Europe diary: Pop around Europe

27 April 2006

In his diary this week, BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell discusses the wide variety of pop music he likes, dislikes and downloads while on his European travels.

The diary is published every Thursday.

BAFFLING BACKGROUND

I suppose most British people have a rather patronising attitude to pop and rock music from other European countries. Asked to name a European band, I suspect most people would name Abba, at once glorious and silly.

Glorious and silly: A British view of Europop

This dismissal is probably based on occasional exposure to the truly dreadful rubbish that comes out of French or Belgian radios. French just is not the language of rock and roll.

And then there's the stuff in bars and cafes. I don't think other European countries are any worse than Britain for playing inappropriate background music, but I find it not simply irritating but also baffling.

It's fair enough when a young bar staff blare out stuff they like at the customers but so often it seems clear that neither the workers nor the customers are enjoying inappropriate background music.

Particularly weird, although this is not a recent encounter, is the music played over loudspeakers into charming French villages.

MUSICAL CLASHES

The worst music I have heard since I started travelling around Europe was, I suppose, at least in keeping with the surroundings. In a rather homely Viennese inn what sounded like a Bavarian Arthur Askey in duet with a Swabian Hattie Jacques in an allegedly comic song of domestic disharmony.

But why play vicious rap music at the rather sweet organic cafe in the grounds of an old abbey near my home in Brussels?

What was the screaming guitar solo of Italian rock all about at a Roman trattoria filled with middle-aged customers and even older waiters?

RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE

Who is the king or queen of Euro pop?

Jacques Brel: Covered by Bowie?

I suppose Belgium's very own Jacques Brel has an excellent claim for moody poetic stuff that could really only be sung in French (although I've got an idea David Bowie has had a bash at it in English). But he's long gone, what's good now?

Well my musical tastes have always been catholic and eclectic but with age they've simply got random and patchy so I welcome your suggestions.

But what European music is on my iPod (or as this is a BBC site should I say "popular digital music player" as Blue Peter used to say "sticky-backed plastic"?)

Well, it's not exactly "most frequently played", but I like France's 113 for making rap sound genuinely edgy and dangerous, rather than the cartoon nonsense from the States (why French should be better suited to rap than rock I don't know but linguists can probably come up with a good reason).

13 & God (great name), from Germany, are in a long tradition of Teutonic experimentation which pays off, on the whole. I really liked what I heard of the Croatian surf rockers Bambi Molesters on a website, but I've only managed to get hold of the first album which is less impressive.

Austria's Kruder and Dorfmeister are up there in my all time Top Ten but haven't done anything for a while. And why not?

There's Belgium's legendary Martin Lanout, but he's currently bandless. May be it's an obvious choce but I'll vote for Manu Chao for a bringing a really European dimension to his music: and with Sibiere he's moved from being haunting from fun.

BLING AND BOSOM

Turbo-folk star Ceca, and her late husband, paramilitary leader Arkan

My most interesting musical moment on my travels was actually hearing Serbian turbo folk, after reading so much about it. It's been described as techno-driven Serbian folk music with schmaltzy lyrics sung by girls with loads of bling and bosom.

It's evidently a favourite of ultra-nationalists. I got to hear one example in a club on the outskirts of Belgrade, filled with smart casual blokes with short hair and their bejewelled girl friends. So far, so unsurprising. But compared to what I had been led to expect, the music was a bit underpowered.

Occasionally one of the girlfriends got up and danced around her man in a, well, pretty oriental fashion. Because the music, while not so much turbo as stuck in third gear, is like Serbian coffee - what most people would describe as Turkish. Although that's not something I would have said too loudly at the time.

DERVISH TRANCE

Real Turkish music from Turkey had the advantage of being much more turbo.

Certainly my favourite purchase on my travels is Berksan's Cilek, which also has a fantastically funny video. I'm not quite sure why its so tickled me as I've only seen it about three times but there's something about the female dancers expression that made a big impression.

(I had of course just caught it by accident while searching for BBC World in my hotel room. Three times. I certainly wouldn't spend a whole evening watching Turkish pop videos hoping it would come up again. Oh no...)

And for something for the end of the evening, Sir? Su's dervish-inspired neo-trance does nicely: I suppose Dervishes do know all about trance.

Please send us your comments on issues raised in the diary, using the postform below.

