Author: Smiling Boots, The

Format: Best of

Release Date: 08-25-2008

Details: Product Description Smiling Boot, The Amazon.ca You could call La Bottine Souriante an institution, but this group is much more fun than a bank. For one thing, a bank only rarely inspires people to kick up their heels and party. This Québécois group--whose name means "the Smiling Boot"--has little trouble with that task, as this anthology proves handily. La Bottine Souriante's wild, highly infectious songs amalgamate a wide variety of influences, from French-Canadian folk music and traditional Acadian, Cajun, and Irish tunes to Latin music and jazz. A survey of the group's recordings that includes three newly recorded tracks, Anthology: 1976-2001 confirms their remarkable longevity and continued vitality. Over the last 25 years, they've undergone numerous lineup changes--of the more than 20 members, accordionist-vocalist Yves Lambert has remained the only constant. On the earliest tracks, like the largely a cappella "Pinci-pincette," the style is simple yet deft as the singers' vocal harmonies are set in contrast to often rudimentary rhythms and the rough-hewn style rooted in traditional French-Canadian music. Later tracks like 1994's "The Flying Saucer Reel" are more elaborate and imaginative--La Bottine Souriante adapts its basic approach to jazz arrangements and worldbeat excursions without losing any of its vigour. Though much of the meaning may be lost on non-francophone listeners, the tales in the songs are full of bawdy humour--1991's "Le chanson du quéteux" ("The Beggar's Song") tells of an old scam artist who "has a cure for everything" and "eats like he can't get enough," while 1998's "Yoyo" describes a boozy little monk caught in the confessional with three women and "a glass of wine in one hand." From 1983, "Le Rossignol sauvage" ("The Wild Nightingale") is a more plaintive number that details the lot of a heartbroken suitor. On the whole, though, La Bottine Souriante have little time for sobbing, and Anthology: 1976-2001 is full of music that is spirited and surprising. --Jason Anderson

UPC: 675270204122

EAN: 0887936272264

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood