Music Selection Vol.I

The Apple i-pod* has taken over Paris to an enormous degree. I never thought the French would be so into the new technology (You still find people who love faxing), but it really makes sense. Most French people like to streamline things, it is the biggest part of contemporary French design right now. Clothes are slimmer for sure and nothing works better under a slim fitting coat or jacket, or in the pocket of tight jeans than a small, compact, slim, i-pod* or nano.* Everyone has one, even more than I seem to notice in... say NYC. I thought of this when I was thinking of traveling recently. I travel with music all the time. I can not board a plane without being able to listen to music. Every major trip I have ever taken has been accompanied by music and this is especially so when traveling alone. More and more people travel alone, as well they should. You get a totally different perspective on the city you visit when you do it alone. I find myself more open minded to try things when alone, I guess it is because you don't have the luxury to fall back on someone else to do things for you. You are responsible for getting your taxi, your food, your museum tickets and making a new friend if you choose so. In traveling alone, you can create your own soundtrack with music. Select some music, put on the earphones and go. There are some songs I have associated with Paris over the years and some cds that for some reason or other symbolize my times in Paris. Not all have been french, actually most of the selections are not, but the moods and atmospheres have reminded me of different areas of the city, cafés and parks, even the Seine. I have stayed clear of the usual Edith Piaf cliché, sorry, but since moving here I find myself less interest in her "La Vie En Rose" and more interested in Grace Jones'. Here is the list:
Etienne Daho-Corps & Armes: The entire album is Paris from a singer who symbolizes modern French Cool.
Malcolm McLaren-Paris: The album is named Paris, so this was an easy choice. McLaren does a lot of name dropping of some of Paris's greatest icons, past and present. "Jazz is Paris" is the epitome of chic.
Benjamin Biolay-A L'Origine: 'See Etienne Daho above'
Bryan Ferry-Mamouna "Your Painted Smile": This album reminds me of night, so this song reminds me of a night in Paris, along some lonely street, coming home from a party or returning to your hotel, alone, but with much on your mind.
Cocteau Twins-Stars and Topsoil: Even with slightly incoherent lyrics, this was an album I bought in Paris and the mood has stayed with me all these years. The song "Pandora" is Paris at dusk.
Dusty Springfield- "Windmills of Your Mind": The song may be a bit corny, but the style is gorgeous and it reminds me of arriving in Paris. Landing at the airport...A taxi whizzing by the Eiffel Tower. It is all such a heady mix of lush orchestration and Dusty's smoky voice, a lot like Paris itself.
Bill Evans-Explorations: You gotta have jazz when talking about Paris and this one is of the quiet kind. This is Sunday afternoon Paris.
Michel Legrand- Legrand Jazz: The previous suggestion was Sunday afternoon and this is Friday night. This is getting ready for a fun night. This is Paris active.
Kenny Burrel-Midnight Blue: Paris very late at night. You are back at your place, this time not alone.
Il y a- "Belissimo, Mon Amour": This is cinematic Paris, like some Goddard film in black and white. It is rich, romantic and somewhat fatalistic at the same time.
This Mortal Coil- Filigree and Shadows: Gorgeously dark album. It reminds me of the history of Paris...the Gothic elements of Paris. It is lush and warm and listening to the song "My Father" while actually sitting along the Seine can be surprisingly moving.
The Psychedelic Furs- "Love My Way": Besides being a favorite song, it makes me think of Paris in the 80's, or at least what I imagine and what Paris is now when you are young. It is strong and passionate.
Chet Baker- Grey December: A bit like my Dusty Springfield suggestion but with a trumpet.
Sebastien Tellier- Fantino: I love this song. It is surprising and slightly mysterious. For me it captures the sweetness of the Paris air and the awe that many sites invoke.
Ben Webster- "Chelsea Bridge": Even if the song is "Chelsea Bridge", it could be the Pont Neuf.
Grace Jones- Nightclubbing: If you only listen to "I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango), you get Paris at night.
Nick Drake- Way to Blue: Much of the music was used in the last film by director Christophe Honoré. It completely fits Paris in winter.