In France most aspects of alternative culture are still defined as being “rock ‘n’ roll” or “pas rock ‘n’ roll,” an anecdote that tends to make my American friends, who are used to seeing a new subgenre pop up every other week, laugh. While the French have had much to contribute to the arts (Charles Aznavour, Serge Gainsbourg, Francoise Hardy) “rock ‘n’ roll” is something that seems to have always eluded them. The seminal group Noir Désir would be an exception. The band’s first album Veuillez rendre l’âme (à qui elle appartient) is considered one of the best French rock albums ever, though an argument could be made that it holds an important place across the pond as well.
Note: This will be the last installation of “POP INTL: On The Map” until August 28, 2012 as I’ll be taking a tour through India. See you soon!
