FRICTION NYC

[MP3:] Nouvelle Vague  ”The Killing Moon” (Echo & The Bunnymen cover)

Sorry for being so morose on such a such a gorgeous day, but I caught a glimpse of a crescent moon the other night hovering over the city and it made me think of this song.

You would think that an album named after my favorite movie of all time, consisting of bossa nova covers of new wave and post punk favorites, and fronted with soft beautiful female vocals would be right up my alley. But, for some reason, Nouvelle Vague’s sophmore effort, Bande à Part, never really clicked for me in the same ways as their 2004 self-titled debut. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a fan of the band and there are some gems on the record, including their elegant interpretation of Echo and The Bunnymen’s “The Killing Moon” and their cover of Bauhaus’ “Bella Lugosi’s Dead.” The French musical collective is very successful in giving the Bunnymen classic a sweeping warmth, perfect for these summery nights.

The good news is that Nouvelle Vague is swinging into New York City next Friday (June 1) for the Guggenheim’s First Fridays and will be performing songs from both of their records. Tickets are a bit steep for the general public at $25 a pop, but free for museum members.

If you don’t feel like dropping $25 on a show, Music For Robots and Melody Nelson both have contests going where you can win a pair, but hurry - the giveaways end today. If you don’t win tickets, look at it this way, the event will be sponsored by French liqueur company, St. Germain, so you can get your drunk on pour libre! Don’t miss it.

above pic via twoeightnine