Found between Southern France and the Pyranees, this starburst of folk-funk compiles the work of a delightful progressive girl group from the late 70s and 80s. After her beloved self-titled debut in 1978, lead singer Miquela continued to promote the baroque Occitan language in which she sung. Here, as a unified force, her troop of Lolo, Sophie, Irena, and Denise rebel in the smoothest of ways. This is not a battlecry for revolution, but a potential soundtrack to a well-shot documentary covering the revolt. The webs of genres are occasionally spun patchily, but through much of this eccentric compilation, the group reaches a memorable peak of expression.
A favourite: ‘Tais-toi’
23/30
‘Miquela E Lei Chapacans’ is out now via Finders Keepers Records.