10,000 Hz Legend
Previously Air's Jean-Benoit Dunckel and Nicolas Godin made softcore collages ofPink Floyd-ish synth tones and droning French lounge pop.10,000 Hz Legendgoes further out, attaining new heights of cheesy,Space Odyssey-like computer music. LikeKraftwerkskinny-dipping with French nymphetJane BirkinandStar Wars's R2D2,Legendswells with mad robo-love, following a computer romance amid droll tributes to vacant pop culture.Beck's appearance on "The Vagabond" proves the Loser only works well solo, making Air disappear on their own album. The absurd "Radio #1" and the sappy chorus in "How Does It Make You Feel?" could snuggle besideCeline Dion's latest yawner. But there is magic: "Radian" is aCluster-like orb of cooing flutes, gentle rhythms, and a ghostly vocal. "Electric  Performers" offers clunky electronic beats and the lines "We are the synchronizers / Machines give me some freedom." The catchy "People in the City" sounds likeMirwaisproducingSerge Gainsbourg, while "Don't Be Light" recalls electro KrautrockersNeu!Feeding us Moog merengue and Reese's Pieces rhythms, Air remain sweet computer boys to the core.--Ken Micallef