Search - Poppys :: Les Annees Barclay

The singles releases -- Les Poppys at their most eclectic

Larry Trammell | Seattle, WA USA | 03/18/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When you think of "boy's choir" you probably think of meek tweety bird little voices, stilted performances, meticulous technique and a repertoire of ever unchanging boredom. None of that with Les Poppys. Though coming from the cathedral tradition of Les Petits Chanteurs d'Asnières, Les Poppys are pure pop. Performing mostly original material, every tune is an adventure; sometimes at the edge of wildness, sometimes brilliant. They sound like real kids, and they perform with an infectious joy. This disc samples major Poppys single releases, welcome because much of their material was released only that way, targeting young audiences. The set would not be complete without some of their major hits from the two early albums, including the indignant "Non Non Rien N'a Changé," (No, No, Nothing Changed), the dark "Septembre Noir, Décembre Blanc" (Black September, White December) and my favourite, the wistful "La Berceuse" (Lullaby). But that is material covered better in the remastered "Master Serie" CD. The main reason for getting this CD is the rest of the material, much lighter and more varied. From the innocent love of "Pénélopie," to a breezy expressway rumble with the convertible top down and horn blaring (literally!) in "Aventi Bugatti," from the darkest to the lightest, they all come with a unique French twist, which reminds me: it's entirely in French. So if you're a French illiterate like me, you will either have to just appreciate the music, or do your homework. For Poppys enthusiasts, it is must-have."