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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| Name = Cendres de lune
| name = Cendres de lune
| Type = [[Album]]
| type = [[Album]]
| Artist = [[Mylène Farmer]]
| artist = [[Mylène Farmer]]
| Cover = Cendres de lune.jpg
| cover = Cendres de lune.jpg
| alt =
| Released = April 1986 <small>(first edition)</small> <br /> April 1987 <small>(second edition)</small>
| released = April 1986 <small>(first edition)</small> <br /> April 1987 <small>(second edition)</small>
| Recorded =
| recorded =
| Genre = [[Synthpop]], [[New wave music|new wave]], [[baroque pop]]
| Length = 53:08
| venue =
| studio =
| Label = [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
| genre = [[Synthpop]], [[New wave music|new wave]], [[baroque pop]]
| Producer = [[Laurent Boutonnat]]
| length = 35:28 <small>(first edition LP, Cassette)</small><br />40:04 <small>(second edition LP, Cassette)</small><br />
| Last album =
53:08 <small>(all CD editions)</small>
| This album = '''''Cendres de lune''''' <br />(1986)
| Next album = ''[[Ainsi soit je...]]''<br />(1988)
| label = [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
| producer = [[Laurent Boutonnat]]
| Misc = {{Singles
| prev_title =
| Name = Cendres de lune
| prev_year =
| Type = Studio album
| single 1 = [[Maman a tort]]
| next_title = [[Ainsi soit je...]]
| next_year = 1988
| single 1 date = March 1984
| single 2 = [[Plus grandir]]
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Cendres de lune
| single 2 date = 25 September 1985
| type = Studio album
| single 3 = We'll Never Die <small>(Canada only)</small>
| single1 = [[Maman a tort]]
| single 3 date = February 1986
| single1date = March 1984
| single 4 = [[Libertine (song)|Libertine]]
| single2 = [[Plus grandir]]
| single 4 date = 1 April 1986
| single2date = 25 September 1985
| single 5 = [[Tristana (song)|Tristana]]
| single3 = We'll Never Die <small>(Canada only)</small>
| single 5 date = February 1987
| single3date = February 1986
| single 6 = Au bout de la nuit
| single4 = [[Libertine (song)|Libertine]]
| single 6 date = 25 June 1987
| single4date = 1 April 1986
| single5 = [[Tristana (song)|Tristana]]
| single5date = February 1987
| single6 = Au bout de la nuit
| single6date = 25 June 1987
}}
}}
}}
}}
'''''Cendres de lune''''' is the debut album by the French singer/songwriter [[Mylène Farmer]], released on 1 April 1986. The album was precedeed by the hit single "[[Libertine (song)|Libertine]]", and the album was rereleased in 1987 preceded by the song "[[Tristana (song)|Tristana]]". This album, which was Farmer's sole one written and composed by Laurent Boutonnat, achieved moderate success in France when compared with her later albums but it helped to launch her career.
'''''Cendres de lune''''' is the first album by the French singer/songwriter [[Mylène Farmer]], released on 1 April 1986. The album was preceded by the hit single "[[Libertine (song)|Libertine]]". The album was rereleased in 1987, preceded by the song "[[Tristana (song)|Tristana]]". The album, which was Farmer's only one written and composed by Laurent Boutonnat, achieved success in France. Despite this success, it is considered moderate when compared with Farmer's standards and her later high-selling albums, but it helped to launch her career.


== Background ==
== Background ==
After the moderate success of the first four singles ("[[Maman a tort]]", "[[Maman a tort|My Mum Is Wrong]]" [the English-language version of "Maman a tort"], "[[On est tous des imbéciles]]" and "[[Plus grandir]]"), Farmer decided to release her first album. At the time, she had signed a contract for two albums with the recording company [[Polydor Records|Polydor]], which reserved the right to break the contract at any time. Fortunately, in 1986, the success of "[[Libertine (song)|Libertine]]" brought Farmer her first big hit and allowed her to produce ''Cendres de lune''.
After the moderate success of the first four singles ("[[Maman a tort]]", "[[Maman a tort|My Mum Is Wrong]]" [the English-language version of "Maman a tort"], "[[On est tous des imbéciles]]" and "[[Plus grandir]]"), Farmer decided to release her first album. At the time, she had signed a contract for two albums with the recording company [[Polydor Records|Polydor]], which reserved the right to break the contract at any time. Fortunately, in 1986, the success of "[[Libertine (song)|Libertine]]" brought Farmer her first big hit and allowed her to produce ''Cendres de lune''.


The vinyl release of the album contained only nine tracks, including "Maman a tort", "Plus grandir" and its B-side "Chloé", plus six other songs. Polydor did not procure the copyright for "My Mum Is Wrong", "[[On est tous des imbéciles]]" and its B-side "[[On est tous des imbéciles#B-side: "L'Annonciation"|L'Annonciation]]" from RCA, the label Farmer released those tracks on. However, in 1987, with the increasingly prominence of the Compact Disc, the album was reissued with a total of 12 titles: "[[Tristana (song)|Tristana]]", the 1987 hit written by Farmer, and two remixes ("Libertine" [remix special club], "Tristana" [remix club]) were added to the track listing.
The vinyl release of the album contained only nine tracks, including "Maman a tort", "Plus grandir" and its B-side "Chloé", plus six other songs. Polydor did not procure the copyright for "My Mum Is Wrong", "[[On est tous des imbéciles]]" and its B-side "[[On est tous des imbéciles#B-side: "L'Annonciation"|L'Annonciation]]" from RCA, the label Farmer released those tracks on. However, in 1987, with the increasingly prominence of the Compact Disc, the album was reissued with a total of 12 titles: "[[Tristana (song)|Tristana]]", the 1987 hit written by Farmer, and two remixes ("Libertine" [remix special club], "Tristana" [remix club]) were added to the track listing. The second and further cassette releases comprise ten songs, including "Tristana", but missing the two remixes.


The album was also released in Canada and Germany. The cover, in black and white, was produced by Laurent Boutonnat and shows Farmer in profile, apparently sad, putting on a hat.
The album was also released in Canada and Germany. The cover, in black and white, was produced by Laurent Boutonnat and shows Farmer in profile, apparently sad, putting on a hat.
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{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>[{{Allmusic|class=album|id=r207852|pure_url=yes}} AllMusic review]</ref>
|rev1score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r207852|pure_url=yes}} AllMusic review]</ref>
}}<!-- Automatically generated by DASHBot-->
}}<!-- Automatically generated by DASHBot-->
''Cendres de lune'' was generally well received by critics. It was considered as an "excellent" album (''Gaipied''),<ref>''Gaipied'', 1 August 1986 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/GAIPIED_010886.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> a "success" (''Podium''),<ref>''Podium'', 1986, "Mylène Farmer - Bonjour l'humour noir", Robert De Laroche [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/podium_86.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "a first album rather masterly" (''La Provence''),<ref>''La Provence'', 1 August 1986 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/la_provence_010886.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "in the area of the variety, one of the most beautiful things of the moment" (''Les Gran'').<ref>''Les Gran'', 1987, "Mylène Farmer, un je-ne-sais-quoi en plus" [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/LES_GRAN_86.JPG Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "Full of little marvels" (''Charente''),<ref>''Charente'', 14 October 1986, "Embrasons-nous", Jean-Louis Mathieu [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/CHARENTE_141086.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> it contains "hits having an wholesome impertinence" (''Télé Poche'')<ref>''Télé Poche'', 2 June 1986 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/TELE_POCHE_020686.JPG Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> and "provides a real insight of [Farmer]'s talent"; [the singer] carries us with her crystalline voice and strange texts, out of time and out of the standards" (''Le Républicain'').<ref>''Le Républicain'', 14 September 1986, "Une chanteuse "libertine"", Christine Hiquet [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/le_republicain_140986.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "The songs of Mylène fill the air with an atmosphere alternately naughty and sad but very engaging" (''7 à Paris'').<ref>''7 à Paris'', 23 April 1986, "Passionnément" [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/7_A_PARIS_230486.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "Mylène's voice is exquisite and her accomplices made her sing little ordinary things" (''La Dépêche'').<ref>''La Dépêche'', 29 June 1986, "Libertine, la petite Mylène qui monte..." [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/LA_DEPECHE_290686.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "[Farmer] seduces with sensitive texts, almost surreal, tenderly erotic" (''Le Télégramme'').<ref>''Le Télégramme'', 16 April 1986 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/le_telegramme_160486.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref>
''Cendres de lune'' was generally well received by critics. It was considered as an "excellent" album (''Gaipied''),<ref>''Gaipied'', 1 August 1986 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/GAIPIED_010886.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> a "success" (''Podium''),<ref>''Podium'', 1986, "Mylène Farmer - Bonjour l'humour noir", Robert De Laroche [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/podium_86.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "a first album rather masterly" (''La Provence''),<ref>''La Provence'', 1 August 1986 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/la_provence_010886.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "in the area of the variety, one of the most beautiful things of the moment" (''Les Gran'').<ref>''Les Gran'', 1987, "Mylène Farmer, un je-ne-sais-quoi en plus" [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/LES_GRAN_86.JPG Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "Full of little marvels" (''Charente''),<ref>''Charente'', 14 October 1986, "Embrasons-nous", Jean-Louis Mathieu [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/CHARENTE_141086.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> it contains "hits having an wholesome impertinence" (''Télé Poche'')<ref>''Télé Poche'', 2 June 1986 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/TELE_POCHE_020686.JPG Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> and "provides a real insight of [Farmer]'s talent"; [the singer] carries us with her crystalline voice and strange texts, out of time and out of the standards" (''Le Républicain'').<ref>''Le Républicain'', 14 September 1986, "Une chanteuse "libertine"", Christine Hiquet [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/le_republicain_140986.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "The songs of Mylène fill the air with an atmosphere alternately naughty and sad but very engaging" (''7 à Paris'').<ref>''7 à Paris'', 23 April 1986, "Passionnément" [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/7_A_PARIS_230486.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "Mylène's voice is exquisite and her accomplices made her sing little ordinary things" (''La Dépêche'').<ref>''La Dépêche'', 29 June 1986, "Libertine, la petite Mylène qui monte..." [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/LA_DEPECHE_290686.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref> "[Farmer] seduces with sensitive texts, almost surreal, tenderly erotic" (''Le Télégramme'').<ref>''Le Télégramme'', 16 April 1986 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/1986/le_telegramme_160486.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 25 March 2008)</ref>


