Album Details

• Artist: Various Artists
• Album: Acoustic France
• Label: Putumayo
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2008-11-22

Putumayo will not rest until every region of every area of the world has its moment in the musical sun. Amen to that, and to them. "Acoustic France" takes us to both the urban and bucolic influences of comtemporary French pop. It is not all acoustic, as there is some chanson mixed in, but overall this is a spare, whimsical set leavened with the usual French snarkiness and romanticism.

Apparently younger acts in the country are revisiting the singer-songwriter era of the early 70s, as demonstrated by the opener, the slightly caustic but bouncy "Assedic" by Les Escrocs. But all is not Nouevelle Scene, as evidenced by the incluson of songs by Constance Amiot and Pascal Lejeune, both of West Indian descent. There is even an American taste, as San Francisco band Rupa & The April Fishes contribute the sasst "Maintenant." And what would anything from France these days be without the presence of Carla Bruni? The chanteusse/mistress to Mick/current First Lady's "Raphael" rocks and sways, perfect for disco or boudoir.

With a reassessment of its national music as well as assimilating other Western better than it did in the past, French pop is not the wasteland it once was. "Acoustic France" is a happy, charming set with enough Gallic bite to keep pretention well in check.

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