Various Artists
Paris Calling
Bonus Tracks Records
'Allo Allo. This is Paris Calling.' It turns out 2003 was an important year for French music, with The White Stripes, The Strokes and The Libertines all touring new material; and whilst this tight-trousered triumvirate may not be obviously Gaelic in origin, their musical charms crossed various seas and passed into the ears of a bunch of young friends in Paris, who picked up guitars, formed a number of bands and let rip unto the world their take on Jack, Julian and one man crime wave Pete's rock n roll philosophy.
And if that paragraph felt like it was struggling for breath, well screw you old man - these kids aren't hanging around with their cocksure energy and sexy French cool dammit! Such is the adoration of the above music, the compilation could well be called 'Paris Calling: the state of UK guitar music today.' Most of the songs are sung in English and at times the music is a note for note sound alike of some of Britain's finest. Special mention to the Hellboys and Les Shades (great name - sound like a new wave oldboy down at the Royal Variety) who stick to singing in French, which gives them a bit more attitude and the four girls of Plasticines, who sound like Sleater-Kinney meets Gang of Four and are definitely due further research.
So if you are tired of the exposure of The Kooks, The (Arctic) Monkeys, The Razorlights etc but still get a kick from the tunes, then this is a safe bet to play on a Friday night, before wrapping on a long scarf, sucking on a non-filter and heading out into the streets with your crew, looking every inch the two-page fashion shoot.
Listen to the whole album here:
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1st Feb 2007 - Tumblr
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