== Commercial performance ==
== Commercial performance ==
In France, ''Cendres de lune'' charted for the very first time in April 1989, after the success of the second album, ''[[Ainsi soit je...]]''. It peaked at number 39 and has sold 367,700 copies to date.<ref name="peak">{{cite web|url=http://www.infodisc.fr/Album_ChartRuns.php|title=Les "Charts Runs" de chaque Album Classé|publisher=InfoDisc|language=French|accessdate=15 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://infodisc.fr/Ventes_Albums_Tout_Temps.php?debut=950|title=Les Meilleures Ventes de CD / Albums "Tout Temps"|publisher=InfoDisc|accessdate=5 February 2018|language=French}}</ref>
In France, ''Cendres de lune'' charted for the first time in April 1989, after the success of the second album, ''[[Ainsi soit je...]]''. It peaked at number 39.<ref name="peak">{{cite web|url=http://www.infodisc.fr/Album_ChartRuns.php|title=Les "Charts Runs" de chaque Album Classé|publisher=InfoDisc|language=French|access-date=15 June 2016}}</ref>


== Track listing ==
== Track listing ==
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|Jean-Claude Déquéant
|Jean-Claude Déquéant
|<small>{{main|Libertine (song)}}</small>
|<small>{{main|Libertine (song)}}</small>
* It has been performed during the [[Mylène Farmer en concert|1989]], [[1996 Bercy|1996]], [[Mylenium Tour (tour)|2000]] and [[Mylène Farmer en tournée|2009]] tours and 25 times on television
* It has been performed during the [[Mylène Farmer en concert|1989]], [[1996 Bercy|1996]], [[Mylenium Tour (tour)|2000]], [[Mylène Farmer en tournée|2009]] and [[Nevermore 2023|2023]] tours and 25 times on television
|-
|-
|2
|2
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|
|
* The song is about a rite of witchcraft called the [[Witches' Sabbath|Sabbath]], in which the goat symbolizes the [[Devil]]. Farmer addresses him and takes part in Satanic rites including baptism. A phrase of [[Jean-Paul Sartre]]'s book ''[[No Exit|Huis-clos]]'' ("L'enfer, c'est les autres") is cited in the lyrics. A choir of children, a goat's bleating and the singer's laughter are used in the background vocals.
* The song is about a rite of witchcraft called the [[Witches' Sabbath|Sabbath]], in which the goat symbolizes the [[Devil]]. Farmer addresses him and takes part in Satanic rites including baptism. A phrase of [[Jean-Paul Sartre]]'s book ''[[No Exit|Huis-clos]]'' ("L'enfer, c'est les autres") is cited in the lyrics. A choir of children, a goat's bleating and the singer's laughter are used in the background vocals.
* In the beginning of the song Mylène imitates a question-and-response from the Sabbath, in English: "Do you love the devil, my dear?/Oh, yes, I love him!". It was recorded in style suggesting usage of an effect known as [[backmasking]], as well as being recorded and played back normally.
* At the beginning of the song, Farmer imitates a question-and-response from the Sabbath, in English: "Do you love the devil, my dear?/Oh, yes, I love him!". It was recorded in style suggesting usage of an effect known as [[backmasking]], as well as being recorded and played back normally.
* It has never been performed on tour nor on television; however, on Mylène's performance of "Chloé" on ''Azimuts'', the final seconds of the song were heard just before she sang "Chloé".
* It has never been performed on tour nor on television; however, on Mylène's performance of "Chloé" on ''Azimuts'', the final seconds of the song were heard just before she sang "Chloé".
|-
|-
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|Laurent Boutonnat
|Laurent Boutonnat
|<small>{{main|Tristana (song)}}</small>
|<small>{{main|Tristana (song)}}</small>
* It has been performed during the 1989 tour and 26 times on television.
* It was performed during the 1989 and 2023 tours and 26 times on television.
|-
|-
|5
|5
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|
|
* This [[Nursery rhyme|rhyme]], inspired by [[William Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Hamlet]]'', deals with the death of Chloé, the fictitious younger sister of the singer. Farmer sings in a high tone with a little girl's voice and a choir of children accompanies her on the second refrain. The song is the B-side of the vinyl for "Plus grandir".
