About

A TAV Curator's Pick.

Twentyears is a compilation album by Air, consisting of French duo Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel, released in 2016, twenty years after their international debut.

The anthology includes one LP of the duo's hits, plus another LP comprising 14 rare or unreleased cuts. Selections include classics like "Sexy Boy" and "Kelly Watch The Stars," as well as lesser-known collaborations with Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jarvis Cocker and Françoise Hardy, plus recordings of radio performances on BBC and KCRW.

“Twentyears does exactly what a compilation needs to; it shows how Air are arguably one of the last great singles bands, but by delving beyond the hits we are presented with an abbreviated version of a back catalogue of panache and flair. Always engaging, always different, but always Air.” - The Line of Best Fit

“As laid-back as it is, a track like opener “La Femme D’Argent,” from Air’s 1998 debut full-length Moon Safari, shimmies quite a bit—but in a totally nonchalant, debonair manner. The cool-strutting bass line paves the path as jazzy, improv-sounding piano flutters around and alien-noise squiggles slice into the synth breeze.

Pop-electronica big hits like “Playground Love” and “Sexy Boy” anchor the compilation, but the secondary and tertiary singles make the album move. An instrumental like “Alpha Beta Gaga,” from 2004’s Talkie Walkie, ratchets intensity in a way that’s both uplifting and cathartic.” - AV Club

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