Moon Safari 10th Anniversary Edition
(Astralwerks)
Release Date: 03/31/2008 12:00
When this suburban Parisian duo released their 1998 debut, many first focused on its kitschy allusions to unfashionable progressive-rock bands, Europop whims and forgotten film scores. But like discards found in a junk shop and redeemed for princely sums on eBay, Airs bric-a-brac symphony found a home in Hollywood, on Madison Avenue and KCRW and in the bedrooms of lovers everywhere. Jacked-up alternate takes on the bonus disc of this 10th-anniversary edition deviate from Airs delicate essence, as does the accompanying DVD tour documentary, where the camera routinely pans away from the two band members. But neither age nor familiarity has diminished the originals: As bass lines dart and tickle, gently plucking guitars reveal disarming sincerity secreted beneath keyboard sparkles. Moon Safari helps a clumsy world seduce with the stealth of French playboys.