* * * *  (4 out of 5 stars)

Uneven, But Very High Highs

Sebastien Tellier is not a very consistent musician, unfortunately. But with that inconsistency comes the amazing ability to write some great music. Unfortunately, because he loves to jump through stylistic hoops we end up with what sounds like the Best Of What Sebastien Tellier Was Playing With Over The Past Few Weeks. The styles jump around and it can be quite jarring.

"Bye Bye", "Broadway", and "Le Ritournelle" are both terrific pieces of music that fit well within the scope of labelmates Air. But tracks 8-11 are also quite good and sound closer to, maybe, Daft Punk. Maybe. There are a lot of ’80s references there, and some of the compositions are great. But the album is not cogent in the slightest.

All in all, this album is worth owning just to have Le Ritournelle.