward. Nevermindfull of great songs, had benefited from efficient production that was very compatible with radio.
In Utero would be marked by a sound more in line with punk-rock roots. To do this, the group went to see Steve Albini, pope of the underground. This would bring back its abrasive and grating side to Nirvana’s recordings. Uncompromising, radical and noisy, In Utero did not much please the executives of Geffen, Nirvana’s record company. However, the hits Heart-Shaped Box, Rape Me and All Apologies would take the album to new heights. Three decades later, In Utero is re-released in a Super Deluxe edition with 72 tracks including 53 previously unreleased. Two concerts are offered, as well as rare B sides. A deserved celebration for what will be the group’s last studio album.
Nirvana, In Utero 30th anniversary edition, an 8 LP box set, a 5 Cd box set or 1 LP and 2 Cd editions are available (Geffen/Universal Music)
#Clio #Nirvana