* This [[Nursery rhyme|rhyme]], inspired by [[William Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Hamlet]]'', deals with the death of Chloé, the fictitious younger sister of the singer. Farmer sings in a high tone with a little girl's voice and a choir of children accompanies her on the second refrain. The song is the B-side of the vinyl for "Plus grandir".
* It has never been performed on tour, but three times on television: ''Aujourd'hui la vie'' (16 September 1989, [[Antenne 2]]), ''Azimuts'' (24 September 1986, [[France 3|FR3 Lorraine]]) and ''Mon Zénith à moi'' (September 1989, [[Canal+]])
* It has never been performed on tour, but three times on television: ''Aujourd'hui la vie'' (16 September 1989, [[Antenne 2]]), ''Azimuts'' (24 September 1986, [[France 3|FR3 Lorraine]]) and ''Mon Zénith à moi'' (September 1989, [[Canal+ (French TV channel)|Canal+]])
* In 2012 the song was partially redone on the album [[Monkey Me]] as "Nuit d'hiver".
* In 2012 the song was partially redone on the album [[Monkey Me]] as "Nuit d'hiver".
|-
|-
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|
|
* This song (with lyrics in [[French language]]) may be understood as tackling the theme of the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]. It evokes a child who makes war for his homeland, which is futile because his death is inevitable. A musical bridge is sung in English by [[Carole Fredericks]]. In 1986, this song was released as a [[Single (music)|single]] in [[Canada]].
* This song (with lyrics in [[French language]]) may be understood as tackling the theme of the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]. It evokes a child who makes war for his homeland, which is futile because his death is inevitable. A musical bridge is sung in English by [[Carole Fredericks]]. In 1986, this song was released as a [[Single (music)|single]] in [[Canada]].
* It has never been performed on tour nor on television.
* It has never been performed on tour or on television.
|-
|-
|8
|8
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|
|
* This song is a tribute to [[Greta Garbo]], called "Divine" in the lyrics. Several allusions to the actress' life - the death of her parents, her distance from her fans - are mentioned in the couplets and slogans accompanying the release of some of her films are used in the refrain. Original statements by Garbo from several films are sampled at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the song. The song is the B-side of the vinyl for "Libertine".
* This song is a tribute to [[Greta Garbo]], called "Divine" in the lyrics. Several allusions to the actress' life - the death of her parents, her distance from her fans - are mentioned in the couplets and slogans accompanying the release of some of her films are used in the refrain. Original statements by Garbo from several films are sampled at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the song. The song is the B-side of the vinyl for "Libertine".
* It has never been performed on tour, but one time on television: ''C'est encore mieux l'après-midi'' (22 January 1987, Antenne 2)
* It has never been performed on tour, but once on television: ''C'est encore mieux l'après-midi'' (22 January 1987, Antenne 2)
|-
|-
|9
|9
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|Laurent Boutonnat
|Laurent Boutonnat
|Jean-Claude Déquéant
|Jean-Claude Déquéant
|<small>{{main|Libertine (song)}}</small>
|<small>
{{main|Libertine (song)}}</small>
* Not included on cassette.
|-
|-
|11
|11
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|Mylène Farmer
|Mylène Farmer
|Laurent Boutonnat
|Laurent Boutonnat
|
|<small>{{main|Tristana (song)}}</small>
<small>{{main|Tristana (song)}}</small>
* Not included on cassette.
|-
|-
|12
|12
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|
|
* This instrumental song, in which Farmer hums the melody, is used in the [[Opening credits|opening]] and [[closing credits]] of the music video for "Plus grandir".
* This instrumental song, in which Farmer hums the melody, is used in the [[Opening credits|opening]] and [[closing credits]] of the music video for "Plus grandir".
* It has never been performed on tour nor on television.
* It has never been performed on tour or on television.
|}
|}


