This one is my pick. It looks like I did what a lot of users did: pick a personal cult favorite rather than an album that would objectively be on any kind of « essential » list. So, why this one out of my 4000+ records ? First, I wanted to share an album that was important for my formative years, one that influenced my own band in the 90s and that we knew inside out cause we would always listen to it on the road before a show to get us primed. Also, I thought the original list was lacking in music with another language. If I’m not mistaken, there’s only 4 records in French, from 3 different countries (and none from Québec - only there, you could easily pick 50 albums that are more important than some of the picks from the UK-centric list). I knew my pick would be controversial cause it’s French, it’s punk, it’s live and it’s a double album. Still, I had to turn off the notifications - all those 1 and 2 every morning were a bit depressing. Are you guys okay ? (I, for one, will not give a 1 or a 2 for the user’s pick out of respect for the thought process behind it.) Also, about the album itself, just the sheer energy it takes to pull such a live performance or, if you know anything about drums, you would hear how the speed on the hi-hat is near-impossible to reproduced, makes it something unique that can’t objectively be classified below average. Here I was, thinking that, after three years, people would be looking for flavors missing from the original recipe… Anyhow, if only one person discovers French punk because of my pick, I guess my job is done. If you feel like going further down the rabbit hole, here’s a few other live suggestions (I find the live versions to be more representative of these French band energy than the sometimes-tamed studio version): Berurier Noir (Viva Bertaga), Les Rats (Da prisa), La Souris Déglinguée (Paris 23.05.89), Parabellum (In vivo veritas), Wampas (Toutafonlive). For studio albums from bands that don’t really have a killer live album out there, check also Ludwig Von 88 (Hou la la 2: la mission) and OTH (Sur des charbons ardents). Enjoy !

If you like this one, listen to the previous two, they’re even better, imo (especially « Si on avait besoin d’une cinquième saison » aka « Les 5 saisons » ). This one is harder for me to get into. Still a classic, nonetheless.

Great choice! The most influencial band for me when I was 14. The first big show I ever saw was their Tales from the Punchbowl tour (they’re really worth it live).

CD

CD

Thanks for the discovery !

If you like this one, listen to the previous two, they’re even better, imo (especially « Si on avait besoin d’une cinquième saison » aka « Les 5 saisons » ). This one is harder for me to get into. Still a classic, nonetheless.

This one is my pick. It looks like I did what a lot of users did: pick a personal cult favorite rather than an album that would objectively be on any kind of « essential » list. So, why this one out of my 4000+ records ? First, I wanted to share an album that was important for my formative years, one that influenced my own band in the 90s and that we knew inside out cause we would always listen to it on the road before a show to get us primed. Also, I thought the original list was lacking in music with another language. If I’m not mistaken, there’s only 4 records in French, from 3 different countries (and none from Québec - only there, you could easily pick 50 albums that are more important than some of the picks from the UK-centric list). I knew my pick would be controversial cause it’s French, it’s punk, it’s live and it’s a double album. Still, I had to turn off the notifications - all those 1 and 2 every morning were a bit depressing. Are you guys okay ? (I, for one, will not give a 1 or a 2 for the user’s pick out of respect for the thought process behind it.) Also, about the album itself, just the sheer energy it takes to pull such a live performance or, if you know anything about drums, you would hear how the speed on the hi-hat is near-impossible to reproduced, makes it something unique that can’t objectively be classified below average. Here I was, thinking that, after three years, people would be looking for flavors missing from the original recipe… Anyhow, if only one person discovers French punk because of my pick, I guess my job is done. If you feel like going further down the rabbit hole, here’s a few other live suggestions (I find the live versions to be more representative of these French band energy than the sometimes-tamed studio version): Berurier Noir (Viva Bertaga), Les Rats (Da prisa), La Souris Déglinguée (Paris 23.05.89), Parabellum (In vivo veritas), Wampas (Toutafonlive). For studio albums from bands that don’t really have a killer live album out there, check also Ludwig Von 88 (Hou la la 2: la mission) and OTH (Sur des charbons ardents). Enjoy !

Nice to see something from Québec ! Classic album for sure, even if it’s a little too pop for my personal taste.

Thanks for the discovery!

Nice discovery! Thanks!

Nice pick! A vinyl reissue is on pre-order right now at Real Gone.

Classic ! The original list is strangely lacking in jazz. This is a must for any jazz fan. 5 stars.