Music Discovery Mondays - French Pop Edition

The French have always had a sophisticated air about themselves.  Their pop music truly resembles their au courant attitude.  I've included a few (modern-ish) French pop artists that are worth checking out even if you aren't planning a lavish trip to Paris anytime soon.


1.  Garra - Tahiti 80

Founded in 1999, this French pop band from Rouen knows how to pen irresistibly catchy tunes.  With six consistently solid albums under their belt, Tahiti 80 has no signs of waning.  Check out the single Garra, and then backtrack their entire catalog.




2.  Time of the Assassins - Charlotte Gainsbourg

Film star and singer/songwriter Charlotte Gainsbourg has won the French pop genetic lottery.  Her dad was Serge Gainsbourg, one of the most important French pop figures.  Having worked with the musical likes of Air and Beck, Gainsbourg knows how to use her breathy voice to evoke soul-searching contemplation.





3.  Too Young - Phoenix

By now, most Americans are familiar with the Versailles band Phoenix.  Perhaps the fact that the group is named after an American city certainly doesn't hurt.  (It also doesn't hurt when your lifetime partner is Sofia Coppola).  Listen to their 2000 single 'Too Young' which would later become featured on the 'Lost in Translation' soundtrack.





Go ahead and create your very own French pop playlist while you munch on some macarons.  :::Bon appetite:::

See also: Music Discovery Mondays - Brit Pop Edition


Photo credit: Rock Made in France
Macarons French Made

Music Discovery Mondays - Brit Pop Edition

The British pop/rock sub-genre otherwise known as 'Britpop' began its origin in the early 1990s.  Greatly influenced by 1960's, 1970s and 80s' independent pop rock, Britpop features a rather jangly guitar pop and modern rock n roll sound.

Britpop was in many ways a British response to the then 'current' American grunge music that embodied an edginess back in the 1990s.  I must say though, there is something inherently infectious but also cutting edge about the Britpop sound which is possibly why the genre still exists today.

But although Britpop is still alive and well, the sub-genre has most-definitely surpassed its prime in the late 20th century. Listed below are just a few of the many revered Britpop singles of yesteryear.


1.  Do It All Over Again - Spiritualized

Released in 2001 after Britpop's most realized heyday, 'Do It All Over Again' still possesses the foot-tapping catchy hooks that best define the sub-genre.    Do yourself a favor and listen to this ditty 'all over again.'





2.  Girls and Boys - Blur

Released in 1994, this dance-driven hit is most-likely a favorite at your local pub's Britpop nights.  If you'd like to listen to their most recent work, Blur has recently reunited and released their first album in twelve years entitled The Magic Whip.  





3.  Common People - Pulp

The 1996 class warrior anthem, 'Common People' perfectly incorporates Britpop's lyrical themes of politics, especially within the working class scene.  I can't recall another class-conscious tune that boasts such an upbeat sound.





What are some of your favorite Britpop songs?


Photo source: Keep Calm O Matic 

Summer Festival Review - Make Music Pasadena 2015

My husband and I decided to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary by sharing the gift of music with one another.  Make Music Pasadena is the largest free music festival that supplies over 35 stages for nearly 150 acts.  

With musical acts spanning from indie rock/pop to jazz to world music, there is most definitely something for everyone....not to mention a children's coloring booth.  Listed below are just a few of the artists that we had the pleasure of seeing live.

Hidden Charms

Generally when I attend this particular concert series, I am familiar with at least 3-4 performers.  Since this year I was mostly just familiar with Nick Waterhouse,  I decided to give a few bands a chance at random.  Enter British band The Hidden Charms.  These young London lads know how to capture the musical finesse of the 1960's yesteryear.

Standout Track: Dreaming of Another Girl - Hidden Charms

Nick Waterhouse

I have been a Nick Waterhouse devotee for a number of years, however I hadn't had the satisfaction of seeing him live until now.  With two LPs refining his classic R&B and rock n roll sound, Waterhouse delivered his indelible resonance to a contented crowd.

Standout Track: I Can Only Give You Everything - Nick Waterhouse

De Lux

I had heard a rumor that electro-funk newcomers De Lux might play a gig at Make Music Pasadena through KCRW.  Unfortunately, De Lux wasn't listed on the MMP lineup online.  Fortunately, we were lucky enough to stumble upon their band rehearsal.  

By the time we made it to their show later that evening, the courtyard reached maximum capacity.  As soon as we were ushered into the show through security, we reached maximum gusto.  Be sure to catch De Lux on tour and be prepared to dance your tush off.

Standout Track: Moments - De Lux

Which summer festivals will you be attending this year?