---

I'm a Swede studying in ht UK, and I can say that to me, the english music seems quite flat too, but then I have just heard what comes out from under my neighbours doors, some radio in the launderette and the disco outside my window, so I don't believe that there is no good music, I just have not found it, it takes time, to find the radio station that plays the music you like and so on. So if you just make a short visit to a country you are likely not to find much. I think the best might be to ask people of their favourites in their country, and you might get something better than the top selling singles. And please, don't say "Europe" as if it was one homogenous country, there is no such thing as "European music". And you don't watch the Eurovision song contest for the music, it is just fun, besides, the UK seldom send anything good there either.
Anna, Bradford UK

Zucchero, Eros Ramazzotti, Lacuna Coil, Cibo Matto and Alexia from Italy. There is also Rammstein from Germany, pioneers of 'Dance Metal' as they call it. One of the most influential bands around, with many bands from around the world trying to reproduce it in some way. Europe has a lot to offer in the way of music. More than any other continent. It is far removed from the commercialised rubbish coming from most other countries. Maybe this is why not many people are aware of European music.
Daniel De Vito, Canberra, Australia

Hi I'm a sound engineer/dj , there's good music everywhere, and innovative styles are created continuously, particularly with dance/electronic music, where the UK and Europe both have large audiences and fans. What makes Europe still a vibrant source of musical creativity is the underground scene. A part from the money making mainstream music there's a hidden sonic treasure out there.
djmancho, London

Most Dutch bands worth listening to use the English language. I would recommend "Racoon" with songs such as "Love you more" or "Hero in town"
Erik, The Hague, Netherlands

Hmm, no one even mentions Edith Piaf, Louise Attack, Nightwish, Björk, Röyksopp, or Sigur Ròs. Pity, because they're definitely some of my favourites. Mana is also good, as is Paul van Dyke. There is an endless amount of music- you just need to find it. Don't rely on radio stations to do the job for you!
Amélie, Luxembourg

French rap sounds organic because of the harmonic, consistent speech with its accent on the last syllable. Works with Polish with its accent on the syllable before the last, too, and almost as well with many Slavic languages thanks to their melodiousness and a flexibility that makes rhyming easy. These artists also sound quite eligible because these rap scenes are established, but haven't over-evolved into the parody you see in mainstream American rap these days. The social underbelly of France and Eastern Europe is enriching a musical genre because of a natural blessing (the languages) and because they have real messages to deliver (check out the Russian group Kasta!).
Andrej Kovalev, Washington, DC, USA

Mark, you should listen to Russian pop. The Russians have loads of fantastic songs.
Marcin, Gdansk, Poland

For a fervent but nevertheless 'lounge' reggae/ska sound check out Kanda Kodja i (and) Nebojsa from Serbia. Good musicianship and totally original for that part of the world.
Luka, London

As well as Tosca and Peace Orchestra, you can also find Peter Kruder involved in the new Voom Voom project on !K7. Then try M83, Camille, Cyann & Ben, Yann Tiersen (France), The Notwist, To Rococo Rot, Schneider TM, Rammstein, Beautiful New Born Children (Germany), Dead Man Ray & dEUS (Belgium)... Do I have to go on?
Eden, Berlin

I think that you should try out a few more european countrys, I listen to alot of music from Greece and Cyprus, its a mixture of old and new music styles especially artists like Giorgos Alkeos, Anna Vissi, Notis Staffanakis. I have also listened to a few tunes from Spain which again tend to mix traditional with modern music styles.
EDWARD OSBORNE, SOUTH LONDON, UK

Try Hird from Norway, or Skalpel from Poland. The Irish are notable for playing terrible music in shops, bars and guest houses, presumably trying to catch the Irish atmosphere for American tourists. I just visited Kenmare and was assailed by a woollens shop that blared out music into the main square - notably a song about a truck driver who spent his time drinking diesel laced with tea. Clearly this was intended to promote all that is best about Ireland!
Graybo, East Sussex, UK

As an English record producer/sound engineer/musician with a French girlfriend I take issue with your comment that French is not the language of rock and roll. Have a listen to the radio station Europe 2 where you'll here English and French rock/indie/rap back to back. Some of the French music is as good as or better than the American and English music being played. If you want to hear rock done well in French listen to M's song Je Dis Aime, then look me in the eyes and try to tell me that it's not a great rock song.
Peter Lancaster, Worthing, United Kingdom

I think the only good radio station in Belgium is Studio Brussel. They keep in touch with the best in hip hop/alternative and electronic music and are way ahead of most radio stations in Europe. In particular De Maxx (Saturdays from 12:00-1600 I believe) has a great selection of all sorts of music that can be enjoyed by everyone. I like how you listen to 113 and I agree with you that French Hip Hop has in recent years been better at capturing the essence and true nature of the genre.
Vincent van der Heijden, Brussels, Belgium

Thank you the article,Mark. And many thanks to the comments! Let me add to the list with a few popular European'pop'acts,such as : E-Type(Sweden) , Despina Vandi(Greece) , Bananarama(UK) , Stoja(Macedonia) , Kristina Orbakaite(Russia) , Moloko(UK) , DaBuzz(Sweden) , and Via-Gra(Russia). Typical faire an american might enjoy!
Brian Cleaveland, Arkansas,USA

