In-Car Entertainment

So then, where to start: a famously 'classic' album, an old favourite, or brand new cutting-edge release? Well, it's none of those really. The first CD that grabbed me as I passed the rack on the way out to the car was this one, so I grabbed it and off we went.

French band Air wormed their way into people's heads when their first proper album, "Moon Safari", made a hit with advertising executives and posh drinking establishments the world over. Suddenly you couldn't move without hearing one of their tunes on an advert for some luxury car, or find a bar that didn't feature Air on their sound system. TV chef Gary Rhodes liberally pinched a few to back up his latest trendy cookery efforts. (Even I got in on the act - on my very first show on student radio, I played an Air track. But hey, it was unknown then!)

So there were big hopes for their second album: more laid-back pieces to prop up your dinner party! Instead, buyers of "10,000Hz Legend" were in for a bit of a shock. Air had taken things in a rather arty, self-indulgent direction. Gone were the subtle melodies that effortlessly washed over you, and in came jagged tracks demanding attention.

It was too much for most, and the album received a few unflattering write-ups. I felt the same; I'd eagerly awaited its arrival, and was rather let-down when I first listened. There was nothing quite so pure or so beautiful as on the first CD.

However, something odd has happened. Listening to it again this morning, I couldn't see why everyone had made such a fuss. All I could hear was Air. New directions and new tricks, maybe, but at the heart of it, it was the same clean, electronic spirit, just with some exciting new twists. Another favourite of mine, Beck, even pops up to lend a hand, and it all seems so 'right'. It works!

Now Air have gone on to release "Talkie Walkie" and things are a little more back to basics. "10,000Hz Legend" seems trapped in the middle; an odd attempt at striking out away from the lounge. But I think it's a real grower. Sure, it's complex, but just give it some time. You'll get there in the end.