It's a pleasant surprise to find labels putting out CD editions on Record Store Day. One such release, available on both vinyl and CD, is this set from the late Françoise Hardy, called Françoise Hardy En Vogue (Best Of 1962-1967). Covering the absolute peak years of the French legend, this Omnivore Recordings set is likely the most concise compilation yet released of Hardy's most essential sides.
Kicking off with one of her most well-known songs, "Tous Les Garçons Et Les Filles", this collection serves up pleasant listening from the start. Things get much more interesting by the time we get to the extraordinary "Et Même", with its arrangement by the Mikey Baker Orchestra. Firmly and wonderfully an example of the Yé-yé sound, this number and many here reveal the progression of Francoise Hardy from a folk-influenced singer into a rock-inspired one. Another highlight of this comp is "Je N'attends Plus Personne", a track where Hardy seems to be channeling Elvis. It's a big, heart-on-the-sleeve performance, but throughout Francoise maintains that icy cool that made her such an idol then on both sides of the Atlantic.
Françoise Hardy En Vogue (Best Of 1962-1967) is a crash-course in this most legendary of French singers. For many who've grown up on Stereolab and Broadcast, there's a lot here that will feel like you're finally hearing some of what inspired those bands. For those who are well familiar with Hardy's work, this set still serves as a nice, remarkably well-sequenced and compcact reminder of just how rich the legacy of Francoise Hardy remains.
Françoise Hardy En Vogue (Best Of 1962-1967) by Françoise Hardy is out now via Omnivore Recordings.
[Photo: Omnivore Recordings]