One of the first songs I posted on this blog, was by Dorval. A twosome, formed by shadowman/songwriter Laurent Manganas and singer Pascale Baehrel. After Biolay-produced Les Choses de la Vie (2003), nothing was heard from Dorval. Lo and behold, last month Celle Que Vous Croyez was released. Biolay has been replaced by two guys from trio Diving with Andy, the atmosphere of melancholy, heartbreak and fought-back tears was kept. The production, lots of strings, brass, piano and acoustic guitars, is balanced and beautiful, very complimentary to Pascale's uncertain voice. Alas, the songs aren't as balanced - great songs stand next to rather dull ones (take the aptly titled Une Vie Monotone, for instance). On their site, Dorval cite the first Goldfrapp-album (waaaay different than the electropop Alison makes today) and the last Blonde Redhead-cd as influences. Could be, but Gainsbourg and soundtrackcomposers like Sautet and Sarde are close by as well. First single Celle Que Vous Croyez is a sister-song to Hardy's Comment te dire adieu.
Dorval - Qu'importe
Good choice, I love Dorval. Your blog is so great, it's funny to read someone who knows and like french music even better than french people ! Congratulations, it's always a pleasure to read you !
BeantwoordenVerwijderenMerci. Coming from you, that's a very nice compliment. You're not so bad yourself ;-)
BeantwoordenVerwijderendorval are like a sping day at the jardins du luxembourg. incredibly underestimated by the french.... ciao pg from london/rome
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