Born in Sheffield, figurehead of the 90’s Britpop movement, longtime BBC radio presenter: Jarvis Cocker, were you to not know any more than this about him, wouldn’t seem the most obvious candidate for releasing a covers album of classic French pop songs. But Jarvis Cocker, the sartorially beguiling, Michael Jackson protesting, lyrically inspired flaneur: yes, actually a dozen French songs reworked by that Jarvis Cocker suddenly makes a lot more sense.

Chanson’s d’Ennui Tip-Top is actually a (sort of) collaboration with noted film director Wes Anderson, whose latest film The French Dispatch is a companion piece with this album. Chanson’s d’Ennui Tip-Top isn’t the film’s actual soundtrack, rather two pieces are intended to fit alongside each other, with similar moods and evoking similar feelings.

Cocker has focused on hits from the 1960s and 1970s here, assembling a dozen tracks which will probably be unknown to most this side of the Channel. Dans Ma Chambre is a wonderful opener, it’s luscious organ chimes bursting into a Bond-theme-esque romp, while Cocker’s soft, whispering delivery on Paroles Paroles perfectly plays off against guest vocals from Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier. 

Serge Gainsbourg’s Requiem Pour Un Con buzzes along on it’s thrusting bassline, while Contact throws in little electro flourishes and a whole host of that famous Gallic flair. Closing track Aline, the only one here that actually features on the soundtrack for The French Dispatch, is suitably cinematic, the swish of a sweeping orchestra and Cocker purring “Je suis desole” mean that, if you close your eyes, you could almost be in Paris. 

Not speaking the lingo is no real barrier to the enjoyment on offer here. Cocker’s low key vocals and off-kilter emphasis render this sonically intriguing, whether you can understand what he’s singing about or not. It’s an intriguing and fun collection, one Cocker fans, Anderson fans, and those with no prior interest in the two’s work to date could all enjoy. Especially with a nice glass of French red. 

Chanson d’Ennui Tip-Top tracklist:

1. Dans Ma Chambre
2. Contact
3. La Tendresse
4. Amour, Je Te Cherche
5. Les Gens Sont Fous, Les Temps Sont Flous
6. Il Pleut Sur La Gare
7. Paroles Paroles
8. Requiem Pour Un Con
9. Mon Ami La Rose
10. Mao Mao
11. Elle Et Moi
12. Aline

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.