French Beat Camembert: Yé-Yé can rock the floor [ENG]

In the land of Camembert, baguettes, and red wine (potentially all three together), rock music struggled to establish itself. John Lennon was known to say that French rock was like English wine. We won’t comment on the British beverage, but when it comes to rock, France is sometimes capable of producing the very best—despite often rudimentary conditions. This is the case with French beat, a unique moment in the second half of the 1960s.

In the 1950s, Elvis Presley certainly reached France, but Rock & Roll wasn’t taken seriously by French musicians. The most telling example remains the famous 45 RPM record by Henry Cording (a pun on « recording »), a collaboration between Henri Salvador, Michel Legrand, and Boris Vian! The three of them had a great time gently mocking this new musical style. This misunderstanding would long mark France, where rock was often approached with humor and as a novelty.

Love him or not, Johnny Hallyday was the first French rock star. At the end of the 1950s, he and a few others (like Danyel Gérard) truly launched the style here. Rock became genuinely popular with the twist wave in the early sixties. Groups like Les Chaussettes Noires, Les Chats Sauvages, Les Pingouins, or Les Loups-Garous competed creatively to break into the French charts. Instrumental groups, especially those inspired by The Shadows or the Swedish band The Spotnicks, were also very popular. Among them were bands like Les Fantômes, El Toro et les Cyclones, or Les Aiglons.

The success of The Beatles, however, changed a lot of things on continental Europe—and obviously in France. French musicians turned to French Beat. New artists like Ronnie Bird or Noël Deschamps emerged specifically during this period, while others adapted to the new style (with Johnny Hallyday leading the way). While French productions included many covers of British or North American hits, some singers and groups also wrote their own songs.

The recording location is another essential factor. Many solo singers could afford to go to London and work with the best available studio musicians. French engineers didn’t always understand the spirit of this new music. Imagine the difficulties The Who had when they deliberately recorded feedback with Shel Talmy. Multiply that by two, and you’ll have an idea of the problems!

For all these reasons, the testimonies above are precious and unique. Despite some adversity, rock bands managed to find their sound and make incredible records. I hope this selection leads you to some wonderful discoveries.

01 – Jacques Dutronc « Le Responsable » (1969)

What can you say about « Le Responsable »? If the song isn’t considered a classic in France, it has, through the force of circumstances, become one of Jacques Dutronc‘s most iconic tracks everywhere else in the world! Especially in England and Spain. It’s no coincidence that Miles Kane covered it. An absolutely brilliant track, both in terms of lyrics and arrangements, with a masterful fuzz guitar. I do regret, however, that it somewhat overshadows Dutronc’s other superb songs. To extend the pleasure, let yourself be tempted by this (French-language) playlist to dig deeper into the French gentleman.

02 – Les Gypsys « Prolétaire » (1967)

The only 45 rpm single by Les Gypsys is one of the best French rock records from the sixties. Curiously, it was released on the Dutch label Relax, one of their only two releases in France. Les Gypsys (from the Paris region) certainly deserved better! The band consisted of: Serge Doudou, Jean-Pierre Hipken, Jean-Loup Besson, and Jacky Pujol. Serge, Jean-Pierre, and Jean-Loup later went on to be part of the Quo Vadis adventure, authors of the memorable Zeppelin Party!

03 – Les Boots « Laissez Briller le Soleil » (1966)

Another remarkable French beat group from Paris: Les Boots. In 1966, the band released three EPs, after putting out a first record under the name Les Trèfles, still in the same year! The lineup consisted of Joël Rive, Jean-Claude Barre, Farid Khaldi, and a certain Robert Fitoussi. You probably know the latter better under the name FR David! Before « Words, » he played in numerous bands, particularly Les Variations. Note that Claude Olmos (from Les 5 Gentlemen) later replaced Joël Rive in the excellent Doc Daïl!

