Jacques Dutronc is up there with the great Serge Gainsbourg, as a cultural force and music-making in 20th-century France. Since I don't know the French language, I have to just presume what Dutronc's songs are about. I understand the title "Les Play-Boys." What is provocative for me is his handsomeness but mixed in with a great deal of humor. Also, I'm intrigued by his songwriting partner and is responsible for the lyrics, Jacques Lanzmann. A poet and lyricist. I believe Lanzmann was in his forties when he wrote songs with the much younger Dutronc, who was in his twenties. Not a great difference of age these days, but in the 1960s, there was a generation difference between those two decades, and unusual for someone much older, working with a youngster (in theory) to write for the teenage/youth market. But perhaps I'm thinking too much of the American or British, who had a distrust of anyone over 30!
Still, one of the most enjoyable albums to come out of France is "Les Play-Boys" which is 12 songs that seem to be absurd, light on the touch, but I suspect that they are also a deep commentary on culture in Paris and elsewhere in France at the time. Music-wise, Dutronc reminds me of Ray Davies during the 1960s. I sense he's very disciplined and focused artist and there is a learned or studied charm in his work. Like Davies, Dutronc (and Lanzmann) are cultural humorists commenting on the fads ("Mini Mini Mini") and the self-absorption of the young generation("Et Moi, Et Moi, Et Moi"). Superb entertainment!
