Les Rita Mitsouko is Catherine Ringer and the late (and great) Fred Chichin. A remarkable French band from the 1980s to the 21st century. "Variéty" their last album, due to Chichin's death, is an album of many pleasures. Ringer is one of the great figures in rock/pop music period. Her expressive attitude and voice and sense of wonder are way beyond other singers of her generation. Why she is not an icon here in the United States or in the U.K. can only be that most of the songs are in French. It is the English speaking world's loss if one cannot dwell on Ringer's (and Chichin's) world.
"Variéty" after repeated listenings is a treasure to behold. Joyful, witty, strong melodic moments, and superb performances. Mark Plati is the (not so) secret presence on the album. He worked with David Bowie for numerous years, and he brings a Bowie touch to the project that reminds me a bit of that singer's "Hours" album. Very straightforward approach to the song, but hidden textures that unfold on repeated hearings. In a healthy world, these songs would be played on the radio on a consistent basis. Alas, that's not the world that we live in.
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