(Filter Music/Shock)

In France there is a strong music tradition.  This still persists in the present day, despite the globalisation of cultural, in part due to set minimum quotas for the radio for French content.  The tradition of chanson, defined as “a French song or instrumental composition with a melodramatic character,” is still alive, and traditional instruments such as the accordion are still used in contemporary music, albeit in a contemporary manner. 

Side by side with this major influence of tradition, there is in conspiratorial contrast a strong world music scene.  France has managed to attract many prominent world music musicians, particularly from Africa and the Arab world.  These two key threads have woven together to strengthen each other, resulting in a vibrant and diverse musical landscape. 

A selection of music by artists from this contemporary French music scene has been offered up as the unofficial soundtrack to the French Film Festival.  The album mixes up a variety of different styles, such as jazz, chanson, world and some tracks that are a little bit of everything.  And of course, there are some electronic and hip hop tracks on there.

One of the electronic artists included is General Electric, a vintage keyboard manipulator who has contributed to the upcoming Blackalicious album.  Tu M’Intrigues is a piece of experimental funk featuring prominent keyboards.  This is followed up by the unreservedly sweet electronic pop of Rouge Rouge’s L’Amour Avec Toi, swirling under chic French female vocals. 

Daara J hail from French Senegal and are reknown for a melodic mixture of rap, reggae and soul.  They offer up melodic hiphop track Le Précipice.  Java, who describe themselves as “French chanson meets hypnotic black African music,” contribute the eclectic sounds of La Guerre.  The album ends with soaring mournful strings over wicked drums beats on Sebasteien Tellier’s La Ritournelle. 

Despite the diverse range of musical styles included, So Frenchy So Chic is a delightfully smoothly flowing album.  It’s a unique listening experiencing, equally suited to rainy days at home or a café atmosphere.  Put it on whenever you want to experience that French ‘je ne sais quoi.’