Nouvelle Vague Album: “Bande a Part [Bonus Tracks]”

I'm not entirely sure what listeners who aren't familiar with most of the original versions will get out of this album. As someone who went through punk, new wave, new romantic, goth and indie-kid phases in the late 70's/early 80's but who now listens to lounge, bossa, dub and nu-jazz I'm surely part of a very small group to whom Nouvelle Vague's work is perfectly pitched.

The standouts for me are the sublime opening track and a kittenish reworking of Human Fly. Some of the other covers work less well, including a way-too-respectful attempt at Pride. Potential buyers should also be warned that there several different editions of this CD aimed at various international markets. Check the tracklistings before buying

Never thought I'd ever again listen to Bela Lugosi's Dead by choice...

This style isn't for everyone; its almost what I would say is European pop mix, just done in a style that leaves one with a better relief in the dreaded classification of "pop" music.

OK, I'll admit right away that i don't get the criticisms below. i am one of those people who shudder at the adaptations of the Beatles, Stones, the Led, Dead Kennedys or Bobby Zimmerman. Yet i love this album. Some pieces (like Dancing with Myself or The Killing Moon) are better than the originals and others (like the Human Fly) or Bela Lugosi's Dead - the adaptation of the famous Bauhaus song - are almost like new songs, originals themselves. The singing is subtle and intense at the same time - this is no lounge music. Remind me of Pink Martini, only better.

I am so in love with their first album, in fact it is one of the favorite cd's I own! I can't get enough of their first album, but I recently purchased this Bande A Part and was really disappointed! I really haven't listened to it that much, it just didn't capture my attention as their first album did. Now I don't know if I want to buy their latest cd or not.

Dancing with myself and blue Monday are the best tracks. The rest are ok. If you like 40s music and like the original tracks this album covers you will like it.