Paris in April

April March | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 22, 1996)
• Original Release Date: October 21, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sympathy 4 the R.I.
• ASIN: B000003L02
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,408 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

A CD combining all of April March's 1995 vinyl release, Chick Habit, with a slew of previously unreleased songs recorded during the same sessions, Paris in April is a glorious blend of '60s French pop and '90s indie sass, centered on the cooing French and English vocals of April March, also known as animator and punk-pop singer Elinor Blake. A large number of musicians contribute, with guitarist-producer Andy Paley leading the group and a guest appearance by Jonathan Richman on "Le Temps de L'Amour." The set kicks off with the brilliant "Chick Habit," which sets France Gall's Serge Gainsbourg-penned hit "Laisse Tomber les Filles" (which shows up in its original French later on) to a "Peter Gunn" guitar line and a smart-alecky English translation that's actually not far removed from the original French lyrics. The other 13 songs mix ye-ye classics and Blake-penned originals in the style, and it says something for the album that it's impossible to tell the two apart. Brilliant stuff, and a highly recommended album for all lovers of '60s French pop. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ooh la la, January 17, 2000

By 

Kenneth Salzer (Ravenna, OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paris in April (Audio CD)

Fans of Ms. March's *Chrominance Decoder* should check out this earlier work. Some of the tunes come from her *Chick Habit* EP, such as the title track and its French equivalent "Laisse Tomber les Filles." Of course, any 90s retro chanteuse must include at least one Serge Gainsbourg number ("Chez les Yeye" and, in English, "The Land of Go"). While this musical bilingualism gets kind of repetitive on a short album (34 minutes), Ms. March has enough flair and wit to make *Paris in April* a swinging good time. Gogo!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Paris in April, April 20, 2008

By 

Steward Willons (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Paris in April (Audio CD)

April March has a voice from a different era. In the early 21st century, so many of the pop vocalists sound like Madonna and Britney Spears that it's tough to find someone who really sounds *different*. Now we've got a lot of people sounding like Fiest. The market permits few deviations (Bjork notwithstanding), but then again April March isn't concerned with the pop charts. Her high, girlish voice with an ever-present slap delay reminds one of Linda Scott, but with a French twist.

"Paris in April" puts the french connection out in front with its bilingual track list. Many of the tracks appear in both English and French, which is strange to me. I've seen multiple language versions on singles and 12"s, but to repeat a whole album is a first. Actually, it's more of an EP, especially when you consider that the whole thing is about 35 minutes.

A lot of people compare her to France Gall, and while it's a fair comparison, March has plenty of distinguishing characteristics, especially when she's singing in English. I think to say she is a Gall derivative is going too far, although this album is not the best choice to back up my argument. In my mind, comparing March to Gall is like comparing Harry Connick Jr. to Frank Sinatra. Where Harry sounds a little like Frank when he's singing with a big band, March sounds a little like Gall when she's covering Gall's old songbook. That's about as far as it goes.

"Paris in April" is a refreshing change from the pop norm. It's accessible, groovy, and above all, fun. I would imagine most people could pop this disc in and enjoy right away. It's definitely worth a listen, especially if you like 60s rock 'n roll. Or Serge Gainsbourg. Highly recommended.

3 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a bit much, no?, February 9, 2004

By 

Mandycane3 (milwaukee, wi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paris in April (Audio CD)

i was excited to get this after i heard "chick habit" in the movie "But I'm a Cheerleader". this album is fun for a while, but her overly high, girly voice starts to grate your ears after a while. also, over half of it is in French, so there are repeats of most of the songs(one in English, one French) which is why it's so easily tiresome. if i could have, i would have just got the single.