Tip-Top: “Chansons d’Ennui” (2021) Vinyl Review

Chansons d’Ennui, the new album from Jarvis Cocker, under the name Tip-Top, features music inspired by Wes Anderson’s film The French Dispatch (in which Jarvis Cocker plays a singer named Tip-Top). It is not exactly a soundtrack, for apparently only one of its songs is featured in the film, but rather a companion piece to the movie. The music here is all covers of French pop songs from the 1960s and 1970s. And in fact someone was kind enough to list in the record’s liner notes the artists who originally recorded each track. Joining Jarvis Cocker on this album are Serafina Steer on harp, keyboards and vocals; Emma Smith on violin, saxophone, keyboards, recorder and backing vocals; Jason Buckle on guitar, percussion and keyboards; Andrew McKinney on electric bass, double bass and backing vocals; and Adam Betts on drums, percussion and backing vocals. There are also guests on certain tracks.

Side 1

The album opens with “Dans Ma Chambre,” and from the moment it begins it is completely captivating. I don’t speak French, so I have no idea what he’s singing here, but it doesn’t matter. (I did take French in junior high, but my teacher was going through a divorce, and all I learned was how to cry in French.) There is a wonderful power behind Jarvis Cocker’s performance, and in the music, which includes a string section arranged by Emma Smith. This song is like a glorious force, and is one of my favorite tracks. That’s followed by “Contact,” a delightful pop tune with bright colors, his vocal work at times contrasting with that sound, with its deeper, more intimate tones. This song feels like the most cheerful cityscape imaginable, citizens moving as in some odd musical film, and you might find yourself moving that way too, dressed in vibrant reds and yellows. Interestingly, there is also a sitar on this track, played by Bishi Bhattacharya. “La Tendresse” is a pretty song, with a magical, dreamlike sound, like a fairytale. And shouldn’t life sound like this all the time? Yes, yes, it should. I love the string section especially on this track.

There is something romantic, even elegant about “Amour, Je Te Cherche,” which also features the string section. It kind of sweeps us up in its motion and streaks across the sky with us bound to its wings. And we feel both secure and curious, having not seen the world from this perspective before. Joe Auckland plays flugelhorn on this track.  Then “Les Gens Sont Fous, Les Temps Sont Flous” has more of a rock vibe, coming on strong with a heavier sound. And toward the end, it gets kind of wild, with a howling. This one was originally recorded by Jacques Dutronc, who also co-wrote it. “Il Pleut Sur La Gare” begins with some nice percussion, which remains a prominent element throughout the track. This one also features some excellent backing vocal work.

Side 2

The second side opens with “Paroles, Paroles.” This song is interesting in that his lead vocals are delivered basically as spoken word, and the backing vocals are sung. It feels almost like he is functioning as narrator, and she as the lead character in the story. Though again, I have no idea what either is saying here. But the effect is delightful. And I love how the song grows and swells. Laetitia Sadier joins Jarvis Cocker on vocals and keyboards on this track. That’s followed by “Requiem Por Un Con,” which has a strong, prominent rhythm. And his vocal performance feels a part of that rhythm, which is very cool. There is also a sense of urgency, of things in motion which cannot be halted, and it becomes a nice little jam at the end. Yeah, this track just totally works for me. Then “Mon Ami La Rose” has that magical, dreamlike vibe, and features the string section. Serafina Steer shares lead vocals with Jarvis Cocker, delivering a beautiful performance. According to the liner notes, this one was originally performed by the absolutely wonderful Francoise Hardy, so they’re in good company.

“Mao Mao” is a fun track, with a strong energy, and featuring some delightful vocal work by Anna McKinney. That’s followed by “Elle Et Moi,” which begins with percussion and slowly adds elements. I love hearing Jarvis Cocker’s voice backed mainly by drums at the beginning, the vocal work having an intimate quality. This song has a good groove, which is maintained throughout the track. The album concludes with one final bit of magic, “Aline,” the only song that was included in the film. I love Wes Anderson’s work (The Royal Tenenbaums, in particular, is one of my favorite films), but I haven’t yet had a chance to see The French Dispatch. Even before the pandemic struck, I stopped going to the cinema regularly, mainly because I worried someone would take out a cell phone during the film and I’d be arrested after smashing the phone against the person’s head. Anyway, Jarvis Cocker delivers a passionate performance here, to leave us in a world that may not be ours, but one we’d like to revisit often.

Record Track List

Side 1

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

Side 2

1. Paroles, Paroles
2. Requiem Pour Un Con
3. Mon Ami La Rose
4. Mao Mao
5. Elle Et Moi
6. Aline

Chansons d’Ennui was released on October 22, 2021 on ABKCO Music & Records.