Cerys Matthews: music to cross the Channel

Easter is approaching and we will be heading across the Channel on the train. Could you prescribe the perfect soundtrack, s’il vous plaît?

If your train is an early one, you’ll need something to wake up to. Try La Femme’s It’s Time To Wake Up: it begins with an alarm-like motif, followed by the notes of a warm organ, lifted up by an angelic female vocal.

Next, you’ll need a more rousing number. What could be better than 7 Heures Du Matin by Jacqueline Taïeb – the only song I can think of that is both sexy and about brushing your teeth. Or, as you set off for the station, Ottawan’s D.I.S.C.O (the French version, of course). Next, line up the ridiculously upbeat Sowa, played live by Roberto Fonseca and Fatoumata Diawara, as you shimmy to your seat. (It’s out soon on Jazz Village, and it’s a must, not just for holidays).

Perhaps you regret not working harder in French classes at school. As you settle down with a glass of champagne, attempting to speed-ingest the dictionary, try the melody of I Never Learned French, by Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker from their latest album, Nothing Can Bring Back The Hour. Then pick up more vocab in L’ane Est Au Four Et Le Boeuf Est Cuit by the seriously cool Mr Françoise Hardy (aka Jacques Dutronc) as you dream of the food soon to come your way.

As the train reaches the wide expanse of the French countryside, take it all in listening to the enriching compilation Accordéon Vol 1, 1913-1941, on the terrific label Frémeaux. With tracks by Django Reinhardt, Guérino and Gus Viseur, you will regrette rien… and yes, even Edith Piaf is on this disc, singing L’Accordéoniste.