I don’t know when I first heard the song that I can now positively identify as ‘Les Fleurs’. Maybe when I was about 12. I remained unenlightened for years as to what it actually was and who sang it, but could often be overheard murmurring the deliriously catchy refrain.
Soul music remained a lacuna in my musical repertoire for around another decade. The Small Faces or Janis Joplin were the closest that I got to exploring that unknown territory whilst still a teen. Everyone gleans their influences in different ways which is partly why the definition of people’s musical taste can be so interesting and unique to the individual.
You find yourself making friends and experiencing things intrinsically linked to music. A scene, a disco, a gig, a seminal techno club, a festival. My life can be narrated by a soundtrack taking in all of the most dramatic and significant moments via the best times of my life (The Universal, Hard To Explain, Cowgirl, Sympathy for the Devil)
After the defenestration of big beat, I began a education.
Why would any sixth formers at posh girls schools be worrying about their a-levels; the gateway to a dazzling future when they can be running around the gamut of squat shops that are hosting the coolest new parties. The culotte shorts, bowler hat/char topknot/giant flower style of Blossom is achingly hip amongst 17 year olds right now and I’m guessing that they have absolutely no idea that their fashion icon is an uber-geek jewish New Yorker heydey circa 1992.
I remembered that I actually do have a most-hated song for that Desert Island relegation – One Week by the Barenaked Ladies. I would never accept or listen to any counter arguments for this track, nor would I respect the person who attempted one; it’s tantamount to admitting that you admire one of the worst bands of all time.
Music is my radar. It guides me out of dark tunnels an steers clear of dull dead ends.
Until I settle on one particular tour guide and settle into a routine, it will remain eclectic, unpredicatable and I will argue that Perfect Gentleman by Wyclef Jean is the best party record ever.
For now then, I’m just a slave to the Vibe.
Tags: blossom tv show, les fleurs, movie repartee
