M

M
LE BAPTEME (1997)
320 KBPS

M is the alias of French pop enigma Mathieu Chédid, an uncommonly idiosyncratic and far-ranging talent best known on North American shores for his contributions to the animated cult favorite Les Triplettes de Belleville. Born December 21, 1971, in Boulogne-Billancourt, Chédid was the son of French pop icon Louis Chédid (on whose 1978 hit "T'a Beau Pas Être Beau" the six-year-old made his recorded debut) and the grandson of renowned poet and novelist Andrée Chédid. As a teen Chédid collaborated with fellow pop scions Pierre Souchon and Julien Voulzy (children of the legendary songwriting duo Alain Souchon and Laurent Voulzy) in a series of short-lived groups like Les Bébés Fous and Les Poissons Rouges. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, he also emerged as an in-demand session player, contributing to recordings headlined by Philippe Chatel, NTM, and Billy Ze Kick. Upon completing his debut solo LP, 1997's Le Baptême, Chédid adopted the alias "M," abbreviating his first name while also playing on the pronunciation of "aime," the French word for "love." Developing a vividly theatrical stage show complementing his playful melodies and operatic vocals, M completed his transformation with both a guitar and a coiffure in the shape of his one-letter persona (to picture the latter, imagine a younger, space-age Grandpa Munster). This debut album is a classy and entertaining display of groovy pop mixed with humorous chanson and a good starting point to discover the artist.

1. La Fleur
2. Le Baptême
3. L'amour Ma Thématique
4. Nostalgic Du Cool
5. Manque De Q
6. Je Suis Une Cigarette
7. La Mort De L'âme
8. Pickpocket
9. Les Acariens
10. Le Rose Pourpre Du Coeur
11. Coup De Vent
12. Le Temps Mue
13. Machistador
14. Souviens Toi
15. Souvenir Du Futur
16. Machistador Extended
17. Céline Attendue