Le SuperHomard specialise in sunshine infused music that dashes together 60s beats, laces them with baroque psychedelia textures and contemporary electronic pop backdrops, that they record in an old instrument shop after hours. Hailing from the South of France, they recently released their wonderful new album Meadow Lane Park on Elefant records. A continental cocktail splicing sounds influenced by early Saint Etienne, Stereolab, Metronomy and the soundtracks of Ennio Morricone, its the perfect soundtrack to spring.
To celebrate the groups mastermind Christophe Vaillant has compiled a playlist of ten of his favourite French songs for us. He says “I did this playlist for you – hope you’ll enjoy. I did it with 8 songs (in French language only) and 2 instrumental songs!”
1 Bertrand Burgalat : Gris Metal
Bertrand Burgalat is the Godfather of French pop music for me. He has recorded and produced many wonderful records and composed many scores for movies. He also runs the Tricatel record label since the end of the 90’s.
All the music that I love is here : “plonk” bass, Hammond organ, Mellotron… and the lyrics have been written by Michel Houellebecq who is a very famous writer here in France.
2 Etienne Daho : La Baie
This song is for me one of the best that Etienne Daho has recorded (even if it’s not one of his most famous hit). He is a very successful singer in France since the early 80’s and he is very important in French pop music history, still very active and his music is always exciting! This songs arrangements are very close to Burt Bacharach style and it works very very well here !
3 Françoise Hardy : Viens
The opening track from her 1971 album “La Question” – This song has superb strings arrangements and Françoise Hardy’s voice is always amazing!
4 Messieurs Richard de Bordeaux & Daniel Beretta : La Drogue
A 60’s pop song about drugs. One good example of the very confidential “French psychedelic freakbeat” wave from 1968. In 2019 this song would be banned from radio and TV I think.
5 Space : Magic Fly
And instrumental track from this French band that was a big hit in 1977. Daft Punk‘s fathers in a certain way.
6 Serge Gainsbourg : Ah Melody
For me this is the best song from the well known “Histoire de Melody Nelson” from THE French genius. Nothing more to say. This is pure beauty
7 Elli et Jacno : Main Dans La Main
Elli and Jacno were into one of the first punk bands (Stinky Toys, formed in 1976 who played at this famous “100 Club Punk Special” at the 100 Club in London the same year).
After this band they recorded some records as a duo and the magical synth pop that they created is for me a really big influence.
8 Julien Gasc (feat Forever Pavot & Chassol) – Leger Leger
Julien Gasc is a French artist who is also a member of Aquaserge (He was also keyboard player for Stereolab at a certain time). This song is an extract from a great collaborative EP recorded with other brilliant French pop acts (Forever Pavot, Dorian Pimpernel, Chassol).
9 Francois De Roubaix : Les Dunes d’Ostende
A movie soundtrack from one of the best French composer, Francois de Roubaix wrote many well known soundtracks but this one is from an obscure Belgian movie from 1971 that was just reissued last year. The last part of this theme is just amazing with its horns and timpani!
10 Michel Polnareff : Dans La Maison Vide
Michel Polnareff is a big star in France since the 60’s. He wrote some very good songs (especially in the 60’s) but in this one the string arrangements, that bass line and the production is just incredible !
Playlist:
“We just released a brand new video and it’s very special. It’s a 360 VR experience video (you can travel into it by using the WASD keys of your computer or with your YouTube app on your phone or with a VR headset if you have one.”
