Digital Renaissance: From Bombastique to Silence

Took me a bit longer than I originally promised, but I'll just pick up where I left off. For those in need of a recap: I've created a format at Sizzer posting three playlists every month, elaborating on specific niches or no niche at all. As the title might suggest, I from here on will dub this effort Digital Renaissance. No need to panic, they'll come with some explanatory liner notes, links and what not. In this episode we'll go from bombastique to silence. Allow me to explain.

While pondering my previous playlist-drop's soon to come sequel, I realised that a lot of recent/future events were/are situated in France - just back from the Cannes Lions, now travelling to the Dordogne for a little break from the norm. Obviously these events often come with a healthy dose of musique Française - from Yè-yè to some of Guadeloupe's finest Zouk, from a proper Chanson to Suprême NTM. In light of these events I'd like to start this new triad with a dive into a broad range of fuzzy - yet often orchestral - arrangements, fazer drums and other drogues to bob your head to. In this edition's first playlist 'Je Suis Inadaptée', I've sandwhiched you 20 bangers in between the bombastic and jazzy instrumental arrangement Voyages by Polnareff and Brigitte Fontaine's awesome cut Je Suis Inadaptée (hence the title). Some standards, some rare cuts, all gems! 

Tip: this one might go well with a full bodied red wine on a Saturday at the park, headphones > max volume.

Second one in line is dedicated to - what might seem - an unlikely combo: the merger of Country and Funk. A meandering trip into completely stoned barn dance, swampy grooves and heartfelt shakers, leaving us with a very thin line between the raw and the slick! Starting out with Dennis Caldirola's - for this one under his moniker Dennis The Fox - Piledriver, with what must be one of the most heavy intro breaks ever pressed, which then - accompanied by some proper bar piano sound - slides into somewhat of a crooner! After this bottle is popped we make our way through all sorts of badass jams to score your Southern sunset no matter where you at - from Dolly Parton, Cher and Bobby Darin to Link Wray's Fire And Brimstone. The latter being the inspiration for the title, which was recorded in a chicken shack: "For a time no drum kit was available, so on several tracks the musicians stomped on the floor for the bass drum and shook a can of nails for the snare drum". Good summary of the deviant explanation I was trying to nail actually. Enfin, Country Funk! 

Tip: goes well with a Michelada and a scorching sun.

After all this fuzz I reckon it would be nice to have everyone shut up for a bit. A bit, meaning we'll still sing, but we will leave out actual lyrics. An ode to the art of humming, mumbling and shrieks: vocalise - singing without words. I'll keep this one brief - for the 'Words Don't Come Easy'. 

Tip: Goes well with a lazy Sunday and a suitable beverage of choice, I suggest something outspoken.

Au revoir,
Jasper Nijland, music researcher at Sizzer