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{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
* Produced by Laurent Boutonnat
* Text:
* Recorded and mixed by Jean-Claude Déquéant, except "Tristania" (recorded by Jean-Claude Déquéant and mixed by Thierry Rogen)
** "Au Bout de la nuit", "[[Tristana (song)|Tristana]]", "[[Plus grandir]]": Mylène Farmer
* Assistants: Philippe Laffont, Laurent Lazahie
** "[[Libertine (song)|Libertine]]", "Vieux Bouc", "Chloé", "We'll Never Die", "Greta": Laurent Boutonnat
* Mastering and engraving: André Perriat
** "[[Maman a tort]]": Jérôme Dahan
* Music: Laurent Boutonnat
* Keyboards, synthesizers and acoustic piano: Laurent Boutonnat
**Except "Libertine": Jean-Claude Déquéant; "Maman a tort": Jérôme Dahan & Laurent Boutonnat
* Sound: Jean-Claude Déquéant
* Mixed by Jean-Claude Déquéant
**Except "Tristana": Thierry Rogen
* Assistant: Philippe Laffont, Laurent Lazahie
* Synthesizers and acoustic keyboards: Laurent Boutonnat
* Guitars: Slim Pezin
* Guitars: Slim Pezin
* Saxophone: Alain Matot
* Saxophone: Alain Matot
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{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
* Background vocals: Carole Frédéricks, Estella Samantha Radji, Anne-Marie Constant, Yvonne Jones, Les Moines Fous du Tibet
* Background vocals: Carole Frédéricks, Estella Samantha Radji, Anne-Marie Constant, Yvonne Jones, Les Moines Fous du Tibet
* Published by Bertrand Le Page/Polygram Music, except "Maman a tort" (Bertrand Le Page Cesanie) and "Greta" (Bertrand Le Page, Movie Box Music)
* Mastering and engraving: André Perriat
* Photograph on first side and in booklet: Laurent Boutonnat, Christophe Mourthe
* Editions: Bertrand Le Page, Polygram Music
* Back cover photograph: Éric Caro
**Except: "Maman a tort": Bertrand Le Page Cesanie; "Greta": Bertrand Le Page, Movie Box Music
* Photo on the first side and in the booklet: Laurent Boutonnat, Christophe Mourthe
* Photo on the back: Éric Caro
* Management: Bertrand Le Page
* Management: Bertrand Le Page
* Recorded at "Le Matin calme" studio
* Recorded at "Le Matin calme" studio
* Mixed at studio of the [[Palais des congrès de Paris|Palais des Congrès]]
* Mixed at [[Palais des congrès de Paris|Palais des Congrès]] Studio
* Produced by Laurent Boutonnat
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


