Profession Chanteur

The 13 songs here represent the three albums Belgian chanteur Benjamin Schoos has released under his real name since 2012: China Man vs Chinagirl (2012); Beau Futur (2014) and Night Music Love Songs (2016). During that time the musical pioneer has assumed the mantle of - among other kinetic occupations - a wrestler, an astronaut, a stuntman, an adventurer, and last but not least a lover. Benjamin is not just an artist but an impresario, the founder and head honcho of Belgian label Freaksville (presiding over a musical family of unparalleled creativity), an in-demand producer, a radio show host, an actor, an illustrator and all-round Action Man to boot. Here though, we get - in full technicolor - Benjamin Schoos singer-songwriter par excellence. "Prolifique et romantique" said French weekly Les Inrocks recently, not to mention "un peu fou" (a little crazy). The Seraing-born singer mines the chansons francaises populaires, the production values of Phil Spector and David Axelrod, the orchestral flourishes of Jean-Claude Vannier and the frisson of fabulous Gainsbourg duets from the 60s and 70s, and then turns it all into something new and distinctive. Here are the lush strings and cupid harps of 'Je ne vois que vous' and its divine sequel 'Derniere danse' (both with Laetitia Sadier), the lushly resplendent and atmospheric 'Une fille on or' and 'Un parfum de nostalgie', via the art deco futuristic fantasies of 'La grande aventure' and 'Le cascadeur'. Other highlights include a duet with April March ('J'ai essay de t'aimer') and the inimitable wrestling chanson 'Profession catcheur', from which the compilation takes its titular inspiration. Expect plenty of action in future, but for now, take time out to reflect on a job well done.