There is a French rock group worth talking about: Indochine

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Admittedly I don't speak a word of French so can't be bothered to figure out what they're singing about, but I don't pay all that much attention to English lyrics, either. And with titles like "Popstitute," "Electrastar," and "Dunkerque," who cares what they're singing about?

A search reveals that Indochine have been mentioned a dozen or so times on ILM, but without much discussion, and usually in the context of 80s/new wave hits. But in 2002 they released a massive album (Paradize) that seemed to channel the Smashing Pumpkins, followed it up with a fine live set (3.6.3), and now they're touring Frogland it support of their newest, Alice and June. Is there no amour out there?

― Mitya (mitya), Sunday, 12 March 2006 18:53 (twenty years ago)

No. They were awful in the 80s and they are even worse today.

― snowballing (snowballing), Sunday, 12 March 2006 19:05 (twenty years ago)

I liked them! At least *The Birthday Album* in 1992 and *Un Jour Dans Notre Vie* in 1993. It was cool how they seemed explicitly influenced by the Cars and early Police when no bands in the English speaking world were. Never heard their post-Pumpkins stuff though.

― xhuxk, Sunday, 12 March 2006 19:10 (twenty years ago)

I don't know any of the early stuff, aside from the versions on the live album, which I assume are quite different. I'm afraid to go back pre-Paradize for fear that the Cars you're referring to will be the "You Are the Girl" Cars rather than the "It's All I Can Do" Care.

― Mitya (mitya), Sunday, 12 March 2006 19:13 (twenty years ago)

i adored 'l'aventurier' as a teenager. i haven't heard it in over 20 years so imagine it may not have aged too well.

― stirmonster (stirmonster), Sunday, 12 March 2006 19:16 (twenty years ago)

Haha the early 80s stuff is the best, L'Aventurier, Miss Paramount. Lost interest when they got 'serious' in the early 90s.

― Le Baaderonixx de Clignancourt (baaderonixx), Sunday, 12 March 2006 19:18 (twenty years ago)

you should hear their version of "seasons in the sun," which includes the original jacques brel lyrics. good stuff!

― Eisbär (llamasfur), Sunday, 12 March 2006 20:05 (twenty years ago)

I actually think *The Birthday Album* may be a compilation of their '80s stuff. (I'm just American, though, so correct me if I'm wrong.) And I was definitely thinking *early* Cars.

― xhuxk, Sunday, 12 March 2006 20:40 (twenty years ago)

"Canary Bay" recently found its way onto iPod after not having heard it since French Exchange 1984.

― A.C.M.E. (A.C.M.E.), Sunday, 12 March 2006 21:54 (twenty years ago)

Yes, B'day Album if I remember correctly was the compilation that came out in the early 90's

― Le Baaderonixx de Clignancourt (baaderonixx), Sunday, 12 March 2006 22:01 (twenty years ago)

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