WE DO THE MASHED POTATO AND THE FUNKY CHICKEN

The Sssound of Mmmusic

Posted over 2 years ago
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".

Comments (10)

  1. Kate says Great write-up. More people need to be aware of Burgalat's genius. Eventually I will work my way up to owning his entire catalog, but for now i'll have keep listening to a few choice albums. I especially like "Bertrand Burgalat Meets A.S. Dragon".
    Permalink posted 02/13/2007
  2. fistula spume says I working my way up that way as well. The guy is a genius. I need that new one. It slipped past my radar. That "...Meets A.S. Dragon" is pretty sweet also.
    Permalink posted 02/13/2007
  3. spaceling says Absolutely no relation to Belgian pop band, Plastic Bertrand... or is there? Thanks again for another fine post!
    Permalink posted 02/13/2007
  4. fistula spume says Thank you. No relation to Plastic Bertrand that I can tell. That would've been neat if it were so.
    Permalink posted 02/13/2007
  5. LadyC says another excellent contribution and i am a big fan. france is ripe with electro-retro tinged creativity that i don't think is rivaled by many. good post sam!
    Permalink posted 02/13/2007
  6. fistula spume says France is ripe. There's so much out there that I want to hear that I know is there. Something besides Mickey 3D. He's alright but I like things that sound more like this. Thanks LadyC.
    Permalink posted 02/13/2007
  7. ookpik says Ha ha. I love music like this. Cementing France's reputation as a place where all people do is ride bikes and make out, usually in slow motion.
    Permalink posted 02/14/2007
  8. fistula spume says Don't forget smoking in cafes!
    Permalink posted 02/15/2007
  9. nicki says Mmm, sexy smooov. Pardon me while I find someone to make out with, slowly, in the slush...
    Permalink posted 02/16/2007
  10. LadyC says we can also swear & still sound sexy, change a two syllable english phrase to 12 :-)
    Permalink posted 02/20/2007

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