The Lou Christie of French rock is Michel Poinareff. Well, mostly due to his vocal style, which can go as high as the stars, if he chooses that route. Ponareff's first album is classic French pop. Still, I suspect that he wanted to go beyond his country's borders. Side one I presume was recorded in England, due that he worked with lyricist Keith Reid, who either at the same time or a tad later, became the words-man for Procol Harum. He also used Charles Blackwell as an arranger, who worked with Burt Bacharach on the soundtrack "What's New Pussycat" as well as working with my favorite eccentric producer Joe Meek. So, with those two, our M. Poinareff was in excellent hands.
This is a very strong debut of a songwriting talent, who is still with us, and for me, a mysterious figure. In fact, I suspect he's a mystery to a lot of people. Like the tide in an ocean, he comes and goes as he pleases. Still, from 1966 to the end of the 1970s, he was an iconic presence in France. Visually stunning, but with an incredible knack for writing memorable melodies. There's not a bad cut on this album, and I would recommend it as an introduction into the world of Poinareff. The garage rock sound of "La Poupée Qui Fait Non," "Time Will Tell" (lyrics by Reid) and his fifties orientated (and could be a Morrissey favorite) "Love Me, Please Love Me" are essential cuts.
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