French House Arrest Episode VI: Ice Cube?

No, not Ice Cube, but rather I:Cube, the awesome Frenchman whose work contributed to the evolution of the French sound. Also featured is a random track which I can't recall where I got it from but it was released in '97 and is awesome so I'm including it. Also, a little insight into what was happening in House music outside of France.

Also want to give a big shout out to our one reader from Budapest, Hungary. Major props.

-M

Picnic Attack - I:Cube

This album is a lot more like the 'Motorbass' sound with big inspiration from the disco sounds coming from everyone around him. Also, Daft Punk remixed on of the tracks on it, and it's definitely one of their best (Grab it HERE).

Faithfull - Fantom

Awesome track, great example of the genre. EP includes an Etienne De Crecy remix, although the original mix definitely wins.

Insomnia - Faithless

Famous track from the UK in 1997, one of those that everyone recognizes when it gets to "that part." Ishkur calls it Anthem House, makes sense. Shit's epic as hell, but corny as shit. Doesn't matter though, its pretty awesome.

For those interested in a blog that posts rare albums, I highly recommend Boards of Electronica. Great source for all sorts of music. The best way to use this blog is to check the labels and find what you like.

French House Arrest Episode IV: Backtrack

I do still insist that 1997 is the biggest year for French House, but I realized that I left out some important/awesome developments that occurred in 1996.

-M

Venus (Sunshine People) - Cheek

Now I can't really speak for its significance in terms of the evolution of the genre, but this did predate '97 and is just awesome. The true winner is the remix from DJ Gregory (my favorite track in this post), but the I:Cube remix is also amazing. I:Cube is another important DJ in the creation on French House, and you'll be seeing his album in one of the upcoming '97 posts.

Le Voyage - The Mighty Bop

The Mighty Bop, more commonly known as Bob Sinclar, was another very important name during the foundations of French House. He even had a little incident with Thomas Bangalter over a certain track, to be posted eventually. This particular track that I posted is very Hip-hop/Breakbeat influenced along with the funk/space influences of the French Touch and, of course, is just as cool as everything else his peers were releasing at the time.

Sacrebleu - Dimitri From Paris

Dimitri From Paris is so cool, that he's become the Playboy Mansions resident DJ. His style is a mix of House, Disco, Hip-hop, and Lounge. This is not really French House, but very much in line with the whole French Touch scene, almost like Daft Punk and Air had a child that decided to move to Cancun. And nobody can deny that the man has style.

Also, everyone should check out the blog Ilictronix. Great source for French House, among other stuff.