Enough sociology1! Time to put some meat on these old bones. I might as well bring something to the table from my 23 year stint in France. With some notable exceptions, their audio gear is no better or more interesting than others, but as with each country, their music has a unique flavor. I tend to overlook it, which is a mistake. Here's a really nice album on RCA/BMG from 94'. It's called "Enzo Enzo", after the singer. More French than this you cannot get, in the best sense of the word. The lyrics are delightful, the music likewise and the sound is a treat. This is the kind of music the French excell at; witty, light, sweet without being over the top, and totally self-assured. What more to say? get it! I will not tease you with French albums you have no chance to get but I will add to this list as the fancy takes me. I hate stereotypes and nationalistic clichés. I often find myself defending or defining America and things American to the French, even though by now I have no connection to the states except my passport and some dimming memories! Likewise I am quite happy to do the same favor for the French, who are far more complex and multilayered than can be imagined from over there. Musically this is equally true. The french excell in an artisitc slight of hand which consistes
in making tender (and sometimes ferocious) fun of their own self made clichés. If any of you saw their blockbusting film "Amelie Poulain", you will know the flavor I'm trying to convey. The cd in question gets this just right.