If you want something gorgeous to listen to, hang by Norway, for Christine Guldbrandsen, whose folk melody sounds have been updated towards just barely pop - utterly gorgeous. For something upbeat, swing across the border, and indulge with some genuine Swedish schlager - Linda Bengtzing comes to mind.
John Smith, Somerset, UK

It's funny that there are people who think Serbian turbo-folk has always been associated with nationalism.There are probably "ultra-nationalists" who love this kind of music, but they are not the only ones, because Serbian folk singers have always been popular in all of the six former Yugoslav republics. It's also funny that Mark Mardell invented a new term - "Serbian coffee" - because we call it simply Turkish coffee (Turska kafa).
Dusan, Belgrade

I've heard of only one mention of Swedish bands in these comments, Bodies Without Organs, which has produced some interesting tracks. But how many people remember Roxette, and have heard of Per Gessle, Kent, Broder Jakob, and many others? Swedes also write a lot of songs for US and British artists such as Britney Spears, actually.
One Eye Blinking, Sweden

First of all, French Hip Hop is at least as good as American Hip Hop and I do know and listen to Aesop Rock, The Roots, Talib Kweli... but you can't tell me groups like Sniper, 113, MC Solaar etc. can't come up to these. Furthermore, French works wonderfully in Rock if you actually find some good bands. As for plugging some good Belgian bands: Millionaire, Flip Kowlier, Hypnos 69, De Nieuwe Snaar, Starflam, dEUS ... And then we haven't even touched on underground Europe, like for example Colour Haze from Germany, ponder on those guys, then come back to me.
Nathaniël Bovin, Leuven, Belgium (Currently La Chorrera, Panama)

The music scene in Norway has many talented people and more and more of them also do well internationally. Here is a few: First of all, the one the only: A-HA ( Greatest band in the world ). Have been going for over 20 years now and just released their 8th studio album. Sold around 70 million records and played for millions in audiences around the world, through the years. Fans include: Coldplay, Keane, Pet Shop Boys, Sarah Brightman, Graham Nash, to name but a few. Some others. Old and new and in many different categories: Lene Marlin (Pop music. Writes her own songs and plays many instruments ) Sissel Kyrkjebø (Singer. Classical and Pop. Performed on the Titanic soundtrack and was the one that originally was intended to sing the famous song that eventually Celine Dion sang.) Kurt Nilsen ( Winner of the first world Idol. However has gotten a fine non-Idol career.)
Morten, Norway

The Nouvelle Chanson scene in France has a few gems. French may not be the language for rock, but it certainly fares very well when treated gently and sung by one man and his guitar. Benabar is well worth a listen, and Vincent Delerm is great if you can get used to his voice.
Helen, Oxford, England

It is unbelievable that Mark Mardell without any research writes for the BBC. The text is full of his fictional statements about the music and culture of other European countries. "Serbian coffee"? I never heard anyone call it like that in Belgrade never. It's not difficult to be dramatic without false anecdotes. Do some homework Mark.
Nikola, Belgrade

Please, coming from the US, the music here really stinks. It is all the same, it all sounds the same. Rap, Hip-hop, bubblegum music. What is sad is that other countries music is starting to sound just like the music here. All the same... no individuality.
Tina, California, USA

There is only one good music, either classical, rock, pop, ethnic, greek, rap, rock & roll or everyname you want to call it. Listen to Queen, The Who, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Chieftains, Alan Stivell, Amon Dull, Hadjidakis, Omar Farouk Tekbilek, Wagner, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Beethoven and other artists you can hear their music after two weeks, months, years, decades, centuries.
v.kokkinakis, athens,greece

For techno and electronic style music, Europe can't be beat for that type of music, but as for hip-hop I've listened to the French hip-hop scene and there's no way it compares to the American underground hip-hop scene if you want good hip-hop go checkout the coup, Atmosphere, dead prez, sevin, gym class heroes and so many other's go find someone that has some knowledge of the underground hip-hop scene in america to find out about more awesome groups and artist's
Joel, Altoona, USA

European popular music was much better 50 years ago, because it was not so far removed from its own inspirations (in Chanson, folk music, classical melodies etc). The influence of Anglo-American pop music (especially The played out Beatles, who European pop acts can't seem to get over) has repressed European music's creativity. It has not been able to create its own new forms due to the suffocating influence of these Beatles cliches (evidence of this is in the derivative 'indie' rock found in many European countries, and also in the unwarranted attention medicocre British pop groups get in the European media).

