12 Petits Chants

This album is ACE! It is the first album I downloaded from Jamendo several weeks ago, and it has been on my iPod's playlist ever since. I can't comment on the words because I don't understand them, but the music is well-written and fun to listen to. It sounds like folk music, but with more variety and a modern approach. The performances are a bit unprofessional in a few places, but this is easily forgiven. They are certainly more polished than any of my recordings. Listening to this album has given me the desire to use more acoustic instruments.

A few comments:

'La pauvre enfant' is among my favorites. The driving rhythm guitars reminds me of Spanish music. The guitar solo is a beautiful composition and very well-performed. Bravo!

'Des vacances comme ça...' is another favorite. The delicate chord progression and harmonized vocals during the chorus are especially nice. A very simple song - but elegant in a minimalist kind of way.

'4 Saisons' is a highlight of the album for me. It is very well-written, with a nice orchestration. The recorder is a nice touch, as is the harmonica. The passage at the very end with the two nylon-stringed guitars is probably my favorite part of the album.

'Le silence' is full of brilliant little riffs played on various instruments. The last minute or so of the song volleys back and forth between acoustic and electric guitars, a recorder, and a kazoo. All of this on top of a rhythm section which includes the sound of someone snoring. This is a fun song, and one that makes me wish I could understand Frech.

'Paris' is another high point on the album. It put a smile on my face the first time I listened to it, and my enjoyment has not diminished with repeated listening.

I did not much care for 'Chanson porno' or 'Les conciliabules', which I deleted after listening to. The remainder of '12 Petit Chants' has earned a permanent place in my music collection. Congratulations to Jean PETITJEAN for recording such a brilliant collection of songs.