This album keeps me smiling at work. Sometimes the office atmosphere gets me down, but Nouvelle Vague’s debut album helps me stay on task with a grin. Only one track is somewhat objectionable (“Too Drunk To Fuck”), but otherwise it’s pretty safe. I didn’t think it was possible to improve upon The Cure, but their version of “A Forest” totally rocks!

This album is good for an occassional fun listen. It provokes a smile and, perhaps, a raised eyebrow. The songs are all covers done in a quasi-bossa nova style. Their rendition of In A Manner of Speaking is particularly good and not that different from the original. I love their version of The Cure’s A Forest, but I Melt With You just doesn’t work at all. There’s a song that can’t be played when my kids are in the room due to language and subject matter, which is just as well because I don’t think anyone else in my house really appreciates this album like I do.