The funny thing about French people is how they perceive American culture. It's common knowledge that they love Jerry Lewis films, but way cooler is how they ignore so many of our "butch" rock tendencies and champion alternate idols. You could argue that they don't even listen to American rock and instead feast on Scottish exports--all Donovan and Belle & Sebastian over Dylan and Pavement. Makes you wonder what the import/export laws are like over there. Do Lubricated Goat albums ever see those shores?
Eric Matthews and guys from the Fountains of Wayne-IVY collective guest and, sure enough, next thing you know you've got this decadent horn-punched French Euro-pop happening that tips its hat to Ray Davies and his evergreen visions of jolly ol' England with touches of dancefloor soul ("Heartbeat"). They sing of "three fairies above my head," but listening closely I imagine a permanently sunny sky, gentle breezes, green grass, and eternal youth. Not a bad deal. (As an added bonus, they've written a song called "Hey Joe" that doesn't ask where he's going with that gun in his hand. I don't know about you, but I'm relieved.)
All recordings courtesy of Minty Fresh and Atmospheriques Editions (SACEM). ΓÇ£I.S.A.A.C.ΓÇ¥ and ΓÇ£HeartbeatΓÇ¥ written by X. Boyer, Tahiti 80; ΓÇ£Made First (Never Forget)ΓÇ¥ written by Mederic Gontier, Tahiti 80.
