Mercredix #21 : French Listen

Dear English speakers, for once, I have decided to play you some French songs introduced in a language you’ll all understand. A partial choice indeed but a good one - so I hope. This selection will probably teach you some words you’ll be able to use when you come to Paris. What’s the word for "thank you" in French ?

1 - Michel Polnareff, "Dans la maison vide"

A French Bob Dylan wannabe soon who became our own Brian Wilson (sort of). Like the one and only Beach Boy, while still in activity, he never found this perfection again.

2 - Françoise Hardy, "Viens"

Our most famous chanteuse with an extract from her less famous and Bossa Nova influenced record - and yet her best ever.

3 - Les Innocents, "Fanfare"

Half Paul McCartney, half George Harrisson, one of our greatest pop bands - they’re supposed to reunite soon.

4 - Lio, "Baby Lou"

One of the many songs written by Serge Gainsbourg for others. Music is composed by pop dandy Alain Chamfort.

5 - Nino Ferrer, "Alcina de Jesus"

A star in the sixties, Nino Ferrari had two huge hits during the following decade then decided to go his own way, releasing many good records though not sucessful. This one is about a Portuguese au-pair girl in France with the Carnation Revolution in the background.

6 - Etienne Daho, "La Baie"

The man who saved French pop in the eighties in a very David/Bacharach tone released in 2000.

7 - Alain Souchon, "L’Amour en fuite"

François Truffaut asked Souchon to write a song for Love on the Run movie. It was included in a dark LP about being thirty something in 1978.

8 - William Sheller, "Genève"

Classically-trained composer and arranger who worked with great singer Barbara, Sheller followed her advice and began to sing his own works.

9 - Florent Marchet, "Je n’ai pensé qu’à moi"

This guy is one of our favorite around here. A Take-Away Show would be greatly justified.

10 - Jacques Brel, "Mon Enfance"

Belgian giant depicts a man’s childhood and teen age : you don’t have to understand the words to feel the strength of this. Who said "Scott Walker" ?

 To play this selection, follow this link.

 If you want to access Spotify, please send an email to rom"at"blogotheque.net, I’ll send you an invitation in return.

Picture : Fun With French , Schenectady , N.Y. (Lisa Larsen, Google / Life)