Part of the Pschent 'Hotel Costes' series, volume '5', in common with the rest of that label's output, is a stylishly lush affair.
Presented, or should that be gift wrapped, in a deep red and self-consciously erotic, as opposed to pornographic, package, the intention is to create irresistible levels of "eat-me" temptation.
Which is apt, considering buying one of these CDs is as much a lifestyle symbol as it is musical purchase.
The series takes its name from one of Paris' most luxurious hotels, which is situated amidst the city's plushest shops and minutes from the offices of Harper's Bazaar. Naturally the Costes attracts an international clientele of high fashion types.
The set begins with Hippiehaus' 'Galaxy', a lounge meets Europop R 'n' B offering. It's a curious opener considering the choice available.
A better introduction comes with the second track, Rouge Rouge's 'L'Amour' - a smart and humorous demonstration of how world beating French production can be in this genre.
Having thus re-kindled the package Pompougnac fails to put a foot wrong. Physic's 'Leaving Monte Carlo' glides through to Streamer's 'Zwing Twing' into Cam's emotive 'Summer In Paris', featuring Anggun, and onto Pompougnac's own bass-squelching remix of Clementine's 'Les Champs Elysees'.
Visions' deceptively funky 'Ponger Star' rolls on congas and echoes with sparse flute lines before being stylishly (that word again) mixed into 'Gabin's 'Doo Uap, Doo Uap' - a contemporary rendering of 'It Don't Mean A Thing If You Ain't Got That Swing'.
Apart from the attention to presentation, the best thing about albums like this is that the mix comes a long way down the list of priorities. Instead emphasis is put on storytelling through ambience.
And rather than being coffee table music, 'Hotel Costes 5' attempts to narrate a whole evening. Soiree music, if you like.
And so we get to Louie Austen's 'One Night In Rio', a shining example of an after diner speech track if ever there was one.
Bon Appetite.
