Hardy is 80

Today is the 80th birthday of the Grande Dame of French pop music, ms Françoise Hardy. It’s a bitter sweet birthday; if you follow the news about her, you know her health is very poor. Earlier this month, she wrote a plea to president Macron about allowing euthanasia for people who suffer without relief.

That said, her music is still very much alive. She’s been a true force of French pop, and while she’s best known for her lovelorn, autumny ballads, there’s a joyous, danceable side too. That’s not getting that much attention. It’s not her best side, but songs like ‘Jukebox’, ‘VIP’, ‘Viens’ from masterpiece ‘La Question’ and the sultry big city soul of ‘J’écoute la musique saoûle’ are underrated.

Here is playlist with her bestest danceable songs, with a few remixes too.

Les Passagers

Sultry and slightly psychedelic song about watching the end of the world, whilst drinking coca cola, by Montreal’s Les Passagers.

Coeur de Pirate

To celebrate 15 years of CdP, queen Béatrice recorded this BEAUTIFUL version of a song from her debut album:

Les Frangines

Anna & Jacinthe, les soeurs Frangines. They make pop-folk, and have lovely voices:

Donna Blue

With a plucky Gainsbourgian bassline like in this track, bonuspoints are earned. Delightful Dutch duo Donna Blue released this English/French, slightly psychedelic track. With a Beatles-reference, I’d say. Loving that bassline, the atmosphere and, as ever, that voice.

Peppermoon

One of the bands that were featured in a very early stage on this blog, is Peppermoon from Paris. After a hiatus, they’re back with a strong, bossanova-tinged single:

Marine Quéméré

Very lush, sunny, laidback tune by Marine. To chase the rains away, for dreams of far away beaches. Love the heavy bassline and her husky voice:

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