Nouvelle Vague : 3

Length: 47:46

  Barry Adamson - Performer
  Erick Poirier - Trumpet
  Ian McCulloch - Performer
  Karina Zeviani - Performer
  Marc Collin - Keyboards
  Marina Celeste - Performer
  Martin L. Gore - Performer
  Melanie Pain - Performer
  Nadeah Miranda - Performer
  Olivier Libaux - Bass, Guitar
  Sandra Dee - Performer
  Sophie Delila - Performer
  Terry Hall - Performer
  Thibaut Barbillon - Bass, Guitar

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Nouvelle Vague must be new wave and bossa nova's biggest admirers -- and it hasn't gone unnoticed. On NV3, the group performs some of its suave covers of new wave and post-punk classics with some of the era's stars, and the results embody the best and the worst of the rest of the album. Ian McCulloch fits seamlessly into 'All My Colors,' a typically pretty, wistful Nouvelle Vague track, while Barry Adamson's sneering cool makes a noir version of Magazine's 'Parade' the album's standout. However, the group's version of 'Master and Servant' -- which features a Jew's harp and Martin Gore's booming baritone on the chorus -- feels overdone, and not even Terry Hall's cameo can save 'Our Lips Are Sealed''s transformation into a pastoral reverie from seeming a bit silly. Elsewhere, Nouvelle Vague struggle to balance their fondness for kitsch with deeper emotions, and inspired touches with their usual formula. 'Blister in the Sun' is wittily transformed into a ye-ye rave-up and 'Road to Nowhere' is turned into an alt-country ramble, but making 'God Save the Queen' and 'Ca Plane Pour Moi' singsongy and delicate isn't especially clever at this point. Despite the occasional misstep, NV3 still has some gorgeous moments, especially the flamenco-tinged 'Not Knowing' and the closing track, 'Such a Shame.' This is a decidedly mixed bag, but there are enough lovely and playful tracks to keep most Nouvelle Vague fans satisfied. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide

2009 release, the third album from the French band that conquered the world with Bossa Nova covers of Punk and New Wave classics. Features guest vocals from Martin Gore (Depeche Mode), Ian McCulloch (Echo & The Bunnymen), Barry Adamson (Magazine) and Terry Hall (The Specials/Fun Boy Three). Led by producer/arrangers Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux and sung by a revolving cast of chanteuses, the group's first two albums have sold well over half-a-million copies. On 3, gone are the Reggae and Bossa Nova interpretations. Instead, the songs are inspired by American Country music and Bluegrass. This time around, Nouvelle Vague reinterpret Talking Heads' 'Road To Nowhere', Psychedelic Furs' 'Heaven', Gary Numan's 'Metal', Sex Pistols' 'God Save The Queen', Plastic Bertrand's 'Ca Plane Pour Moi', Soft Cell's 'Say Hello Wave Goodbye' and many more, making this Nouvelle Vague's strongest album to date. Peace Frog.