04 – 5 Gentlemen « Si tu reviens chez moi » (1966)

Les 5 Gentlemen have a special status here in France. I think many of us revised our opinion on French rock after hearing « Si tu reviens chez moi. » Of course, there’s Ronnie Bird or Jacques Dutronc, but Les 5 Gentlemen (from Marseille/Corsica) hold a unique place in French beat. One of the best bands in the genre and a punch in the face to the slugs who drool over « camembert rock. » We might stink, but we know how to handle guitars.

05 – Danyel Gérard « Monsieur Le Percepteur » (1966)

If you’ve worn out your Wizzz compilations, you know the mythical « Sexologie » by Danyel Gérard, a psychedelic delight about free love. This legendary French singer also recorded more straightforward stuff like the super French beat track « Monsieur Le Percepteur. » The lyrics echo the Beatles‘ « Taxman. »

06 – Larry Greco « Jette-la » (1965)

The little Swiss Larry Greco is one of the best French-speaking rock singers of the 60s. His covers never have to blush compared to the originals, and he also recorded original compositions like the absolutely fantastic slow blues « Jette-la »! Freakbeat fans should also listen to « C’est Comme au Poker, » a furious cover of « You’ve Got What I Want » by The Boys Blue/Sorrows.

07 – Les Players « Les Indiens » (1966)

Les Players started as an instrumental group but handled the transition to vocals well, with a very high-quality discography. This 1966 EP (probably) is certainly its zenith. « Les Indiens » is a delightful modernist gem with famous organ playing. Although it was compiled in 2018 on Révolution Pop! (recommended), we’re still waiting for the song on an official compilation! Les Players are from the Paris region and rehearsed in Colombes.

08 – Les Missiles « Publicité » (1966)

A big french-beat bullet with organ and a pretty genius lyric. One of the peaks of French sixties rock in my opinion. The track is finally compiled on Wizzz 5. Les Missiles were one of the big bands of the early 60s, particularly known for their song « Sacrée Dollar », a cover of the Kingston Trio. They were from Oran (in Algeria nowadays) and active between 1963 and 1966.

09 – Les Problèmes « Dodécaphonie » (1966)

Les Problèmes, besides backing Antoine, recorded excellent standalone records for beat/garage fans. Among the highlights is the insane « Dodécaphonie » on a shared EP with the Centrale (a famous school in France) student. Of course, Les Problèmes would become Les Charlots with the success we know! Beyond the hits, Les Charlots recorded some excellent tracks if you take the time to dig a bit.

10 – Monty « J’ai traversé l’enfer » (1966)

Monty is one of the most underrated French singers of the period. Lots of great tracks in the sixties. The rather garage-rock (with nice fuzz) « J’ai traversé l’enfer » is often the most cited title about him by collectors. It’s excellent! The track has been compiled several times, notably on a 2009 CD compilation (Yéyé French Pop 60s) and Révolution pop in 2018. Beyond « J’ai traversé l’enfer, » Monty’s sixties 45s hold some nice surprises for fans of mod/groovy sounds.

11 – Les Jets « La Cornemuse » (1967)

I have no info on the Jets’ hometown, probably Paris! In any case, some of their EPs are frankly hard to find! They released 4 in total, between 1964 and 1967. The lineup consisted of Christian Bertocchi, Armik Tigrane (Ayramdjian), Gilbert Einaudi, and Henri Boutin. Note that Armik also played in Doc Daïl! « La Cornemuse, » besides being highly entertaining, is an excellent beat track with 12-string guitar for that bagpipe drone effect. Gilbert Einaudi did some nice LPs in the 70s (but not that rockish !).

12 – Edouard « Girouette » (1966)

Edouard, real name Jean-Michel Rivat, is mainly known for his work as a lyricist, notably for Joe Dassin or Claude François. However, he also released two excellent EPs under the pseudonym Edouard to mock Antoine’s success. « Girouette » comes from the lesser-known of the two and was compiled on Ils sont fous ces Gaulois vol. 2 in 1997! Pretty solid and fuzzy French beat song !

