Le Pop

History taught us that Germany and France were sworn enemies, but someone forgot to tell the Cologne-based guys at Le Pop. They've compiled three cd's with 'Les Chansons De Nouvelle Scène Francaise', and number 4 is on the way. I can't quite make out what is on this new edition, but no doubt there will be some filles sourires included. Le Pop 1 featured Francoiz Breut, Keren Ann and Clarika (her new album is out as well!), Le Pop 2 had Coralie Clement, Holden and April March. There's a wonderful duets album als wel (Le Pop En Duo, ofcourse). I've ordered Le Pop 3 right away.

In the booklet by Le Pop 1, compiler Oliver Fröschke (a.k.a. Djorka F.) explained how he got bitten, so to speak, by French music mosquitos (via a French girlfriend, naturellement), and gave some background on the nouvelle scène. It started all in Nantes, 1992, when Dominique A (Francoiz Breut's lover) and Katerine where making their debutalbums on 4-track recorders. At the same time, indie-label Lithium kicked off.
What the new names had in common, was that they were using their own names, and that they wrote, produced and played their own material. They were obviously exploring the legacy of Gainsbourg (who died in 1991), but were adapting new styles and production methods as well. In the booklet by Le Pop 2 Fröschke writes: "What's French about the nouvelle chanson, we are asked frequently. Apart from the enourmously rich tradition French Pop artists can draw on, there is something more evasive and much harder to define: poetry, charme, elegance? A fine antenna for melodies and arrangements? Or shall we just call it a true instinct for Pop?"

Maybe I'll try to interview Frösckhe for this site, see if he has the answer yet.

There are more German compilers of French pop, f.i. Le Tour and Parfait! But Le Pop are the true originators.

From Le Pop 1, Clarika's Beau comme garcon. (can't find the cedille!)

Hear here.