Histoire De Melody Nelson was originally intended as a collaborative effort that was to be credited to Jean-Claude Vannier and Serge Gainsbourg but Vannier's name was removed from the LP sleeve making the album Gainsbourg's first solo credited outing in ten years.

Jean-Claude Vannier then went off to record his own concept album, the brilliant "L'Enfant Assassin Des Mouches".

Apparently, the literal story of Miss Melody Nelson begins when Serge drink-drives into an British underage cyclist (played on the LP by his muse and partner Jane Birkin) and then accompanies her to a local hotel to...er...get to know her better. Later, he watches her board a plane destined for England which is then willed out of the sky by a mystical cult of cargo-stealing druids.

Rumours have it that the recording session of Histoire De Melody Nelson (which took place in London, UK) was performed with UK session men such as Herbie Flowers and Alan Hawkshaw and that perhaps even Jimmy Page played guitar! None of this can be proved as there's no list of musicians on either the original LP or subsequent reissues.

The cover features Jane Birkin clutching a cuddly monkey (which was placed in Gainsbourg's coffin with him when he died).

It's sometimes said that Histoire De Melody Nelson is Gainsbourg's favourite LP from his output and we can see why - it's sexy, funky, slightly sad, and has some absolutely gorgeous orchestration and choral work to accompany the groovy and funky backing.

Please note: due to the combined vinyl and packaging weight, shipping charges on the LP version are at the double LP rate.

Packaging & Liner Notes
CD: Standard Jewel Case. French liner notes., LP: 180gram vinyl, Standard sleeve