Silvain Vanot // Bethesda

Eh bien! Voila Le Vanot! Yes indeed; it is many years since we sent out our requests for French Americana, but our prayers have finally been answered and have taken the earthly form of Silvain Vanot. A singer for many years, he has in the past collaborated with Jim O’Rourke and Tanya Donnelly, recorded in Nashville and opened for Sonic Youth. Blimey! Well done Silv! So this is his 6th album, called Bethseda, the name of the Welsh town in which it was recorded. With a reputable crew of musicians to complete his sound including BJ Cole and Iain Templeton, Le Vanot has put together a most delicate and tuneful collection of songs to soothe your soul and delight your ears. It is, in essence, Charlotte Gainsbourg but with a male singer. So what’s not to love? His simple and clear voice singing throughout in French? The sweet country guitar on O Mon Tour? The mournful piano refrain on Riviere? The Tindersticks-sounding Bambi Blanc/foret noire? It’s literally all good. Just a sweet, beautiful and timeless album which, despite not understanding a single word of the lyrics, you can really enjoy. Perfect for, say, driving at twilight back from a first date. Or, nursing a hangover. Just buy it, OK.