Sebastien Tellier vs Keith: La Ritournelle
On Saturday, April 18, 2009, independently-owned music stores across the country are celebrating Record Store Day. On this day, all of these stores will simultaneously link and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the unique cultural place that they occupy, both in their local communities, and as part of the national identity.
As a 100% independently owned label, we rely on the great support these stores provide our releases, & so we knew we had to contribute something special to the day.
As such, we are creating a one-off and very special 12” featuring two of our artists – Sébastien Tellier and Keith – performing the Tellier signature, “La Ritournelle”. The unique 12” will be limited to just 250 copies.
Sébastien Tellier released his magnificent ‘La Ritournelle’ single in the UK on September 12th 2005. Championed initially by ‘ahead of the game’ radio tastemakers and independent record stores such as Pure Groove, Manchester Piccadilly, and Rough Trade, before going on to be supported at Radio One, it is an undisputed nouveau classic. The track was simply described by the NME as “Basically Unfinished Sympathy Pt II” and upon first hearing “La Ritournelle” influential DJ Tom Middleton said “I had to pull over to the side of the road & weep”. Unavailable in physical form for more than 18 months now, and with the original 12” selling on Ebay for more than £60 a time, we felt this was a perfect opportunity to re-press and restore some more love to the world. The original near 8 minute perfection of the track being the A-side of the release and now lovingly cut to 45rpm.
On the flip Keith’s nerve to cover this track has proven inspired. On their version you can tell Keith’s drummer is informed by the Afrobeat of the original master Tony Allen, and it’s no surprise Tellier gave his seal of approval as the band backed him in performing the song at a number of UK shows! What’s more, on this recorded version, the delicious ambience and ethereal vocal mantras show skills Sigur Ros would be proud of ….
Lucky Number giving you plenty good reason to support the spirit of independence! See you at the racks on April 18th!
