
This record was released in 2000 on Bertrand Burgalat's own Tricatel Records. Bertrand is a musical might who has been called by various sources the Phil Spector of France. It's almost an epitaph for him. He was born in 1963 in Bastia, Corsica. His influences range from french ye-ye musicians like Serge Gainsbourg, Francoise Hardy, and Jacques Dutron to artists like Kraftwerk, Andre Popp, and various french classical composers. He has been working with music since the 70's. In 1988 he produced the experimental Slovenian band Laibach's "Let It Be". An industrial rework of the Beatles album. He's provided string arrangements for various artists such as Yann Destal, Anita Lane, and Etienne Charry. He's done remix work for Air, Depeche Mode, Pizzicato Five, and Ladytron to name a few. His list of produced work goes on for miles. On a side note he has a compilation of production and remix work called "The Genius of Bertrand Burgalat". A spectacular album and I think a great way to pick up on French artists you might not have heard before. The album I wanted to call your attention to is his first release "The Sssound of Mmmusic". A really top notch album as far as I'm concerned. If your into Air, Serge Gainsbourg, and The High Llamas I highly recommend it. It's a very breezy and summery album. Most of the tracks aren't too upbeat and even the couple of upbeat ones are so light on the ears that it's not overbearing. "Sunshine Yellow" is probably the most upbeat of the tracks but it's still got this light and very French electronic sound to it. One of my favorite tracks which isn't indicative of the whole album except in influence is the "L'Observatoire" track. It reminds me of something from a French movie from the 60's. So simple but very catchy and pretty much sums up that whole mood of being introspective and in love (in France and in the 60's probably shown through a montage). I haven't heard his 2005 release Portrait Robot yet. It's on my list. The reviews I've read look good. Anyone heard it yet? On another side note I also highly recommend checking out his label's roster. It includes April March, AS Dragon, Eggstone, Takako Minekawa, The High Llamas, Count Indigo, DJ Me and DJ You and many more. He also put out a compilation of one of his heroes Andre Popp titled "Popp Musique".
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