by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

In the words of the press release:

France-the 1980s. A local radio and studio system almost unsurpassed in Europe – add brilliantly inventive labels and producers with a sense of fun & adventure & the result?

A golden age of Synth-Pop – Post-Disco..inventing the future…celebrating the chanson of the past. Updating that for a new generation & a new dancefloor. Virtually neglected until now – only the heads knowing…

Presented in the classic 45 (Quarante Cinq) 7″ format – the way that these great records were produced for the radio & were meant to be heard at that moment. Curated & with sleeve notes By John Kertland Of CTR, in English and French.

Now, the “savoir” is yours also. Hard to find 7″s by elusive artistes…Tangui/Kelly Way/Generation Egoiste & More…Glorious vocals ,soaring synths and irresistible basslines it’s all here ..

Bon écoute !

What’s the music like?

Tres bien! There is a lot of fun in store here, with some brilliantly bonkers synth pop, bursting with tunes and good vibes. The title track from Corinne Tell gives us a flavour of what to expect, before the brilliantly mad chorus of Fabienne Stoko’s Poupee.

Valene’s Sauve Moi has a great riff, while Tangui’s Amour Combat has a big chorus Kim Wilde would be proud of. Generation Egoiste (Tout Tout D’Suite) Egoiste is a lot of fun, from Generation Egoiste, while Kira’s Vacances A Deux is an appealing and humourous quicker disco march. The compilation signs off with Nani Antoni’s excellent Faites Vos Jeux.

Does it all work?

It does. There are some rough edges here, too, which only add to the listening appeal.

Is it recommended?

Enthusiastically. Loads of smiles and good times to be had with this compilation! Packed with riffs and a lot of dance appeal.

For fans of… Desireless, Brigitte Bardot, Imagination, Shakatak

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,618 – Wednesday 6 August 2025