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{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (1986)
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
!scope="row"|French Albums ([[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|SNEP]])<ref name="peak"/>
|10
|-
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (1989)
!scope="col"|Chart (1989)
Line 215: Line 222:
!scope="col"|Position
!scope="col"|Position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infodisc.fr/B-CD_1989.php|title=Les Albums (CD) de 1989 par InfoDisc|language=French|publisher=InfoDisc|accessdate=15 June 2016|deadurl=unfit|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023045245/http://www.infodisc.fr/B-CD_1989.php|archivedate=23 October 2014}}</ref>
!scope="row"|French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infodisc.fr/B-CD_1989.php|title=Les Albums (CD) de 1989 par InfoDisc|language=French|publisher=InfoDisc|access-date=15 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023045245/http://www.infodisc.fr/B-CD_1989.php|archive-date=23 October 2014}}</ref>
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* Cassette (second edition)
* Cassette (second edition)
* CD - Digipack (released in 2005)
* CD - Digipack (released in 2005)
* Picture Disc (released in 2013)

<sup>1</sup> 9 songs, without "Tristana" and the two remixes
<sup>1</sup> 9 songs, without "Tristana" and the two remixes


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{{Mylène Farmer}}
{{Mylène Farmer}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:1986 debut albums]]
[[Category:1986 debut albums]]

Latest revision as of 16:46, 19 August 2024

Cendres de lune
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 1986 (first edition)
April 1987 (second edition)
GenreSynthpop, new wave, baroque pop
Length35:28 (first edition LP, Cassette)
40:04 (second edition LP, Cassette)
53:08 (all CD editions)
LabelPolydor
ProducerLaurent Boutonnat
Mylène Farmer chronology
Cendres de lune
(1986)
Ainsi soit je...
(1988)
Singles from Cendres de lune
  1. "Maman a tort"
    Released: March 1984
  2. "Plus grandir"
    Released: 25 September 1985
  3. "We'll Never Die (Canada only)"
    Released: February 1986
  4. "Libertine"
    Released: 1 April 1986
  5. "Tristana"
    Released: February 1987
  6. "Au bout de la nuit"
    Released: 25 June 1987

Cendres de lune is the first album by the French singer/songwriter Mylène Farmer, released on 1 April 1986. The album was preceded by the hit single "Libertine". The album was rereleased in 1987, preceded by the song "Tristana". The album, which was Farmer's only one written and composed by Laurent Boutonnat, achieved success in France. Despite this success, it is considered moderate when compared with Farmer's standards and her later high-selling albums, but it helped to launch her career.

Background

[edit]

After the moderate success of the first four singles ("Maman a tort", "My Mum Is Wrong" [the English-language version of "Maman a tort"], "On est tous des imbéciles" and "Plus grandir"), Farmer decided to release her first album. At the time, she had signed a contract for two albums with the recording company Polydor, which reserved the right to break the contract at any time. Fortunately, in 1986, the success of "Libertine" brought Farmer her first big hit and allowed her to produce Cendres de lune.

The vinyl release of the album contained only nine tracks, including "Maman a tort", "Plus grandir" and its B-side "Chloé", plus six other songs. Polydor did not procure the copyright for "My Mum Is Wrong", "On est tous des imbéciles" and its B-side "L'Annonciation" from RCA, the label Farmer released those tracks on. However, in 1987, with the increasingly prominence of the Compact Disc, the album was reissued with a total of 12 titles: "Tristana", the 1987 hit written by Farmer, and two remixes ("Libertine" [remix special club], "Tristana" [remix club]) were added to the track listing. The second and further cassette releases comprise ten songs, including "Tristana", but missing the two remixes.

The album was also released in Canada and Germany. The cover, in black and white, was produced by Laurent Boutonnat and shows Farmer in profile, apparently sad, putting on a hat.

Lyrics and music

[edit]

The lyrics were written by Laurent Boutonnat who claimed to have had difficulty in composing them.[1] However, "Plus grandir", "Tristana" and "Au Bout de la nuit" were written by Farmer herself (from "Tristana" onwards, she wrote all the lyrics of her songs), and "Maman a tort" by Jérôme Dahan. Generally, the lyrics deal with themes that would recur in Farmer's future albums, namely death, violence, suicide, sexuality, sadness and fear of aging.[2] Therefore, the bases of the singer's universe were laid with this first album whose darkness contrasted greatly with the optimistic songs of the time.[1]

Except for "Maman a tort" and "Libertine", the music was produced by Laurent Boutonnat who used mostly synthesizers and acoustic keyboards and was inspired by the new wave.[1]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]

