Happily, Talkie Walkie reunites us with the Air that we love: two hopelessly indulgent romantics with an ear in the past and an eye on the future. It's meltingly good stuff--a collection of cool, cosmic pop songs that dispense with notions of time and space, wallowing instead on a cloud of poignant psychedelia. With vocal duties this time taken by the boys themselves, and gorgeously fragile strings courtesy of Serge Gainsbourg collaborator, Michel Colombier, they get off to a good start. Perhaps the introduction of an outside producer, in this case Radiohead's Nigel Godrich, has forced such beautifully measured focus? Whatever, touchy-feely epics such as the heavenly "Cherry Blossom Girl" sit well next to electronic masterpieces such as "Ran," whose enveloping tracked vocals recall the 10cc classic "I'm Not in Love." --Paul Tierney

"Talkie Walkie" is a solid collection of pop (the haunting "Run" and beautiful "Cherry Blossom Girl"), quiet psychedelica (catchy, futuristic-sounding "Surfing on a Rocket") and beautiful instrumentals (the acoustic-based "Mike Mills"). It's cool and quietly sweeps across your senses, like sitting on the beach and letting the waves run over your feet.

Don't expect the second chapter of "Moon Safari." The latest Air release has a more experimental sound, as if they're trying to make everything balance out. And their attempt is pretty much successful. The dreamy, slightly vulnerable songwriting blends perfectly with a mix of acoustic and electronic music.

At times, "Talkie Walkie" sags slightly with a riff that doesn't belong or a song that could have been shorter. Most of the time, though, it boasts some pretty impressive instruments -- piano, strings, electric drums, bells and smooth soundscapes. Lyrics are simple, especially in the sweet love song "Venus" ("If you walk in the sun/I will be your shadow").

Smooth, cool and otherworldly, "Talkie Walkie" is a beautifully-made release by a talented band. This elegant album is a must-have for music fans.


A Journey into the Sublime.   August 20, 2004
 25 out of 27 found this review helpful

Once in a while, you'll come across a certain special album, and the one word that best describes it is "pretty." That's certainly an appropriate adjective for Air's "Talkie Walkie," which has some breathtakingly elegant moments. The French duo creates dreamy landscapes of mellow pop with acoustic and electronic touches. "Cherry Blossom Girl" soars kite-high with a catchy chorus and strong melody, while the dark and mysterious "Run" has interesting horror-show synths and hypnotic spoken vocals. The latter song could very well be my favorite on the album. "Mike Mills" and "Surfing on a Rocket" are just as good and noteworthy. To peg "Talkie Walkie" as mere chillout fare would do both this album and Air injustice. It's strong enough to be considered one of the best albums I've heard this year.


Oooooo La, la....   September 16, 2006
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I can't help it, I LOVE Air. I know there is a giant movement out there and the majority of Air lovers prefer Moon Safari, but I disagree. I think Talkie Walkie is far more refined. It's smoother, and it hits your touchy feely places. It's also more consistent throughout than Moon Safari and has much better flow. I think I can get around the cheesy lyrics by brushing it off as Frenchies with a language barrier thing. The music speaks for itself and I've never played a song more times than Universal Traveler. This album is a MUST have for anyone.


Don't buy this CD   June 20, 2004
 11 out of 15 found this review helpful

I bought this CD from Amazon and I think the music is
pretty good, that is, if you can play it!

This CD is copy protected. It didn't play on my computer
and I had to the use paper clip to manually force the
CD out of the computer drive. I didn't play on my boom
box either.

I listen to almost all my CD's on my MP3 player. I'm
not a pirate, I pay for everything I listen to but I
refuse to let the record companies dictate how I will
listen to my music

Don't support copy protection by buying this CD!


essential!   August 25, 2006
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

any air fan has to own ALL air records. while this isn't the best one (because moon safari is), it still warrants 5 stars.

plus, these guys really know good musicians. I mean, touring with roger manning, jason falkner, and earl harvin! holy can they put on a show!

buy all their records, keep suppporting the fellas, just for the sake of seeing them on tour!