Turkey is one country which has managed to build on its own melodic and formal traditions, producing very original artists like Sezen Aksu and Sertab Erener. Europe needs to rediscover its folk traditions and less rhythmically Anglo-American ones to sound more original and fresh.
Julen Scanlon, London, UK

Well I personally like a lot of European bands. Rammstein for one, as so many have said, then there are bands such as Khold, Dimmu Borgir, Satyricon, Lacuna Coil, Children of Bodom, Ulver, Apocalyptica, Within Temptation, Hypocrisy, Immortal etc. I will admit I don't particularly like Rap and the like, so I have no idea what European bands are there for those genres.
Brendan Ryan, London, England

It's a shame that author, whose diary I find very witty and insightful, didn't pick up or maybe just didn't write about other types of music that is popular in Serbia and rest of former Yugoslavia. As Mark sort of points it out, there have been so many articles about Serbian Turbo Folk and almost none about other music that people enjoy in Serbia. I personally go to Turbo-folk bars, discos etc only when I have guest from other countries. It is in a sense normal since they do not come to Serbia to see Europe, they come to see wild Balkans and not things they have at home.

Just for the record there is no such thing as Serbian coffee, here it's called black or Turkish coffee. Marks description of turbo folk club is very good. Anyways this diary is among best things on BBC web-site
Nenad , Belgrade, Serbia

I love the Euro piano-slosh of France Gall and the deceased Michel Berger. Some of their ballads are absolutely awesome. They recorded a single with Elton John which got to number 1 in France once. I love driving in France with the Nostalgie channel on the radio. Very atmospheric and filmic.
Bryan Orwell, Deal, UK

One comment was exactly right, British listeners can be lazy in not looking to Europe. I've discovered some amazing pop music from Europe - not rock, not soul, but pop. Mylene Farmer from France, Kate Ryan from Belgium, Alexia from Italy, 2raumwhong from Germany, Lepa Brena from ex-Yugoslavia, Zdob si Zdub from Moldova, Akcent from Romania, Bodies without Organs from Sweden, Bertine Zetlitz from Norway. I could go on. There's a world of music out there, all it takes is a little exploration.
Adrian Murphy, London

Lived in France for two years but found all French music utterly dire - bar a song by Telephone called "J'aime bien ça" and it's pretty old. Other than that, naught but drivel!The rap is arguably as good, or better, than the American stuff but, musically, that ain't saying much.
spencer sykes, paris france

Mirreille Mathieu was one of my earliest favourites, appearing as she did on various variety shows on 60s TV. However I progressed through the 70s listening to the distinctive rockabilly sound of Hank C. Burnette and the raw sound of The Hurriganes. The 80s brought the indie sound of The Watermelon men. But for pure euro pop, one of best (if not THE best) singles of the 80s I give you Voyage by Desireless.
Don Tate, Leeds

If French is just not the language of rock and roll then why don't you just switch to one of the Dutch-speaking stations? They play mostly English music anyway. Pity about Belgium's legendary Martin Lanout though. Still, if we don't know him we can't help him, do we ?
Peter Guidé, Bruges - Belgium

I have become a regular visitor to Kyiv, Ukraine, and am pleased to be exposed to other local takes on the more popular genres. I have introduced a lady friend to the the delights of 40 years of my favourites via my iPod, but she is clearly underwhelmed, not having 'lived' the music.

Instead, I have now been introduced to some of the Ukrainian greats, such as Okean Elsey, and my personal favourite Maria Burkama. But I draw the line at the general Russian pap that prevails. A great favourite of hers is Patricia Kaas, big in Europe, nothing here. Very agreeable. Unfortunately, James Blunt has now reached Ukraine, and was I compelled to supply a CD of the same on my last trip, and then hear it constantly! I think I must review this relationship.
Nicholas Simon, Newcastle upon Tyne

When you say your musical tastes have 'got random and patchy' you give yourself far too much credit. You're awful. You didn't even cover a third of Europe in your pessimistic ramblings about European popular music. Since you 'welcome suggestions' let me educate you. Try listening to Negra Maro from southern Italy or Antonio Orozco from Spain.
Linda, Italy

Really interesting choices here. But I have a question the answer to which has been impossible to find. I heard a song on French radio months ago, probably rap and probably French, with a chorus of "land of hope and glory". I want it. Thank you, Mark
simon mayhall, aups, france

As far as the European music discussion goes I came across a great Hungarian violinist named Lajko Felix. He does some really great stuff with a string ensemble as well as a jazz band, definitely worth looking into. The rap discussion is also very interesting. French rap does work linguistically better than many other languages (though surprisingly serbian rap can be very good as well). On this note, Mr. Mardell, you should look into some American hip-hop (Aesop Rock, Cannibal Ox, The Roots, Blackstar, etc.) which is where much of French rap gets its influence. The content of these artisits is much more socially aware, and much less thug inspired.
Hunter, Philadelphia, PA, USA

