Customer Reviews

Et Si Je M'en Vais Avant Toi

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4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
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I've recently been listening to nothing but Francoise Hardy and am a bit miffed as to why she is not better known in the states, especially when her prolific output includes this masterpiece. Better known in Europe during the "ye ye" days of the 1960s, Francoise reinvents her more pop oriented image with this straight rocker. Every track comes across with an earthiness that was less prevalent on her earlier, more orchestrated work. "Pardon," an apology to friends for being preoccupied while dreaming about her lover, has a pure, upbeat charm complete with rockabilly riffs and piano. Its tone is so cheerful one gets the impression, quite comically, that she's not really sorry at all. "La Berlue" is a little honky tonk number that is well balanced by Francoise's gorgeous vocal harmonies reminiscent of the Everly Brothers. "Bruit de Fond" is a beautiful, plaintive ballad about a communicationally challenged relationship; a gem that might have belonged on Exile On Main Street if only Mick Jagger's voice sounded so sweet. "Le Soir" is also a showcase for her impeccable vocal phrasings. But Francoise really saves her best for last with "Bowm Bowm Bowm," a mellow remnant of the psychedelic era followed up by title track which is folk rock at its most brilliant. In short, anyone who appreciates raw, catchy melody would be hard pressed to keep this disc from spinning.

This album isn't bad, but it is certainly not one of her best. The majority of the songs have a shockingly marked American country and blues flavour, which in my opinion doesn't match very well with Françoise Hardy style, although a few songs ("Cafard", "Bowm, Bowm, Bowm", "Bruit de fond") are quite charming. If you're a fan of those styles, however, you may find this album appealing. If not, I recommend you to buy other Hardy releases as "La Question", "Comment te dire adieu" or "Soleil", which are all excellent.

This is simply put, Francoise Hardy's take on the folk/countryish music that was popular in the 70's. Like a French country record, in the vain of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. Francoise really makes an amazing record that most anyone would love.

'Et Si Je M'en Vais Avant Toi' is one of my favorite Francoise Hardy albums. True, it lacks the distinct "French" feel of her other albums from this era, swapping breathy ballads for a more country/rock approach. However, her willingness to depart from her signature sound is refreshing. The strongest tracks on this collection are also the catchiest: "La Berlue" and "Le Soir" in particular.

One other nice aspect of this release is Virgin's re-packaging of the artwork, which consists of 12 black and white photographs of Françoise, set in a story format. Sadly, lyrics are not included.

If you enjoy this album, I would also recommend Hardy's 'La Question'. Other French vocalists worth investigating: Veronique Sanson ("Le Maudit") and Brigitte Fontaine ("... Est?").

...but the others are really quite strange (though not without their own beautiful moments). There's a might too much 6/8-American-blues faltering on this record (made as it was in 1972) for the whole of it to be consistently and genuinely engaging. The best song on this album, by a long shot, is "Pardon," which should make anyone with the slightest affection for springtime clutch his/her heart and sigh at the wonders of existing. Also of serious quality is the dynamic, propulsive, irresistible title track. Elsewhere can be found "Cafard" (co-written with Jacques Dutronc - pretty), "La Berlue" (a beautiful pop song, tragically based around a tastelessly Stones-y guitar riff, that succeeds in spite of itself), the enigmatic (gong-centered) "Bowm Bowm Bowm" (excellent arrangement), and the lulling "Quand Mon Amour Va Prendre L'Air" (Francoise is simply one of the greatest songwriters ever - it's true). In toto, this is a record that is gentle and intimate and vulnerable - one that is sure to please you in private and embarrass you at a party.

if you like marianne faithful you will like francoise hardy. also if you like folk rock and french music, this is the best combination. this is a really good one.

si vous aimiez marianne faithful, vous ameriez francoise hardy. aussi si vous aimez le folk-rock et la musique francaise, c'est une mielleure combination. c'est tres bon!

One of her best five albums.A French/country mix of great songs like Bowm Bowm Bowm and the title cut . Great sound also. Get this one !!!!!!!

Being a Francoise Hardy fan of her Vogue Years, I bought this album on spec. At first I thought it was just ok, but once I got used to this departure from her usual style... I think it is a beautiful album. I love "Pardon" in particular. Ms Hardy was my inspiration to learn French.

Pour votre belle musique..Merci Francoise!

Hardy's delicate, plaintive singing always renders her work immediately recognisable, even if she works in many different musical styles. "Et si je m'en..." is a real little gem, her traditional melancholy soaking in a very relaxed country vibe. The songs are pretty, the arrangements simple and beautifully articulated, and the overall feel is that of an artist inviting you to enjoy the luxuriant intimacy of her music. It's hard to pick standout tracks as the album flows so well, but "Pardon", "Cafard" and "Bowm Bowm Bowm" immediately capture attention with their gorgeous instrumentation. A truly lovely album.