It’s hot again today, and the margaritas are flowing sweetly on this marvelous hump-day. Sandrine Kiberlain is introduced by a song where she is bored by everyday events, but there’s a person in her life that makes it all worthwhile. Simple concept with a marvelous pop beat. Of course, as with this entire album, I am deaing with a language I am only familiar with from one college course (which means I understand very little). No bother to me, because as with all great music, the emotions come through the voice and the back-up. The same holds true of all the following songs – all enjoyable new pop. Thomas Dutronc is a crack-up because in the song he’s a traveling musician calling out to women passing in the street, makes one wonder if it’s autobiographical. The guitar playing is superb, and he’s convincing me he’s got the personality to actually call over to women passing down the street.
Constance Amiot is a perfect example of what makes the Putumayo releases so much fun. Constance is not from France, but born to French-speaking parents in the Ivory Coast, and later moved to the US. She does perform in France, but also performs in the US, and plays a funky acoustic. The song is about Tempo, and she manages to add a bit of hip-sop sensibility to a funky folk song. Very cool.
Carla Bruni turns in a fun song, which also features some exciting guitar work. She’s followed on the next song by Rose, who has an exciting voice and an upbeat song about a “pathetic jerk”. Poppy entertainment, great for this Wednesday hump-day. Pass another margarita, please.
Romane is a guitar player dreaming of the early 1900’s between two huge wars and bringing the smoky bars to life with great pleasure and passion. I am in a club listening to the song that is timeless and full of gypsy longing. Rupa & the April Fishes explore the same era with sultry vocals and jazzy accordions. Les Escrocs brings us deeper into the century to the bars of the beat era with jazz poetry. Well performed, the lyrics about friends are a blast: “Welfare, I’ll write to you from time to time. Send wire transfers direct to my island, with your friend, minimum wages. You will be my two best friends. It’ll be great!”
Another fine compilation from Putumayo, set to be played over and over when stars, margaritas and laughter come together for a friendly evening.
Putumayo Presents Acoustic France
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