The best album Belgium has ever produced? Marc Moulin's seminal Placebo Sessions 1971-1974... Quincey Jones meets Portishead and Sly Stone over a saucepan of moules-frites.
Federico, Lisbon, Portugal

I think Mark needs to get out more!! Belgium the birthplace Techno in the late 80's now has a very vibrant music scene. Hooverphonic, Zornik, Novastar, Deus, Captain Freeby, Ozark Henry, Zita Swoon and Axelle Red can easily compete with the best of British bands and singers.
Philippe Geril, Ostend, Belgium

I've listened to music from France, Germany, Italy & Spain for years. Pop singers such as Mylene Farmer,Eros Ramazzotti and Alizée are excellent. Being an individual I prefer to choose what music I listen to rather than having it dictated to me by UK radio. By listening to foreign music without even trying I've also picked up a bit of french, german and italian.
john, Durham, UK

Don't miss the Spanish Nuevo Flamenco group Ojos De Brujo. Their new cd Techari and the previous Bari are some of the most vibrant music being created anywhere in the world at the moment.
Kevin Woolley, Stirling, Scotland

RE Jacques Brel. Don't forget the finest song about VD ever written 'Next', most memorably performed by Glasgow's very own Sensational Alex Harvey band. The SAHB also recorded a fine version of that Teutonic favourite 'Tomorrow Belongs to Me' - but let's not go there...
James, Stockport, UK

Personally I listen to alot of music in Spainish. Mainly the Colombian singers Juanes and Shakira. Juanes from Medellin in Columbia had stayed faithfull to his roots and only sings in spainish. He recently played at Hammersmish in London to a sellout crowd. He had been discribed as the latin rock god "who sings in spanish but plays guitar in English". Shakira has now become a trully globel star. Their music is full of political awareness, strong positive messages for all and origanllity.
Kieran Holland, London

Where to start on music from Europe?! Well for starters Kruder & Dorfmeister have both worked on seperate projects well worth looking for - Kruder with Peace Orchestra & Dorfmeister with Tosca. If your looking for some great German music then Terranova stand out as do Sankt Otten and there is little to touch on Ulrich Schnauss for music to just drift away to. The Czech Republic have Ecstacy of Saint Theresa - who are frankly brilliant and Belgium along with Hooverphonic also can boast the talents of Agent 5:1. France.. DJ Cam, The Boyz from Brazil & Gothan Project are all well worth looking out for..in short there is lots of talent that isn't UK or US based.. you just need to look for it!
Gabs, Milton Keynes

The only Euro bands I like are Front 242, KMFDM, Rammstein and Air. I think that European music pulls off industrial/EBC music particularly well. But as for the mainstream, I would say that European pop/rock lags a decade or two behind. But then again, I think the current success of British bands such as Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand and the Arctic Monkeys is totally undeserved.
Nick , Southampton, UK

As an Australian living in Belgium I can say the quality of independent music here is as good as Australian excellent independent scene. Bands like Daan, Deus, Soulwas, Hooverphonic are as good as any British band (which I love). Realising how much I love bands these from such an unappreciated country as Belgium makes me want to dig deep into other countries. By the way, one of the best non-English songs out there is "Ticket naar de zon" by Superdiesel
Ivy, Belgium, Gent

Thank you for plugging some excellent Belgian music (although we have lots more and more recent than Jacques Brel). David Bowie has recorded Brel, but the most notable interpreters in English are probably Scott Walker and Marc Almond. And don't forget that the horrible 'Seasons In The Sun' (as recorded by Terry Jacks and Westlife) is a translation of a Brel tune.
Tim Footman, Bangkok, Thailand

Don't forget Rammstein, Germany's finest musical export since Kraftwerk, and what about Finland's Lordi? Soon to appear on the Eurovision song contest I am hoping that for once the people of Europe will vote for a song that rocks instead of the usual bland pop fare that tends to win.
John, Manchester

The only thing is...who is this Martin Lanout, who is apparently bandless right now? I've never heard of him, and Google isn't much of a help either.
Heleen Touquet, Leuven, Belgium

thank you mark for bringing this important issue to our all attention: background music, wherever it is played, is pure noise pollution and it should be banned by the eu comission as an act of torture with nobody beeing able to escape from. But you love to listen to the real music? then you must be happy to live in europe! where else on earth can you expierience such a wide variety of music played by devoted artist happy to entertain you. Look and listen there is much to discover be in on the air or in concert, however dont mistake it as background music.
Gerhard Klaus, Siegen/Germany

Just to help with your (minimal?) research into the next article you write on music: For Jacques Brel in English, see Scott Walker. For Peter Kruder, see Voom Voom (debut album out this week). And just who is "Belgium's legendary Martin Lanout"? I know a reasonable amount about Belgian music, but have never heard of him. (And nor has Google.)
John, Luxembourg

Rammstein are my all-time favourite. Boney-M and Fury in the Slaughterhouse are both well-known German acts. EAV and Die Toten Hosen are very good and what about dear Herbert Gronemeyer?!
Nick Pettefar, Swindon, England

German Music varies greatly in quality from the very good (in my opinion) of Wir Sind Helden (We are Heroes), Silbermond (Silvermoon) and Juli (July) to the very very bad which has become the stereotype for the country. Having said that German music mostly comes second to English here in the land where Robbie Williams is the un-rivalled king of pop.
Shaun Harvey, Jena, Germany

You must already have enjoyed the muzak piped at commuters in Brussels North station, apparently chosen to prevent addicts communing in its bowels. In terms of europop, there is a wealth of talent that will never make it to the anglophone record company executives, partly because they are too busy promoting talentless English mediawhores like Pete Doherty, partly because anglo ears seem unable to tolerate bands from abroad who are neither instrumental or just quirky (Abba's novelty legacy can be seen in Kraftwerk, Rammstein, Air, Sigur Ros, Daft Punk). So try filling your iPod with Tocotronic, Deportivo, Seeed, Los Planetas, the Shout Out Louds or any of the other bands you'll read about in Les Inrocks or Musik Express. -- on the linguistic front, French rap, like French poetry, benefits from the preponderance of rhyming word endings in the language (-tion,-age,-ent,-ant). Perhaps also the general francophone tradition of over-intellectualising.
Music Fan, Cologne, Germany

I think we English listeners can be a bit lazy, if it's not sung in English then why bother? And stuff like the Eurovision song contest and cheesey holiday pop tunes from mediterranean discos don't really do much to further the cause of European music, do they? It's not very accessible either, but in my experience there's some really good music out there that's well worth a listen. I'd recommend the Spanish indie scene as a good starting point. Los planetas, Sexy Sadie, La Costa Brava... Even if you don't always get the lyrics, it's good for a bop!
catherine, Donostia, spain

Mr Mardell, if you are a fan of 113, then do try Tandem, an equally edgy French rap duo who again, unlike their American counterparts, make rather accurate political points in their songs... 'On est pertinament concient d'touts nos echecs scolaires Mais tout serai different si la sorbone serai domicilée a Auber'... Political interest and participation in France is apparent everywhere... from graphiti in the metro to rap lyrics, to the rather large scale 'manifestations' they hold on a seemingly weekly basis... rather more effective though than the silence of a politically disenchanted youth in England though, is it not?!
India Melhuish, Paris, France

Anyone that trashes French popular music has never really bothered to listen to artists such as Renaud, Claude Nugaro, Axel Red, J-J Goldman.... Take the time to read the lyrics of some of these song-writers and the depth and feeling with which they write is breathtaking. Compare the lyrics of Renaud, a top selling artist in France with those of Robbie Williams for example, and then tell me French music is rubbish.
Sara Berenguer, Aramon, France

how about Gorilla Angreb's (Denmark) X meets th Avengers sound?
Mike, pittsburgh, PA

Jacques Brel could be considered Euro Pop king but his music probably had to much depth and darkness to be put in the pop category. What about Serge Gainsbourg? For a fantastic version of Jacques Brel done in English check out Irish Singer Jack Lukemans studio album Wax or even better live DVD Chez Jack L, Love Sex Death Brel. I caught this concert live and it was amazing.
Kevin Smith, Dublin, Ireland

come on we all know aphex twin is the most important european musician in the past 25 years
jason, montgomery alabama usa

Check out "M" (alias Mathieu Cheddid) from France... an outstanding live performer who's music is a funky blend of Prince / Hendrix / The Cure (for the high-pitched, raspy vocals and ethereal atmosphere). I caught him live last year and was frankly blown away. Another advantage is that the French can barely understand what he's singing about, but it doesn't seem to matter.
Mark Brenner, Bordeaux, France

My experience with Belgian radio - in both languages - is that it sounds like the waves have been bouncing around for 20 years. What they play of recent music often contains phrases I wish my English-speaking kids were't hearing at 10 years old. It's not really artistic, just shocking.
David S., Belgium

"...truly dreadful rubbish that comes out of French or Belgian radios. French just is not the language of rock and roll..." Mark, Brussels has other radio stations other than French ones. Try Radio Donna (in Flemish) if you want some decent music.
Adrian , Brussels Belgium

Don't let's forget the most amazing French punk band from the late 70's - Metal Urbain! Screeching fuzz-guitars, angry revolutionary lyrics (en francais, naturallement) and, behind it all, a relentless rattling drum machine!
Nick Gask, Brisbane, Australia

