Here are the vitals. Fleur is Dutch singer Floor Elman. She sings in French and is backed by Les Robots. Her songs appear on Spanish label Bickerton Records. She also fronts a band called the Colour Collection on the same label. By now, your head should be spinning. The sound of Fleur takes you back to yé-yé with a splash of '66 garage. Names popping up to describe Fleur include Les Terribles, France Gall, April March and, of course, Françoise Hardy. Yes, her voice is that good.
While we're here, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the other stable of stars on Bickerton from all over the world. In particular, I'm really digging '60s-inspired Dutch band the Mocks and Americans the Premonitions. Both are on the shopping list. Bickerton has a slew of incredible reissues that will be of interest to regular readers too, from the likes of the Pandoras, Phil Seymour, the Times and many more. Take a gander at Bickerton's roster.
Back to Fleur. For those of us on this side of the pond feeling wary about ordering from Spain, Richmond-based label 6131 Records has just come to the rescue with a release of the self-titled album from 2020. If you can possibly spare the time, you can listen to the 2019 and 2020 singles as well as the album via bandcamp below. Get ready for your next obsession.
5 comments:
Tres Bien mon ami
Thanks for bringing Fleur to our attention, Brian - had never heard of her but these songs are so authentic sounding that I had to re-read and double-check if I'd got it right that it's not a genuine 1960s obscurity - especially with the imagery as well. Will definitely be checking out more.
Oh man Brian, this is great. Listening to the album on Bandcamp as I type. So glad to note that C picked up on your post too. I would've seen it as my civil duty to make her aware if she hadn't.
Oui, oui, very good indeed.
Quelle belle surprise, Brian! I've never heard of Fleur, but I like the similarly 60s French pop-inspired sounds of Vanessa Contenay-Quiñones, so this is right up my street. Thanks for the heads up, I am ready for my next obsession :-)
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