French Music: C'est Pas Mal!
The news in France this week is old news. Ten years ago the controversial megastar Serge Gainsbourg died, and the French still haven't forgotten about it. That's normal, he was one of the most well-known French pop stars of all time. His heyday was in the late 60s, but even throughout the 80s he was the country's favorite shocking bad boy. I like Serge Gainsbourg. He's cool. He sings in English sometimes, without sounding stupid. His songs are catchy. And hell, anyone that can shock the French with songs about sex must be doing something right. But seriously, a good French musician is automatically a great musician, if only because the rest are so very bad. I always like to say there's a reason why most Americans can only name five French musicians (if that). I'm going to get a lot of hate mail, now, I'm sure, but I don't speak for all mankind, just myself. And everyone I know. French music, in general, is horrid. But that can be a good thing. You could easily afford to buy all of the French music you like. The stars are somehow more worthy of their stardom than their English counterparts. Especially if they're popular in the US. (Unless it's Francis Cabrel)
The Classics
Edith Piaf is a sure bet. After one of her songs was played during a dramatic scene in Saving Private Ryan; she gained a whole new gang of fans. She's the only reason accordion music hasn't been banned in Western civilization. The French adore her, and still undoubtedly hold every new young French singer up to Piaf standards (they all fail, of course). Another of my favorites is Charles Aznavour. He's the Frank Sinatra of the French world. Still alive and singing, in two languages! I remember the first time a French friend played Aznavour's 'Chansons d'Or' CD, singing along to every single song. He was appalled that I'd never heard of him before. "But, he's toured the US!" I'm sure he did, and I'm sure many Americans know his music, but I had to come to France to discover him. Jacques Dutronc isn't bad. I've always liked the 'Cactus' song (sings it 'kak-toos'), and his reclusive ways that differed greatly from the other classic rock 'n' roller who won't go away, Johnny Hallyday. This guy is the Casey Kasum of France, and has had more plastic surgery than Michael Jackson. I don't like his music much, either.
Latest Articles