It could be the alcohol, the lateness of the hour (especially when parties literally go on until dawn) or it’s a cultural thing, but I’ve noticed that different countries have different French sing-a-long favourites.

At midnight the famous C’est Extra parties in Montréal get the entire room singing seven minutes of Gigi L’amoroso by Dalida.

Now, that doesn’t work in the Netherlands because the song, or part of it, is known as “Friet met mayonaise” (yes, one ‘n’), which means “Fries with mayonnaise” by Johnny Hoes. However, the Dutch usually go nuts on Non, non rien n’a changé by Les Poppys and sing the chorus. It’s thanks to them that I got to know the song in the first place.

And then there’s Berlin and Munich, which I’ve played recently. So far, they’re just not the sing-a-long type. Maybe one day.

In Belgium, where I’ve also played, Les Cactus by Jacques Dutronc gets everyone shouting a chorus of “Aïe aïe aïe! Ouille! Aïe aïe aïe!” (Ouch ouch ouch! Ow! Ouch ouch ouch!), while you can hear “Auuuux Champs Élyséeeeees (At the Champs Élysées) when the DJ plays Champs Élysées by Joe Dassin.

I don’t like the way they treat their records, but that’s why we have podcasts nowadays! Speaking of which, Podcast No. 28 is full of stories and music being treated with love and care. I threw in an extra song because it’s been a while. In the mean time, the grooviness has been piling up, so you’ll never go hungry!

Playlist
Henri Salvador – Rock and Roll-mops
Jacqueline Taïeb – On roule à 160
Johnny Hallyday – Noir c’est noir
La 4e volonté – CÉGEP blues
Michel Legrand – Marins, amis, aimants ou maris
Bonus track: Brigitte Bardot – C’est une bossa nova

Oh and the music in the mix of the Win a Radio Oh la la T-shirt contest in the previous podcast was the following:

1. Claude Nougaro – Les Don Juan
2. Richard Anthony – Nouvelle Vague
3. Michel Legrand – Di-Gue-Ding-Ding
4. Françoise Hardy – J’suis d’accord
5. Alice Dona – C’est pas prudent
6. Anna Karina – Roller girl
7. Jacques Dutronc – Les Cactus
8. Jacqueline Taïeb – 7h du matin

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The Chick Habit party on 24 November was also the launch of the new CD Filles Fragiles, compiled by Guuzbourg over at Filles Sourires after much hard work. Two songs are featured in Podcast No. 26: a duet by Salvatore Adamo & Olivia Ruiz and another by Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin. As well, in the hipster category, the oh so dreamy young Jacques Dutronc and a more mature yet charming Gilbert Bécaud. Sandwiched in between are the very mellow Françoise Hardy and the very uppity Sylvie Vartan.

Playlist
Salvatore Adamo & Olivia Ruiz – Ce George(s)
Jacques Dutronc – Le responsable
Gilbert Bécaud – L’orange
Françoise Hardy – Comment te dire adieu ?
Sylvie Vartan – M’amuser
Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin – La chanson de slogan

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