SNCF tune inspires ex-Pink Floyd

PINK Floyd guitarist David Gilmour has released a song inspired by the familiar SNCF jingle heard at railway stations all over France.

The piece, called Rattle That Lock, is out today and will also be the title track on the performer's upcoming fourth solo album.

Gilmour fell in love with the SNCF's four-note melody while passing through Aix-en-Provence TGV station and recorded the sound on his mobile phone.

He then approached Sixième Son, the company that created the French rail operator's "sonic identity" - which agreed for it to be used.

The jingle's composer, Michel Boumendil, said: "I saw an email from my PA that just said: 'David Gilmour is trying to contact you, please call him back.''

Boumendil, who is identified as a co-writer on the track, added: "It was hard to say no."

The pair held a series of secret meetings to exchange ideas, not wanting the project to be leaked. The final piece was recorded by Gilmour on his houseboat studio on the Thames.
Photo: Flickr/Deep Schismic