NV3

Great songs sung by sexy French girls, expertly played in a wry, easy-listening, bossa-nova style and coming soon to a dinner party near you! Of course, there are ethical issues. This is a cynical marketing exercise aimed squarely at 30-something wallets (this record doesn’t even have a name, it has a number), and I’m sure producers Mark Collin and Oliver Libaux have a sweat shop filled with abused jazz musicians pumping the stuff out. But like I disagree with the sinister third world tactics of the Nestle corporation, yet still fucking love Toffee Crisps, I also can’t help but love Nouvelle Vague (possibly it’s the extra frisson I get from knowing it’s wrong?). Anyway, this time round it’s yet more inventive versions of punk and indie classics from the likes of Talking Heads, Violent Femmes and The Police with additional contributions from Martin Gore, Ian McCulloch and Terry Hall. And, I’m ashamed to say, I love it!

Key Track: ‘Road to Nowhere’