Here is an album that completely passed me by but that’s no surprise seeing it’s made by Frenchman Philippe Cohen, dj, producer and the main man behind The gotan project. I mean why would I look towards an electronic french band when looking for a bit of country? Thing is, this really is a straight up, full on country record with no hint of The Gotan project at all. It’s a bit like Dolly Parton making a drum and bass album, a complete departure from ones comfort zone. Thing is, it works brilliantly. Recorded in Nashville with some of the best musicians they have to offer, Jim lauderdale, David Olney, Sam bush and Melonie Cannon to name but a few it’s an album that is as raw as it is challenging. Co-produced by Bucky Baxter (Bob dylan, Ryan adams) They even throw in two covers but no, not old fashioned classic country covers but Abbas Dancing Queen and the Sex Pistols Pretty Vacant no less. All done in a country style of course, unbelievable ! On the ya basta record label you can download this from emusic or there is a vinyl release of which I’ve just ordered, in my case from HHV but there are other places around. This is my new favourite album of the year because it could easily have gone totally wrong. An electronic/dj/producer going to Nashville to make a record? Now I think that’s pretty challenging and then to make one as brilliant as this I think is a stroke of genius. This isn’t cheesy country, It’s a sad, mournful gospel filled proper country album and every country music fan should own it. Love it !!
What I want to know is why Olly has never mentioned this? Can’t be many frenchmen going to Nashville to make country records, are they?
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Awesome Martin ! I’ve been listening couple months ago to a France Inter session including H-Burns and P. Cohen.. You’re so right. Shame on me… After this radio show, I choose to post about H-Burns, partly due to the fact that my tastes belong to his kind of music, and partly due to the fact that i’m running after those so-underrated… Sorry for you Mr Cohen but your reputation is already a rock solid one…
Anyway.. Shame on me as the album deserves more than a single pair of ears. Thank you so much Geordin to bring it back to me !
You two taking jabs at each other :p
Been listening to this album all day, class .. really digging it. Great recommendation Martin. (Just noticed Olly is ahead on the post I have some catching up to do )