Cendres de lune was generally well received by critics. It was considered as an "excellent" album (Gaipied),[4] a "success" (Podium),[5] "a first album rather masterly" (La Provence),[6] "in the area of the variety, one of the most beautiful things of the moment" (Les Gran).[7] "Full of little marvels" (Charente),[8] it contains "hits having an wholesome impertinence" (Télé Poche)[9] and "provides a real insight of [Farmer]'s talent"; [the singer] carries us with her crystalline voice and strange texts, out of time and out of the standards" (Le Républicain).[10] "The songs of Mylène fill the air with an atmosphere alternately naughty and sad but very engaging" (7 à Paris).[11] "Mylène's voice is exquisite and her accomplices made her sing little ordinary things" (La Dépêche).[12] "[Farmer] seduces with sensitive texts, almost surreal, tenderly erotic" (Le Télégramme).[13]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In France, Cendres de lune charted for the first time in April 1989, after the success of the second album, Ainsi soit je.... It peaked at number 39.[14]

Track listing

[edit]
# Title Length Writer(s) Composer(s) Comment, performances on tours and TV[15]
1 "Libertine" 3:49 Laurent Boutonnat Jean-Claude Déquéant
2 "Au Bout de la nuit" 4:21 Mylène Farmer Laurent Boutonnat
  • This ballad deals with suicide after a break-up. While the first two stanzas glorify the love, the two following refer to the split which leads to a heavy solitude. A sigh performed by a male voice punctuates the song. The song is the B-side of the vinyl for "Tristana".
  • It nas never been performed on tour, but four times on television: Béart 87 (14 January 1987, Antenne 2), Ligne directe (2 April 1987, Antenne 2), C'est encore mieux l'après-midi (9 April 1987, Antenne 2) and Sida: le grand rendez-vous (4 June 1987, Antenne 2)
3 "Vieux Bouc" 5:38 Laurent Boutonnat Laurent Boutonnat
  • The song is about a rite of witchcraft called the Sabbath, in which the goat symbolizes the Devil. Farmer addresses him and takes part in Satanic rites including baptism. A phrase of Jean-Paul Sartre's book Huis-clos ("L'enfer, c'est les autres") is cited in the lyrics. A choir of children, a goat's bleating and the singer's laughter are used in the background vocals.
  • At the beginning of the song, Farmer imitates a question-and-response from the Sabbath, in English: "Do you love the devil, my dear?/Oh, yes, I love him!". It was recorded in style suggesting usage of an effect known as backmasking, as well as being recorded and played back normally.
  • It has never been performed on tour nor on television; however, on Mylène's performance of "Chloé" on Azimuts, the final seconds of the song were heard just before she sang "Chloé".
4 "Tristana" 1 4:35 Mylène Farmer Laurent Boutonnat
  • It was performed during the 1989 and 2023 tours and 26 times on television.
5 "Chloé" 2:35 Laurent Boutonnat Laurent Boutonnat
  • This rhyme, inspired by William Shakespeare's Hamlet, deals with the death of Chloé, the fictitious younger sister of the singer. Farmer sings in a high tone with a little girl's voice and a choir of children accompanies her on the second refrain. The song is the B-side of the vinyl for "Plus grandir".
  • It has never been performed on tour, but three times on television: Aujourd'hui la vie (16 September 1989, Antenne 2), Azimuts (24 September 1986, FR3 Lorraine) and Mon Zénith à moi (September 1989, Canal+)
  • In 2012 the song was partially redone on the album Monkey Me as "Nuit d'hiver".
6 "Maman a tort" 4:04 Jérôme Dahan Laurent Boutonnat & Jérôme Dahan
  • It has been performed during the 1989, 2000 and 2013 tours and 24 times on television.
7 "We'll Never Die" 4:15 Laurent Boutonnat Laurent Boutonnat
  • This song (with lyrics in French language) may be understood as tackling the theme of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. It evokes a child who makes war for his homeland, which is futile because his death is inevitable. A musical bridge is sung in English by Carole Fredericks. In 1986, this song was released as a single in Canada.
  • It has never been performed on tour or on television.
8 "Greta" 4:48 Laurent Boutonnat Laurent Boutonnat
  • This song is a tribute to Greta Garbo, called "Divine" in the lyrics. Several allusions to the actress' life - the death of her parents, her distance from her fans - are mentioned in the couplets and slogans accompanying the release of some of her films are used in the refrain. Original statements by Garbo from several films are sampled at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the song. The song is the B-side of the vinyl for "Libertine".
  • It has never been performed on tour, but once on television: C'est encore mieux l'après-midi (22 January 1987, Antenne 2)
9 "Plus grandir" 4:04 Mylène Farmer Laurent Boutonnat
  • It has been performed during the 1989 tour and seven times on television.
10 "Libertine" (remix special club) 1 5:53 Laurent Boutonnat Jean-Claude Déquéant
  • Not included on cassette.
11 "Tristana" (remix club) 1 7:10 Mylène Farmer Laurent Boutonnat
  • Not included on cassette.
12 "Cendres de lune" 1:47 Laurent Boutonnat
  • This instrumental song, in which Farmer hums the melody, is used in the opening and closing credits of the music video for "Plus grandir".
  • It has never been performed on tour or on television.

