In France, Benjamin Biolay requires no introduction – since the release his acclaimed debut, 2002’s Rose Kennedy (which bagged him a Victoires de la Musique award) he’s been one of France’s most prolific and versatile songwriters, arrangers and producers, releasing a string of successful albums under his own name as well as working with a cast of glamorous female singers including Vanessa Paradis, Keren Ann, Carla Bruni and ex-wife Chiara Mastroianni. Little wonder he’s been hailed as the ‘new Gainsbourg’ and, although he might have a reputation as something of a dandy, like Gainsbourg he’s also deadly serious about his craft. The supremely confident Vengeance, out on 6 May follows on the heels of his double album La Superbe, which sold 100,000 copies in France within weeks of its release. Here, Vanessa Paradis makes an appearance on single ‘Profite’ but guests also include rapper Oxmo Puccino The Libertines Carl Barât (who was a big fan of La Superbe), highlighting Biolay’s love of UK pop and rock. Vengeance is as eclectic as ever but each track bears the unique stamp of an artist at the peak of his powers.
Benjamin Biolay is playing his first UK headline show at the Union Chapel on 27 June – TICKETS HERE and you can also go to our Competitions page to try to win a pair.
Also out today is the new live album from dance behemoths Justice, Access All Arenas – just the perfect thing while you’re waiting for the Daft Punk album to drop. The 14-track album was recorded on July 19, 2012 at Les Arènes de Nimes, as part of a global tour which lasted almost a year, and features classics including ‘D.A.N.C.E’ and ‘Waters of Nazareth’.
