Zouzou - L'intégrale (2003)

It's been a real long time since any French pop has appeared here. Truly overdue as I do enjoy the sweet songs of the yé-yé girls and 60s chanson. Zouzou is the stage name of Danièle Ciarlet who was born in French Algeria in 1943. Zouzou was one of seemingly dozens of young French women that had multifaceted careers as actresses, models and singers not terribly unlike modern American pop stars in that way. However, unlike the music of modern pop stars, this seemed to have a more artistic flare to it over the mostly showmanship of what passed nowadays. The obvious differentiation was in how chanson was about making songs for the French language rather than English which was the lingua franca of popular music, as it remains. Though some wrote more of their own songs than others. The yé-yé girls like Françoise Hardy, Sylvie Vartan, and France Gall were the starlets of their day they dated famous singers and actors, such as Zouzou involvement with Brain Jones of the Rolling Stones. Time didn't treat them all the equally though and Zouzou is a particularly unfortunate example of an unhappy decline through drug addiction and accompanying legal issues. L'intégrale is a compilation of her songs spanning from 1966 to 2003, and thus the mood and style varies considerably. Overall a very appealing songs despite a rather unpleasant biography.

To be had here:
Zouzou - L'intégrale [320 kbps]

April March - Pairs in April (1996)

Certainly not a new album, but something I find seasonally appropriate. April March is a moniker of Elinore Blake, an American singer that holds a candle for French pop songs. It is pretty obvious to see the appeal of this album if you're a fan of Serge Gainsbourg, France Gall, Brigette Bardot and their ilk. The tracks are a combination of covers and originals, with the first track being an English version of a Gainsbourg-written tune the occurs in French in the second half (so if you think you might have heard that shit before you're not just mad/drunk/high). This is fantastic party music as it is amazingly cheerful, interesting, and not overwhelming like many poor hosts all too often blast at gatherings. The whole album flows seamlessly from one song to another providing one of the most pleasant albums I possess.

To be had here:
April March - Pairs in April [160 kbps]

Henri Salvador - Chambre Avec Vue (2000)

A comeback album by a French (by way of French Guiana) singing star, who rightfully should be more famous in America. This dude is old as dirt being born in 1917 but he can sing some lovely tunes. Chambre Avec Vue was popular in France and I've yet to figure out why Americans can't embrace things as decent as this in the mainstream (I suppose there isn't room with John Cougar or whatever the fuck he calls himself these days). Monsieur Salvador is a true artist and possesses the sophistication that men like Brain Wilson, though great in his own way, lack. The album features several tracks that Salvador had a hand in writing himself, which unfortunately became rarer in his career leading up to this release. As this is not something tailor made to impress an American audience, the entirety is sung in French (when it was brought over it was by the respectable yet corporate owned, Blue Note Records). "Le Fou de la Reine" is sung in conjuction with the enchanting Françoise Hardy. The music accompaning the singer lives up to his epic presence as well. Overall, this is something you might consider giving to your mother or aunt (even if Ii've failed to get my grandma to take to it fully) and not be ashamed to enjoy yourself. That isn't everyday.

To be had here:
Henri Salvador - Chambre Avec Vue [128 kbps]

Françoise Hardy - The "Yeh-Yeh" Girl from Paris (1965)

As a preface, I'm unclear as to the status of Françoise Hardy's fame amongst groups of young music fans in other areas, but thus far yé-yé girls have been accepted wholeheartedly by all those I broach the topic with. Perhaps I spend much of my time with film lovers, art students and indie kids, but it seems contradictory see the avid affection for yé-yé girls. I won't claim I am above it either, as I absolutely adore Françoise Hardy and the others. They were the anti-thesis to modern independent art, they were funded by large companies, the films were hugely hyped, the girls were required to as pretty as their voices and some didn't even write some of their most famous songs (others like Jacqueline Taïeb penned hit songs). Nevertheless, they seemed against all reason to be uncorrupted and sweet. One thing they didn't lack at all was talent. Both visually and vocally exceedingly captivating the yé-yé are definitely one of the strongest links between francophone and anglophone cultures in the 20th century; helping to forge the cultural phenomenon that is the pop star.

All that aside, I am a big fan of The "Yeh-Yeh" Girl from Paris. The title has what is apparently an Anglicization of yé-yé, which means young, innocent and cute according the tubes here. For the most part, Hardy wrote her own lyrics on the album, which properly are entirely in French. The songs are all memorable, yet certain ones are more famous. The first track, "Tous Les Garçons et Les Filles," is the one my mind most readily identifies with the album. However, "Ça a Raté" and "Oh, Oh, Chéri" are without doubt the most excellent songs. I've a special spot for "J'ai Jeté Mon Coeur" as it was the first title of a French song I encountered and understood after French classes and an amazing song. Basically, I am saying to any who might've missed the French pop joy earlier that this is a great introduction. Please to get it and embrace it fully if you haven't heard it as of yet.

To be had here (192 kbps):
Françoise Hardy - The "Yeh-Yeh" Girl from Paris