13 – Le(s) Homard(s) Violet(s) « Le clodo » (1967)

Le Homard Violet is a mythical band from Lyon. They only released one EP in 1967 on the JBP label. JC Gaurdon is a true figure of the local scene for several decades! The band also recorded a single in 1965, cut on acetate and officially released in 1998. The 1967 EP is probably one of the most beautiful testimonies of French bands from the 60s. Witness « Le Clodo, » which replies to « My Friend Jack » by The Smoke. A true slice of French freakbeat to annoy your neighbors.

14 – Les Dauphins « Tu marches et tu pleures » (1965)

Les Dauphins are an excellent band from Nice. They released 4 EPs and one single between 1964 and 1969. « Tu marches et tu pleures » comes from their second EP, produced by the Swiss Joe Meek: Ken Lean. This track is particularly successful in the melodic and pop side of beat music. The more frenzy among you might prefer the fuzzier and more upbeat « Serrons nous la main ».

15 – Les Bowlers « Il est trop tard » (1966)

Les Bowlers, from Paris, are the authors of two magnificent EPs in 1966. Garage/freakbeat fans should find what they’re looking for! Since the EPs are sought-after, you can also get the excellent compilation released a few years ago on Caméléon / Mono-Tone.

16 – Régis Barly « Faux Beatnik » (1966)

« Who are you, Régis Barly? » asks the sleeve of one of his 45s! It’s true that the net is also pretty quiet about this singer, yet author of three excellent EPs in 1966! Plus, dear Régis Barly had a very cool modernist look.

17 – Ronnie Bird «S.O.S. Mesdmoiselles » (1968)

Ronnie Bird is one of the most frequently mentioned singers in France when we talk about French rock. And rightly so, probably, given how solid his sixties discography is. However, it often consists of covers of English-language tracks (Stones, Knickerbockers, Nashville Teens, Small Faces). « S.O.S. Mesdemoiselles » is a beautiful exception to that rule. Co-written with the help of two brilliant Brits, Mick Jones and Tommy Brown, it’s a mod masterpiece that will instantly pack the floor. Quick trivia: did you know that the first band of the members of La Femme paid homage to this song?

18 – Johnny Hallyday « Psychedelic » (1967)

Johnny sparks as much admiration as contempt in France. The quintessential popular rock singer, it’s fashionable among snobs to look down on him. Yet Jean-Philippe Smet had more than one trick up his sleeve and delivered some truly frenzied and cool slices of rock. That’s the case with the high-energy « Psychedelic, » released in 1967. Johnny poses as a hippie on the sleeve, but he hasn’t forgotten to put fuel in his motorcycle’s tank. This track is a French beat classic that also has the huge advantage of being cheap and raw! Sixties DJ friends, don’t overlook it. No surprise, by the way, to find Micky Jones and Tommy Brown credited on the writing. It’s often claimed that Jimmy Page himself handled the lead guitar.

19 – Michel Polnareff « Ne me marchez pas sur les pieds » (1966)

Unlike Jacques Dutronc, Michel Polnareff recorded in England in the 1960s. For many European artists, it was the ultimate goal to collaborate with British musicians! In Spain, Los Bravos made the trip. In France, many crossed the Channel! Besides Michel Polnareff, let’s mention Johnny Hallyday, Eddy Mitchell, Françoise Hardy, or Serge Gainsbourg. Back to the hobo of Montmartre. Polnareff is one of the most elegant French pop singers of the 1960s. If you’re visiting France and want to bring back some great records, Michel Polnareff is undeniably a name to remember. Today, let’s discover together the excellent French beat track ‘Ne me marchez pas sur les pieds’ (Don’t Step on My Toes).

20 – Larry Greco « Je bois trop » (1966)

Let’s finish this playlist dedicated to French singers with a great one! José Salcy was born in 1941 in Nice. He made his first discographic steps in 1962, but his best records date from the 66-67 period when he churned out wonders like « Les filles Chats » or « J’en parlerai à mon cheval »! For my part, I have a soft spot for the wild R&B of « Je Bois Trop, » compiled on Got the Go!!! in 2008 then Flash Boum Beat in 2023.

This selection is freely inspired by several French-language playlists from this site; to discover them: