Review - Zebda: Comme Des Cherokees

A new album by Zebda is something to treasure, and I'm pleased to hear that the new collection by the
Toulouse band - Comme Des Cherokees - lives up to my expectations.

It's their second album since they got back together again in 2011 and it proves that they remain every but as vital as before, and are hopefully back for good.

For a band as politically involved as Zebda, they don't get ideology get in the way of a good tune.
L'Envie kicks the album off in fine upbeat style , A suivre keeps up the pace.

Les Petits Pas has already wormed its way into the ear of anyone whose heard it and if this single came as a shock to those hearing its  70s disco vibe, it  sounds perfectly in context here, there's a celebratory feel to everything here.

But it's not all froth, Zebda have lost none of their punch and retain their smartness  and wit. There's plenty to get your teeth into here.

Zebda remain a band to treasure and this collection sees them at the top of their game.

I can't help but think how great these songs would sound live. If you get the chance to see them, be sure to let me know what I'm missing.

Zebda: Une Vie de Moins

I'm a huge fan of Zebda, and looking forward to the release of their new album Comme des Cherokees later this month.

It's also been heartening to see their single Les Petits Pas getting them the recognition they deserve.

However, given what's happening in the middle east I couldn't help but take a look back at a song they released in 2012 that seems if anything even more relevant than ever.

Une Vie de Moins is the kind of song and video that deserves to be shared widely as the murderous events unfold.

Zebda have never shied away from political engagement, and a song like this takes a serious debate to a level that a simple protest song normally would not.

I'm aware the song has its detractors, but it makes the point that most in Gaza are not terrorists, and just want things in life that we in the west take for granted.

I wrote almost two years ago: "Whether pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli, the only real position worth taking is one that values human life and promotes peace. Hopefully this song and video goes some way towards that."

We're no close to peace, but the hope that one day it might be possible is still there.

Zebda: Les Petits Pas

A new clip by Zebda, for the track Les Petits Pas, a number with a retro funk flavour that's right up to date.

The band have been working with Yarol Poupaud, of French funk fiends FFF. He's also an experienced producer and has worked with a huge number of French acts, including recently working with Johnny Hallyday as lead guitarist and musical director for his Born Rocker and Jamais Seul tours.

Zebda's comeback two years ago with their album Second tour exceeded most people's expectations, reaching the top three in France.

The band had taken a pause for almost a decade before its release, having been founded in the 80s and enjoying huge success in the 1990s, particularly with their 1998 Essence Ordinaire album.

The band have never shied away from being politically engaged, their last album including the song Une vie de moins which had a video that  led to a row in its depiction of the Israel/Palestine conflict.

But Zebda don't let politics get in the way of a great tune, and in a France currently facing more than its share of political tensions, some music that can help bridge divides is more than welcome.

The new track comes ahead of an album to be entitled Comme des Cherokees, which is  expected out in August 25.

But before that they've got a number of live dates including festivals aroudn France and elsewhere.

Zebda: Une vie de moins

A song by Zebda, and its associated video, has caused a row for political reasons.

The song Une vie de moins pays tribute to the residents of Gaza, the Palestinian enclave currently under a blockade from Israel.

Lyrics for the song were written by French scholar Jean-Pierre Filiu, a lecturer at the Sciences Po Paris and an expert on middle eastern affairs. he's written several books about the subject is Islam and Palestine, his most recent being Histoire de Gaza. He also wrote a book about Jimi Hendrix in 2008.

Zebda have always been a politically engaged act, and for my money this is the best thing they've done, simple and hugely affecting.

The song was released last month, and has already caused a reaction.

However, the song has been met with criticism from the organisation Conseil représentation des institutions juives de France, who say that it risks promoting hatred of Israel and that the song and the video are anti-Israeli propaganda.

The situation in Gaza remains one of the most politically charged in the world. Whether pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli, the only real position worth taking is one that values human life and promotes peace. Hopefully this song and video goes some way towards that.

Zebda - Un Je Ne Sais Quoi

A new video by the mighty Zebda, whose latest album is certainly one of the contenders for album of the year as far as this blog is concerned.

The song Un Je Ne Sais Quoi comes from the Second Tour album, released in January this year, that marked the band's return last year following their split in 2003.

They were certainly missed - by me at least - and its great to have them back and releasing material that's as punchy as ever. While not still confronting political issues head on, Zebda never let this get in the way of a good tune.

As has been said: "if you can't dance, it's not a revolution worth having."


Zebda came to my attention with their 1998 Essence Ordinare album, which produced their best-known song Tomber La Chemise. They picked up two Victoires de la Musique awards in 2000, Best Song for Tomber... as well as the Best Group award. They also won two NRJ Music Awards for best Francophone Song and Best Francophone Group.

During the band's hiatus, members involved themselves in political issues, and the results from the first round of the presidential election certainly shows that there are a huge umber of issues to be addressed.

Zebda are touring in france in May and have festival dates in the summer across the country