Hubert-Félix Thiéfaine is unique in French showbiz, a solo transatlantic sailor. His surrealistic, elaborate lyrics are his trademark. In 1979, the name of the album was "Tout corps vivant branché sur le secteur étant appelé à s'émouvoir" (Any living creature plugged into the mains likely to be moved). A few records later, and the 1998 vintage is called... "Le bonheur de la tentation" (The joys of temptation)!
Maybe Thiéfaine has lost a few marbles on the way, or has he just matured after 20 years on the job ? With rock guitar for "Dans quel état terre" or cello solo for "Empreintes sur négatif", the arrangements are varied, and the vocals are sometimes surprising, as in "Bouton de rose" in which a sober, subtle Thiéfaine can be heard. Take care, though : He also pops up where he is least expected. His alcoholic ravings in "Le chaos de la philosophie" and his never-ending songs where he declaims rather than singing (it takes some breath!), such as "Exercice de simple provocation avec 33 fois le mot coupable" recall the good old days, when the public in the throes of adolescent upheaval shouted for Hubert-Félix Thiéfaine in concerts that resembled more high masses than anything else.
Nostalgic souvenirs are what a new CD by Thiefaine evokes today, until, that is, he makes his big comeback at Bercy in Paris on December 11 1998.

Le bonheur de la tentation Sony Music 489832 2