Fugu "Fugu-1"

This was an album that slipped through the cracks for me. If you are a French band named after a Japansese pufferfish, then you play great baroque power pop right? Fugu is led by singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Mehdi Zannad, and has worked with Stereolab, Saint Etienne and Tahiti 80. For this 2001 release, “Fugu-1” Mehdi called on the talents of over 25 players, including strings, a horn section and countless other instrumental effects in a manner fitting a Brian Wilson or George Martin. The harmonies are flawless and are on par with The Winnerys. The lush melodies and gorgeous arrangements are not to be missed. In fact he outdoes Sean O’Hagen’s early work with the High Llamas (FYI: A new High Llamas album is out and a review is coming soon). He also has a new album out I also hope to review soon called “As Found”. Listen to tracks here and here at MySpace and visit his website for more info. You can pick up this first album at e-music

Listen to “Meanwhile”