Note

  • 1 Only on the second edition of the album

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Releases

[edit]
Date Label Country Format Catalog
April 1986 Polydor France CD 831732-2
LP 829127-1
Cassette 831732-4
Polydor Canada LP TFX8720
Cassette
Polydor Germany LP 829127-2
April 1987 Polydor France CD 831732-2
LP 831732-1
Cassette 831732-4
1995 Polygram France CD 831732-2
1998 Polygram France France CD 831732-2
2005 Polydor France Digital
2006 Universal France CD - Digipack 982826-3
2013 Universal France LP - Picture Disc (limited edition 2000 copy) 374725-7

Formats

[edit]
  • 12" (first version)1
  • 12" (second version)
  • CD (first edition)1
  • CD (second edition)
  • Cassette (first edition)1
  • Cassette (second edition)
  • CD - Digipack (released in 2005)
  • Picture Disc (released in 2013)

1 9 songs, without "Tristana" and the two remixes

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c L'Intégrale Mylene Farmer, Erwan Chuberre, 2007, City Ed., p. 71-72 (ISBN 978-2-35288-108-7)
  2. ^ Le Dictionnaire des Chansons de Mylène Farmer, Benoît Cachin, 2006, Tournon Ed., p. 67-68
  3. ^ AllMusic review
  4. ^ Gaipied, 1 August 1986 Devant-soi.com[permanent dead link] (Retrieved 25 March 2008)
  5. ^ Podium, 1986, "Mylène Farmer - Bonjour l'humour noir", Robert De Laroche Devant-soi.com[permanent dead link] (Retrieved 25 March 2008)
  6. ^ La Provence, 1 August 1986 Devant-soi.com[permanent dead link] (Retrieved 25 March 2008)
  7. ^ Les Gran, 1987, "Mylène Farmer, un je-ne-sais-quoi en plus" Devant-soi.com[permanent dead link] (Retrieved 25 March 2008)
  8. ^ Charente, 14 October 1986, "Embrasons-nous", Jean-Louis Mathieu Devant-soi.com[permanent dead link] (Retrieved 25 March 2008)
  9. ^ Télé Poche, 2 June 1986 Devant-soi.com[permanent dead link] (Retrieved 25 March 2008)
  10. ^ Le Républicain, 14 September 1986, "Une chanteuse "libertine"", Christine Hiquet Devant-soi.com[permanent dead link] (Retrieved 25 March 2008)
  11. ^ 7 à Paris, 23 April 1986, "Passionnément" Devant-soi.com[permanent dead link] (Retrieved 25 March 2008)
  12. ^ La Dépêche, 29 June 1986, "Libertine, la petite Mylène qui monte..." Devant-soi.com[permanent dead link] (Retrieved 25 March 2008)
  13. ^ Le Télégramme, 16 April 1986 Devant-soi.com[permanent dead link] (Retrieved 25 March 2008)
  14. ^ a b c "Les "Charts Runs" de chaque Album Classé" (in French). InfoDisc. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  15. ^ Le Dictionnaire des Chansons de Mylène Farmer, Benoît Cachin, 2006, Tournon Ed., p. 45,68,74,75,113,114,263-266
  16. ^ "Les Albums (CD) de 1989 par InfoDisc" (in French). InfoDisc. Archived from the original on 23 October 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2016.