I'm always on the lookout for great background music, whether it be a smooth world music CD or the new Stereolab album. I find that having a variety of background music is helpful on many occasions. I can put on a few CDs for a party without fear of it overpowering conversations or put one on in the car if I still want to carry on a conversation while listening.
Therefore, when I received the new Putumayo CD Paris, I was immediately intrigued. The CD is an attempt to chronicle the emergence of a new wave of French singers/songwriters who are reinventing the style of Chanson, the music of Paris in the 1960s. In some ways it is a counterpart to the previously released Putumayo CD French Cafe Paris, although this release is much more satisfying.
The album starts out with "Au Cafe De La Paix" by Thomas Fersen. It's a song that goes by breezily featuring a gravely voiced singer and an upbeat tone. Following it is "Samba De Mon Coeur Qui Bat" ("Samba Of My Heart") by Coralie Clement, a great bossa nova track that is immediately catchy.
Soon afterwards is a song by French supermodel Carla Bruni, "Quelqu'un M'a Dit" which she wrote herself. She has a nice voice and the song works well.
One of the highlights of the album comes from the great Paris Combo on the track "Lettre A P". It feels lively and energetic, something you'd expect to hear live at a cafe in, well, Paris. Another highlight is "Ta P'tite Flamme" ("Your Little Flame") by Amelie-Les-Crayons. The track features accordions and pianos, the singer's voice is smooth and the overall tone is wistful and longing.
All the songs on Paris borrow heavily in tone from the old style of Chanson, but none stray to far as to sound simply repetitive or boring. They mix the old styles and new with seeming ease. And while it's easy to dismiss these songs as simply world music, each of these artists solo work are actually worth looking into. Judging from this CD, this new French pop movement is a very, very exciting musical trend worth watching.
Article comments