Air - 'Late Night Tales' (Azuli) Released 02/10/06

Bypassing the oil-slick of compilation releases, more than just hot air, Air maintain the high quality of 'Late Night Tales' choice of artists and selections with a compilation that proves a cliche-free zone with box work comparable of gymnast ace Nadia Comaneci.

Minimalist works form the prelude with The Cure's melodic, low-slung 'All Cats Are Grey', Black Sabbath's slo-mo 'Planet Caravan' with tom tom and a psychedelic Ozzy, and a glorious offering from Nino Rota with the baroque work 'O' Venezia Venaga Venusia' - mysterious and Venusian/other-worldly. One of the greatest Dylan covers is proffered with The Band's take on 'I Shall Be Released' - Robbie Robertson's command of the anthem releasing the mind/body/soul from bondage - totemic! More orchestral pieces pop up with soothing graces from Tan Dun and Georges Delerue leading to the Orientalism of Japan's 'Ghosts'.

Songbird singer/songwriters furnish the main body of the release with the voice that is Scott Walker and a strumming 'The Old Man's Back Again', then some psychedelic-folk from Jeff Alexander proving lyrical and bonafide sustenance for deep reverie, with Cat Power bringing a cool G&T of a tune to the hammock with 'Metal Heart'. The lover's classic that is Minnie Ripperton's 'Loving You' proves just the trick for estranged couples to re-unite with its birdsong, tinkly keys and Minnie's power of expression - "...loving you/ I see your soul come shining through...doin do di der do...". 'Mr en vogue' Sebastien Tellier keeps the mood light with a melodic keyboard work 'Le Long de la Riviere Tendre' that reminds of the experimentalism of Isolee's 'Beau Mot Plage' with its pizzicato playfulness; then its songbirds again with an autumnal Lee Hazelwood, a wacky Robert Wyatt 'P.L.A.' and a topper acoustic tune from Elliot Smith - 'Let's Get Lost' with his tm's of song and tune. Air muster an instrumental wash with soundtrack qualities in the guise of 'Musica' - light and whippy as Angel Delight with xylophone and double bass; and Ravel's nocturne 'Pavanne Pour Une Enfante Defunte' providing the top coat to conclude - a magisterial piece with horn, flute and strings proving ethereal.

Never mind the studio work, it's their record boxes that are worth getting hold of. 'This Late Night Tales' release proves far from predictable with lots of great tunes and effective sequencing. Those French chappies have their socks well pulled up and elasticated with a compilation that explores mood more than sonics - with bathtime rubadub ease and comfort, the tunes prove reflective, even plaintive at times allowing for a deep balm collection and a boon for estranged lovers.