Minigirls - Minigirls (2000)

I recently downloaded the self-titiled album of this French group, consisting primarily of dance versions of French nursery rymes. I have some thoughts so I thought I'd write a review.

1) Dansons la Capucine

This first track is a catchy and upbeat way to start the album, setting the tone well. It feels somewhat repetitive, but it's catchy enough that that isn't a deal breaker.

2) Meuniers Tu Dors

The dance beat over the piano track in parts feels unusual without feeling incongrous, making this track feel fresh and different. Definitely a solid track that got me dancing.

3) Promenons-Nous Dans les Bois

This track has an awesome rock-n-roll-esque groove behind it that sets it apart from the rest of the album, helped by the choice of synth brass. Probably my favourite track from the album.

4) Savez-Vous Planter les Choux

This track is quite repetitive like a lot of tracks on this album, but doesn't really have anything setting it apart so it's much more noticable. The use of autotune in places won't be to everyone's taste. I'd say this track is rather average.

5) À la Vanille

This track is also somewhat repetitive. The rapped vocals do set it apart from other tracks on the album though and there is some variety in the mixing. Overall I don't think I have strong feelings either way.

6)  À la Clare Fontaine

I'd be hesitant to call this a dance track - you could maybe slow dance to it I guess. But if you judge it for what it is - a lullaby - it's quite a strong one with some relaxing instrumentation and vocals.

7) Frère Jacques

This is the only song I'd heard before in some form, and this version surprised me with how much it slaps. The build-up before the song proper gets you hyped before the awesome beat of the song proper even starts. But the tracks real strength is revealed when the vocalists start singing in canon, creating some beautiful harmonies and making sure it isn't too repetitive. This is an awesome track I'll keep coming back to.

8) Il Étaite une Bergère

This track has a clear disco/funk inspiration. I'm a fan, but it might not be for everyone. Varied instrumentation and mixing keeps it feeling too repetitious, but it ends a little too abruptly.

9) La Barbichette

I'm a sucker for the inclusion of tubular bells in any song, but this track doesn't have much else setting it apart. Another solidly average track.

10) Cadet Rouselle

This track is a synthy march, a surprisingly effective combination of styles. The vocals are heavily edited, but it never feels obtrusive. I can see this track filling a dance floor and it's another great one I'll surely revisit.

11) Sur le Pont D'Avignon

The vocals on this track are a bit too heavily edited for my taste, and unlike the previous song, it feels out of place. It is also another that is very repetitive. It's probably my least favourite track.

12) Une Souris Verte

This is a fine dance track, and the whistling is a somewhat unique touch. It's not a standout though and would be better placed in the middle than as a finale I think.

Overall I'll give a rating of 7/10. Most tracks are solid and, while they are repetitive, I can't knock them too hard for that as they're working from nursery rhymes and there are some real gems in there which I think I'll come back to. I'd recommend giving it a listen here, thanks to guestflowe: