Our resident francophile and Head of Commercial, Pete is delighted to share a round up of his favourite songs that make the best Autoroute playlist for a France road trip.
I can’t help but love traversing the French autoroute network. Allow me to indulge myself a little while I spend the next few moments reminiscing about some of my favourite cross-channel musical moments. So why not grab a quick glass of rosé, a crusty baguette and a healthy helping of morbier before sitting back and imagining yourself topping up the driver’s tan…
1. Nino Ferrer – La Rua Madureira
Nino Ferrer was a French-Italian singer who shot to fame in the late sixties on the back of a number of bossa-nova inspired singles. The street in the title can be found in the centre of Rio De Janeiro in Brazil. The lyrics also contain other references to the area which inspired the music itself.
2. Sebastien Tellier – La Ritournelle
Sebastien Tellier is particularly famous for his 2008 entry into the Eurovision song contest, Divine. The song caused much controversy in his home nation as the lyrics surprisingly were in English. The song eventually totalled a mere 47 points in the competition although I might consider that as something of a badge of honour!
3. Air – La Femme D’Argent
No gallic playlist could be complete without something from one of France’s most successful modern musical exports. The video here is an alternative version of the song featured on their Moon Safari album and contains a number of interesting snippets about its conception.
4. Jacques Dutronc – Les Cactus
Jacques Dutronc rose to prominence in the 60s but still works in both music and films today. Les Cactus is one of his earlier efforts and has been covered by a number of artists since including Vanessa Paradis. She was evidently seduced by the simple sentiment at it’s heart; “The whole world is a cactus, it is impossible to sit down.”
5. Arthur H – Le Chercheur d’Or
I suspect a strong diet of Gitanes was essential to cultivating such a unique vocal. Also, the jacket in the video really should be a fundamental part of anyone’s wardrobe. The song (the gold miner) is an enlightening tale of gangrene, lost limbs and misery (but with a cheerful delivery at least).
6. Toma – Facile
I don’t know an awful lot about either this song or the artist, other than to say that I came across it via Nova Tunes 0.9. Nova Tunes is a bi-annual compilation from independent French radio station, Radio Nova, that is subsequently responsible for introducing me to number of new sounds. So, if you’re anywhere near Le Mans, Nantes, Montpellier, Paris, Brest, Boulogne, Beauvais, Melun, Agen, Limoges, Pau, Avignon or Clermont Ferrand (phew!) then I would encourage you to check it out.
7. Maurice Ravel – Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Joseph-Maurice Ravel was a French composer who rose to prominence in the early twentieth century. He is perhaps best known for his orchestral work, Bolero. Ravel, however, was not at all enamoured with his work, and once refered to it sneeringly as a “piece for orchestra without music”. This piece, (‘Pavane for a Dead Princess’) was written as an evocation of a pavane (a slow processional dance) that a little princess might have danced in a Spanish court.
8. Louise Attaque – Les Nuits Parisiènnes
Formed in 1994, the name of the band means ‘Louise attacks’ and is a reference to Louise Michel, a 19th century anarchist. The perfect addition to your autoroute playlist. For an alternative video click here!
9. Troublemakers – Get Misunderstood
Despite the anglophone name and lyrics, the Troublemakers are an innovative electro group from the backstreets of Marseilles. Whilst the beginning of this track sounds like they were having a lunchtime chat with the microphones turned on, it adds to the charm.
10. Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin – Je t’aime…moi non plus
Hmm, no introduction required I guess.
Et voila! We’d be delighted to hear your thoughts. Is there anything you would add to my autoroute playlist and what is the best music from France? Why no Joe Le Taxi? Who could leave out the infamous singing toddler, Jordi?
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