Hallock Hill

Valérie Lagrange, “Si ma chanson pouvait,” The BYG Deal (Finders Keepers 25, 2009)

Finders Keepers’s comp collects some superb tracks from France’s legendary BYG label. Set up as a counter to the stagnant French music industry of the late 60s, BYG released experimental pop, free jazz, prog rock and “Total Space Music.” Valérie Lagrange was a singer an actress whose hippie tendencies culminated during the 1968 riots. This, her swan song, shows the influence of Dylan and Baez, but what stands out is the groove provided by her backing band (Hookfoot — who were backing Elton John at the time). She left the public eye for five years. As with all FK releases, the included liner notes are in-depth, well researched and edited.

Finders Keepers Records

Tracklist, with mp3 soundclips provided by FK.

1. Alice - Que Pouvons-Nous Faire Ensemble?
2. Francois Wertheimer - L Automne mp3
3. Brigitte Fontaine And Areski - Ca Va Faire Un Hit mp3
4. Gong - Hip Hypnotise You
5. Alan Jack - Ny Change Rien
6. Couer Magique - Madmoiselle Marie mp3
7. Valerie Lagrange - Si Ma Chanson Pouvait mp3
8. Alpha Beta - Astral Abuse
9. Jacques Barsamian - Rockers En Liberte
10. Ame Son - Je Veux Justre Dire
11. Art Ensemble Of Chicago - Rock Out
12. Gong - Rational Anthem
13. Freedom - Dirty Water
14. Vangelis - Stuffed Tomato
15. Ame Son - Eclosion (Marie Aux Quatre Vents)
16. Paul Semama - Mon Petit Garcon
17. Inter-Groupie Psychotherapeutic Elastic Band - Floating
18. Banana Moon - All I Want Is Out Of Here
19. Alice - Viens
20. Couer Magique - Pacha
21. Joachim And Rolf Kuhn - Bloody Rockers
22. Gong - Mother Long Shanks (Oh Mother I Am Your Fantasy)