Search - Tahiti 80 :: Puzzle

An innocently beautiful summer album

Joel Hanson | Seattle, WA United States | 07/27/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tahiti 80 is sissy French pop crafted in the spirit of the 60's rock icons - like the Kinks and the Zombies - that the band so obviously adores. However, Tahiti 80's undeniable charm emanates from lead singer Xavier Boyer's ability to successfully channel his infectiously innocent intonations - like a naïve version of Nick Drake - through the filters of a second language. I can't imagine an American band using, much less getting away with, a lyric like "I return home with special food for my spirit," but such linguistic solecisms have an unusual appeal in light of the somatic ambience of the accompanying music - which, more accurately, draws from several 70's sonic sources - and its capacity to transport you blissfully into the past. For example, the song "Heartbeat," with its bouncy, almost house-like rhythms, and K.C. and the Sunshine Band-esque vocal hook, is so intoxicating and familiar, you'd swear that you once heard it pumping out of an eight-track from a passing, matte-black Camaro, or perhaps in an American Bandstand-induced dream. In addition, the trumpet provided by Eric Matthews and mixes by Tore Johansson keep the nostalgia flowing through standout tracks "Yellow Butterfly," the ABBA-influenced "I.S.A.A.C" and the title track "Puzzle.""

5th best record of the decade...It's still the 90's

E. Matthews | the center | 07/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To my taste this album is in a highly elite group of albums to be made in the last ten or so years. Jason Falkner, Spookey Ruben, Divine Comedy, Supergrass, Radiohead, Cardinal...this is the company that I believe Tahiti 80 hang's with. "When the Sun" is one of the best songs of the last 20 years, the strings, Xavior...it is perfect.Speaking of perfect, this album like most is not. There are some 3 or 4 songs that I would rather never hear again but this is a great ratio of failure when the other 7 or so are so great, and in some cases ground breaking. These guys are all under the age of 23 and what has been done on this debut album seems to suggest that there will be far more, far better, far beyond the way I think and listen to music today.I sit like a wolf in wait for a new collection of songs from the greatest band to ever come out of France.a concerned fan"

So good, so good...

Brandon P. | NYC | 04/14/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This record is great. It's that perfect blend of 80s pop and modern sensibilities. It's layered with just the right balance retro synth sounds, live instrumentation, drum loops, compelling vocals and accessible lyrics that only the French seem to be able to do it. In the tradition of MOON SAFARI, PUZZLE is carefree and mysterious all at the same time. But the hooks - the hooks are sooooo catchy - you'll be singing along in no time. The band also gives an incredible live performance (I saw them at the Bowery Ballroom last month). HEARTBEAT is the radio single, but my favourite is YELLOW BUTTERFLY. I love this record."