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Get By EmailMusic Notes: France Gall, Les Sucettes
= 4 stars
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If you haven’t heard of France Gall, the original sixties “ye-ye” singing sensation, I suggest checking out her album Baby Pop first. If you like that collection, Les Sucettes is similar. These songs didn’t hook me as quickly, but they’re still in that same, girly-girl French pop vein. Her voice seems to have two modes, one softly coquettish, and the other a slightly raspy, nasal yelp. What I find interesting is how each song has fairly careful instrument choices to fit its meaning. My favorites are L’Echo and Il Neige.
But most notable is the song Les Sucettes where France confesses a love of anise lollipops. The famed composer Serge Gainsbourg had another interpretation in mind. Supposedly when France Gall realized this (after recording the song) she refused to work with Serge ever again. The song sidetracked her career for years, as the public was convinced all her songs had perverted double meanings.
If you need a bigger hint, Les Sucettes is a sixties audio version of The Popsicle Twins, an infamous Gong Show skit (hat tip, engtech).
Here’s the video. It’s just - wrong. Those lollipops are huge!
Wikipedia: France Gall
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It’s difficult to believe the story that she was somehow tricked by Gainsbourg. Maybe she didn’t understand the (no too subtle) lyrics, but certainly her parents and manager did. I think the whole thing was concocted to try and protect her from the negative backlash the song generated. I also think what really derailed her career was ending her relationship with Gainsbourg. This reminds me to move that Gainsbourg biography to the top of my Amazon wishlist.
I have to admit, I don’t know much about the story. Definitely worth some further research. Especially since I like some of Gainsbourg’s music…