Let's not forget Einstuerzende Neubauten. They are still proving to be innovative even after 25 years. I've seen them a couple times and it's never a bad show.
Ben McVoy, Folcroft, USA

Jacques Brel sang in Dutch as well as French, and his songs have been recorded in English language versions by quite a few others besides Bowie, notably Scott Walker (see Brel's Wikipedia entry for others). Mort Shuamn even turned them into a Broadway musical.
Rod Parkes, Taipo, Hong Kong

Interesting article but if had read 113's lyrics you would have known they are not really edgy, as good as they may sound to you. Maybe you should try a band called la Caution, they are so much more interesting.
Mathieu Lubrun, Epinay sur Orge, France

Nice running commentary on the musics oc europe, i find your expose illuminating. Perhaps you should come over to Africa, our music has grown in leaps and boudns , and i dont mean the traditonal african stuff........i think you would be pleased if you gave it a look in cheers.
Ja'afaru Adamu, Lagos - Nigeria

Kruder released a project called Peace Orchestra, and Dorfmeister has a number of albums out with another guy under the rubric of Tosca. Both are as satisfying as K&D together and are well worth seeking out. Air France for some reason plays Tosca on all their flights from Geneva before take off! Also, IMO the guy has exactly 5 songs that he rearranges, speeds up or slows down, and sells gajillions of records. Those 5 songs are good, though.
Derek, Geneva, Switzerland

Ha ha! Europop! After living half my life in the US and half in Europe, I've come to realise that if it's not British or American, there's a 99% chance it'll make my stomach hurt. Call me closed-minded? Go ahead! But how many of you knew about any of Mr. Mardell's recommendations?
Adrian Franco, London, UK

I second the vote for Noir Desir - a fantastic French rock band. And if you think French isn't suited to rock, wait till you hear Bertrand Cantat scream "Comme elle vient!". Other good current French bands include Zebda and Dahlia, and we shouldn't forget Mano Negra.
Dan, tokyo, japan

French may not be a good language for rock but it's great for ballads and also works extremely well for rap. And if you don't like the music that's being played in a bar, ask the guy behind the bar to change it - they usually will. Often the bartender will put their favourite music on when theres no one in the bar yet, and just 'forget'to change it when customers come in...
John, Lasne, Belgium

What a patronizing and reductive article. There is so much good European pop music out there. Among the francophones Camille, Carla Bruni, Coralie Clément and Emilie Simon are more interesting female singers than anything in the UK (and I could add another five or ten names to that list) and Benjamin Biolay is an intelligent, sophisticated composer and producer. Most French rap is more interesting than its English and American counterparts. Spain's Bebe does everything from flamenco-tinged pop through ska to rap, and does it with attitude. Try Germany's Die Arzte for rasping neo-punk with smart, witty lyrics. Need I really list the brigade of Icelandic musicians that have followed in Bjork's footsteps ? Try Norway's Washington (moody rock), Switzerland's Lunik (dreamy pop), France's Noir Desir, Mickey 3D... And all of these suggestions are mainstream enough to appeal to your apparently sensitive ear-drums.
Tom, Geneva, Switzerland

The general toneof Mardell's article betrays the arrogance that many Europeans are detecting more and more in British media coverage of Europe. Mardell, of course can defend himself by saying that he is being slightly ironic, but this does not travel well. Believe, every country has its own pop music, of varying quality depending on your own taste. But believe me, British pop music is not something that compares well with European music. Has Mardell realised yet that Europeans are now speakng English because of US influence, not British? I know Mardell is writing for a British audience, but his Brito-centrism (is that a word) does not go down well across Euorope.
Richard, Edinburgh, UK

Hey people - this article is not trying to pretend to be the last word on European music. It's just a few ruminations and suggestions. So lighten up. There were a few lesser-known groups mentioned so hat's off to Mark.
Yuki, Geneva

In Serbia, the traditional strong black coffee is called Turska kafa - Turkish coffee. So what is your point, Mark?
David, Bristol, England

The Belgians play offensive rap music because they don't really understand how English-speakers feel about the words. Think about how the Germans use 'Scheisse', and then imagine seeing the English equivalent in a piece for the BBC.
Guy Gibson, Cambridge UK

For Jacques Brel in English, try Scott Walker. As for the quality of European pop music, I can confirm that Spanish pop is also generally woeful. Euro-pop's dire reputation is well earned.
David Pritchard, Madrid, Spain

Having just returned from Cyprus, where I toured the island, I was amused by how similar the Turkish and Greek Cypriot pop music sounds. The main differences being that the Turkish-derived music sounds more mournful, uses strange & disturbing stringed instruments, and generally sounds a little flat, whilst the Greek-inspired musicians will insist on playing that infernal Bazouki. However, - I do love Cyprus!
Rob Holman, Chislehurst, Kent, England

