The Mighty Sparrow

Although reviews have been mixed, one the of the most eagerly anticipated films of the summer, for me, will be La Môme / La Vie en Rose, the new Edith Piaf biopic. Even leaving aside stories stemming from Piaf's own habit of mythologising her past (she probably wasn't, as often claimed, born in a gutter), there should be no shortage of drama. Almost certainly a prostitute, quite possibly a killer, Piaf's rise from the slums of Paris was propelled by gritty, scandalous tales of poverty and debauchery and one of the few truly inimitable voices in the history of popular music. So distinctive was her vibrato that original recordings had to be used for the majority of the film, nobody else could do her justice. Even in death she remains the French music industry's most successful export - as much an icon of the country as any architectural landmark. Her status and her incomparable talent pose huge problems to those seeking to cover her work - faithful renditions will almost inevitably flounder so invention and personal interpretation must come to the fore. Etienne Daho and Grace Jones, in particular, don't try to compete vocally but spin Mon Manège à Moi and La Vie En Rose out loosely and languidly. Tricatel signing Romeo offers an interesting take on La Goualante Du Pauvre Jean too.


Edith Piaf - Mon Manège à Moi

Etienne Daho - Mon Manège à Moi

Edith Piaf - La Vie En Rose

Grace Jones - La Vie En Rose

Edith Piaf - La Goualante Du Pauvre Jean

Romeo - La Goualante Du Pauvre Jean