Review: Élucubrations – Antoine on 45 1965-1969

A great archive release this week, with the Élucubrations – Antoine on 45 1965-1969 collection documenting the early work of the influential French singer-songwriter.

Antoine exploded onto the French pop scene in the mid 60s, his long hair, combat jacket  and patched jeans making him an embodiement of beatnik style, his music an electrifying blend of Bob Dylan and Donovan, shot through with intelligence, humour and attitude.

This new CD brings together three EPs he released, with two rare English language tracks as an added bonus.

There simply isn't a bad track on this collection, from the Dylan-esque Qu'Est-Ce Que Ca Oeut Faire De Vivre Sans Maison to the more straightforward 60s pop of Before The Good Thing (Aint Good No More). It's a fascinating time capsule from a strange and interesting time.

Antoine took on garage rock and psychedelic pop, and left an indelible mark on the French pop scene, with both Jacques Dutronc and Johnny Hallyday inspired to write songs about him.

If there is a perception that the EP format was simply a way for artists in the 50s and 60s to cash in on one decent song by selling it as a bundle of four, this collection shows that the EP format could equally showcase an artist in a way that an LP.

An EP could put forward four great tracks, without the need for weaker tracks to fill the time to make the playing time long enough for an album.

By focusing on his EP releases, this collection captures an effervescent talent in its diversity and energy,  while remaining true to the artist's original vision. After all, he would have taken his time to consider carefully which tracks he'd feature on his EPs, so it's fitting that the same care is being taken here.

Antoine might now be better known as a champion of the sea, with his sailing adventured documented on TV and in books since the 1970s, but this collection shows that in the 60s his star shone brighter than most in France.