
Much like the old Él records label, French label Les Disques Aquatic continue to release charming records of an easylistening/'60s stripe. No surprise therefore that they should devote an entire compilation to celebrate the bossa nova movement. Bands from all over Europe plus Japan's Boo Cherries try their hand at this style with largely pleasing results. England's The Cherry Orchard have their 'Something Special' single reworked into a Serge Gainsbourg makeover, DJ Aurino and Ugo Tognazi provide an ode to French cinema but most impressive of all is Cinamon's 'Hearts Can Heal'; a match made in heaven of gorgeous harmonies, nagging guitar lines and brass arrangements not a million miles away from their Swedish compatriots The Cardigans. Such is the relaxed style, though, that melodies often make way for clichéed aural wallpaper as on the rather too lightweight effort from Louis Philippe or the aimless meanderings of D.F.A. Recommended for pure easy listening nostalgia.