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Albums Of The Week: Nouvelle Vague | Should I Stay or Should I Go?

THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE:Nouvelle Vague, the renowned bossa nova project founded by Marc Collin and the late Olivier Libaux in 2003, have become a musical phenomenon over the past two decades.

Initially conceived as a one-off tribute to post-punk songwriting in a bossa nova style, Nouvelle Vague’s debut album unexpectedly soared to global acclaim. The band’s unique fusion of melancholic post-punk and bossa nova, coupled with their daring French reinterpretation approach, set them apart. The latest album, inspired by vocalist Alonya’s rendition of The Clash’s Should I Stay Or Should I Go, continues Nouvelle Vague’s tradition of reinventing classics. It once again amplifies the timeless significance and continued impact of Nouvelle Vague’s musical legacy.

Collin never anticipated producing a fifth album for the project. He attributes their success to the timing of the post-punk revival and the emotional resonance achieved by blending bossa nova with melancholic music. He also suggests that their French identity played a significant role, as their willingness to reinterpret songs without treating them as sacred, along with French vocals, contributed to the project’s appeal.

Now, Collin sees no reason to end Nouvelle Vague, as streaming keeps their music alive and the audience remains interested, even attracting younger listeners. Additionally, he notes the project’s influence on the trend of radically reworked cover versions in advertisements and movies, highlighting the enduring impact of Nouvelle Vague’s innovative approach to music.”