Mark, your article is overambitious. Try to cover all European rock in one short article is something even the die-hard rock fans woldn't dare. And as for English being the only RnR language that's rubbish. I still have to hear a PRESENT British band that makes better rock than Noir Désir used to (before their singer... hmmm... let's not talk about it...). And don't give me that xxxx about the Arctic Monkeys...
Toni, Brussels, Belgium

actually, scott walker is the main exponent of jacques brel covers in english. just so you know...
arthur prendergast, dublin, ireland

Coming to live in Germany has significantly widened my music tastes, as I've been talking about music with people who just plain haven't heard of any of the 'non main-stream' stuff I listen to back in England... so I guess the ignorance goes both ways. Having said that, I find myself less knowledgable than my American friends, who at least already know the old club classics over here. Which was not something I'd been led to expect by the media!
Lucy Gray, Stuttgart, Germany

mark it's time to come in from the cold.come to bloody australia before it's too late.you have gone troppo.
don shannon, sydney,australia

What, no mention of that famous Belgian exception to the rule - Plastique Bertrand! What an appalling oversight.
Paul, Newbury UK

I was sorry not to see a mention of Plastic Bertrand in the discussion about Belgian musical heroes. And not a word about The Singing Nun!
David Ballantyne, Raleigh, NC, USA

What ever happened to Plastic Bertrand? He was 100% europop and 25 years ago we loved him!
Graham, A Brit abroad.

Can someone please tell me how on earth you got employed to do a music review on such a popular website! Your knowledge on European music is obviously extremely small! And you write as if the Europeans are almost incapable of writing music. Can someone from the BBC please employ someone for the music reviews that actually knows what music is?!
Andy, Luxembourg

I am a musician living and working in Tbilisi and it's common knowledge here that music and musicians are extraordinarily talented! Technically speaking, Georgian music is very clever stuff. But, more importantly, it comes straight from the heart! Unfortunately, the language is a bit of a barrier in trying to get the world to listen, but, for my money, I'd listen to Georgian musicians & singers any day of the week rather than the (mostly) rubbish the empty-headed jerks who run the radio stations around the rest of Europe churn out all day long!
Tony O'Malley, Tbilisi, Georgia

Well, for a piece about European pop, I'm impressed that Mark actually manages to avoid mentioning "Europop" - possibly because it's so much despised by today's musical style gurus. Still, betcha most of us could hum the appallingly fluffy "Barbie girl", not to mention classics such as "Neune-neune luftballons", a cult hit in the British charts all those years ago... I think the lesson of Mark's piece - and the reaction to it - is that there's a musical home out there for just about ANYthing...
Angus Macdonald, Strasbourg, France

After ten years of living in France I would agree that much of French music is dross. They are good at ballady stuff and "chanson française" (no surprise there), but overall tend to place a premium on text over tunes. Fortunately there are some exceptions: Alain Bashung ("La nuit je mens", "Osez Josephine") - like a rockin' out Gainsbourg in black leather with a junkie past; Bernard Lavilliers - from folky French origins to the more current "big" sound of his Latin/world-music influenced rhythms; Noir Désir ("Le vent emportera", "Un jour en France"); Brigitte Fontaine - if Siouxsie Sioux was French and chain-smoked Gauloises...(check out the dark, gothic-edged, Maghreb-rhythm tinged "Genre Humain" album from 1995). I also have an Italian reccomendation: Tiromancino, specifically his album "In continuo movimento" - a blend of rock and electrip-hop...
Roland Glasser, Paris/London

After reading your suggestions, Mr. Mardell, here are my recommendations. Some of them second what the previous readers recommended. Tarkan, from Turkey- he managed to take the Turkish music across the Black Sea into the entire Europe. I agree with you, Mr. Mardell, French rap deserves more, while the US rap is just a sin to listen to. I strongly recommend MC Solaar. Also, Ophelie Winter was very popular in the late '90s as well as Axel Red and many others. Nek and Tiziano Ferro from Italy. Nek was far more popular than Tiziano, however both are good representatives of the Italian pop music. I second Adrian from the UK who suggested Akcent from Romania and Zdob si Zdub from Moldova. Also, let's not forget that two summers ago everyone was listening to O-zone who are originally from Moldova, but were known as from Romania when they invaded the Entire Europe with their very popular May Ahee May Ahaa. An interesting mix between the German Rammstein and the Russian TaTu is the remix album compiled by a Russian DJ. I didn't quite fall for Tatu when they were pupular but this remix is worth listening to.
Victoria, Chisinau, Moldova writing from USA

Terms & Conditions