Keren Ann - 'Nolita' (EMI) Released 27/06/05

 

It’s always difficult to gauge the sincerity and depth of a record sung in French, its almost like listening to Muzac, the language barrier degrades the emotion. Album opener 'Que n’ai-je?' ('What don’t I Have') is no exception, with its mellow jazz aura set to delicate French warbling the effects are sterile and cold. 'Greatest You Can Find' finally drops the bucket of slop all over Gigwise in a Katie Melua style drenching. Somewhat reminiscent of Cat Power, but with the looming heart of a dark corporate hoar out to conquer your souls; Gigwise sits weary.

Remaining edgy for the seductive onslaught of 'Chelsea Burns' and 'One Day Without' is tricky but Gigwise remains strong, see its not that their not beautiful, its just a feeling that your constantly being shafted by a false sweetness and oil slick production. Maybe this is Keren Ann’s artistic view but this degree of dilution is difficult to swallow.  

And to be honest the album only gets more awkward, at points its fun harking back to GCSE French to attempt an interpretation, but it’s not enough to hold Gigwise’s attention for more than a second. We could go on but through threat of boring anyone as much as 'Nolita', we'd better wrap this one up early.