Customer Reviews

Yeh Yeh Girl From Paris

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is difficult to review this CD without becoming a revolting sycophant, but I will try. Some of the most uplifting songs in the French language are included on this CD - most notably Tous les garcons et les filles. It is a bit depressing to hear the English version of this beautiful song, as the original is much more poetic. The best way to appreciate this song is with a thorough knowledge of French, or, failing that, a French dictionary.

One of the most stunning features of this CD is the beautiful photograph of Francoise that has been selected for the cover. This CD comes highly recommended by me and all of those that I have played it for (everybody that I know - over the phone and otherwise).

You will fall in love with Francoise. A summer classic, despite the fact that she is pictured with an umbrella on the cover.

When I was 13, I had a lot of fun looking through my dad's old records until I accidently broke his needle. He vowed to never buy one again. But at least till that tragic moment, I found a few 60's French pop singers. I was so disappointed because of the lack of cds that are not available especially of Mirelle Mathieu's 60's stuff. I wish that "Olympia" can be in print.
Well, at least "Yeh-Yeh Girl from Paris" is. The good thing about Francoise's music is that you don't need to know French to like it. Her music is catchy enough to not make it an issue.

I had never heard of Francoise Hardy--she was recommended by another Amazon reviewer when I was shopping for Serge Gainsbourg. All I can say is...check this out. In the couple of years I've now owned this CD (yes, I'm a bit behind in my reviews but that actually works in your favor in this case) I have enjoyed it regularly...especially on bright Sunday mornings as I sit on the deck drinking "Pastis." Equally good in the mix for dinner parties, too. Highly listenable. Classic. Highly recommended.

On this Hardy debut album from 1962 you'll find her first hits and classics "Tout les garcons et le filles" and "Ton meilleur Ami". Among the other songs standouts for me are "C'est l'amour a que je pense", "Ca a raté" and "Le temps de l'amour". The album was produced by Roger Samyn". Impressing that Hardy was allowed to contribute ten of the twelve songs!! Vogue deserves recognition for showing her so much confidence.

I first heard this in a record store in 1964, soon after the 4 Corners LP came out in the States. (This was back in the days when record stores let you test-play LPs before buying them, if you can imagine such a thing.) Well, one track -- the first -- was all it took to know I had to have the record.

Not long before, Life magazine (or Time) had profiled her and two other French pop singers, Sylvie Vartan and either Mireille Mathieu or Mare LaForet. Anyway, the record shop had this one, so I gave it a listen.

Some records leave you cold, others grow on you only over time. This one's appeal for me was immediate and strong.

Just to let you know how completely taken I was by her voice, over the following several years, I ended up mail-ordering, from France, all of her available LPs and EPs. (EPs had a format seldom seen in the States -- a 45 rpm record with 4 songs on it.)

Yes, of course, I still have them! Although I now listen on CD -- too much surface noise on the old recordings.

While my tastes in pop music have shifted somewhat since then, I still enjoy her singing very much and I highly recommend this recording.

If you like Claudine Longet you will love Francoise Hardy. Sixties music with sweet and sexy french vocals. Very entertaining and catchy pop.