Here’s some thoughts on Taylor Swift, the new Courtney Love, a new Prince cover album, and the record that will make you smarter AND better looking.  Courtesy of the Brown Tweed Society…http://bitly.com/dA8Tv

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You know, I’ve visited France.  Spent a pretty crazy weekend in Paris during college. Honestly, though, I wasn’t that impressed.  Don’t get me wrong the place was fun and all, but I don’t know that it was any more fun than NYC or Atlanta or Dallas.  But recently France has become a hotbed of musical activity that is much more impressive to me than the sights I saw as a youngling.  In fact, there’s a brewing French invasion in rock music that may one day rival the British invasion of the 1960’s.  Don’t believe me?  Read on and be educated, jack!

Exhibit A: Phoenix

French rock group Phoenix released their 6th album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix in May 2009 to critical acclaim.  They’ve been called France’s version of the Arcade Fire and their latest album garnered a prestigious 8.5 rating from Pitchfork. Phoenix began their careers playing Hank Williams and Prince covers on the French club circuit and cite ’80s American pop music as a primary influence.  Recently, they were the subject of tribute videos on YouTube.  Thier music is very eclectic, alternating from rock anthems to synth-pop, sometimes in the same song.  And to round out thier art-rock credentials, lead singer Thomas Mars currently hooks up with film-maker, producer, and actress Sofia Coppola.  Basically, folks, Phoenix is on the verge of blowing up in a Death Cab or Modest Mouse sort of way.

Exhibit B: Air

French electronica duo Air came into prominence following the release of their 1998 album Moon Safari, which was a critical darling.  They were exposed to American audiences in 2000 when they recorded the soundtrack to the Sofia Coppola film The Virgin Suicides and then again in 2003 when they contributed to the sountrack to Lost in Translation.  Since then, Air has been en vogue and the indie rock press is certainly on the lookout for their next album, set to drop in October, titled Love 2.

Exhibit C: Kid Bombardos

You’re not going to find a lot around the web about this Bordeaux quartet, but they’ve already opened for Vampire Weekend in thier short career. They play a pretty varied mix of musical styles and like Phoenix they record mostly in English.  They’re poised for a breakout with their latest single "I Round the Bend" and don’t be surprised when you see them on the late-night circuit soon.

Exhibit D: Malajube

OK, so these guys aren’t technically from France, but they do sing in French so that counts for something, right?  Malajube is from Montreal, Quebec and I just picked up their latest album, Labyrinthes, this past week and am in love with it.  These guys definitely have range, their music moves from stadium rock to powerpop to complex art-rock forms effortlessly, sometimes within the same song.  This band will challenge you musically but if you spend some time with them you’ll be thankful you did.

There are others we could discuss, but this should give you an idea of the flavor that is coming out of French rock these days.  I hope we’ve introduced you to some interesting music that you’ll enjoy for some time to come.  So round up some truffles, break out the French wine, and kick out the jams baby.  Thanks for reading.

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In case you’re interested, here’s my latest post on the infamous and deadly Brown Tweed Society blog:  http://bit.ly/dU75O

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Wow, sometimes you just gotta look up and say "Thanks!"

I got home yesterday and found new music waiting for me from Deerhunter, the Dirty Projectors, Super Furry Animals, Todd Snider, The Rural Alberta Advantage, The Maccabees, and Labuat.  I’ve got a lot of stuff to listen to…I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts and impressions.

Then, as if that wasn’t good enough, I got a notification this morning that the Avett Brothers are playing near me in October at Murray State University!  I quickly snagged fifth row tickets and can’t wait to see the boys in action.  I’ve never seen them live, so I am psyched!!!

Anyone interested in checking out where the Avetts are playing can do so here.

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Once again, the internet has proven that it can annihilate all those who seek it’s destruction!  For those of you looking for SWEET free downloadable music, look no further.  My boy internet’s got you covered…

www.subpop.com/cybersex

Thank you talking guitars…

Furthermore, the BLK JKS are for real.  They announce via their blog that their new album After Robots drops in September of this year.  As if that wasn’t enough to make my heart go all-aflutter…they’re also dropping a new downloadable single, called "Molalatladi".  You can get the FREE AND LEGAL download from the good people at RCRD LBL.

And lest you think you’ll leave this post firmly entrenched within your happy place, the fuzzy-chinned Jonas Brothers have now convinced rapper/actor Common to partake of their teeny-pop flava.  Take that, happiness and joy!

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