Les Rita Mitsouko: A French Rock Legend
Les Rita Mitsouko was a French rock band formed in 1979 by singer Catherine Ringer and guitarist Fred Chichin. The duo became one of the most popular and influential acts of the 1980s and 1990s, blending rock, pop, funk, disco, new wave, and world music. Their eclectic and experimental style earned them critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, both in France and abroad.
Les Rita Mitsouko Discography (13 CD) 1984 2008 FLAC
The band's name was inspired by the Japanese film Rita Mitsouko, directed by Kiju Yoshida, which they saw at a cinema in Paris. The word "mitsouko" means "mystery" or "secret" in Japanese, and the band liked the sound of it. They added "Les" to make it sound more French, and to avoid confusion with the perfume of the same name by Guerlain.
Their Discography
Les Rita Mitsouko released 13 studio albums between 1984 and 2008, all of which are available in FLAC format on SoundCloud . Here is a brief overview of their discography:
Rita Mitsouko (1984): Their debut album, featuring their breakthrough hit "Marcia Baila", a tribute to the Argentine choreographer Marcia Moretto, who died of cancer in 1981. The song was a huge success in France and across Europe, reaching number 2 on the French charts and number 5 on the UK charts. The album also included other popular songs such as "Don't Forget the Nite", "Jalousie", and "La Fille Venue du Froid".
The No Comprendo (1986): Their second album, produced by Tony Visconti, who had worked with David Bowie, T. Rex, and Thin Lizzy. The album was more diverse and adventurous than their first one, incorporating elements of rap, reggae, jazz, and classical music. The album spawned several hits, such as "Andy", "C'est Comme Ça", "Les Histoires d'A", and "Nuit d'Ivresse". The album won the Bus d'Acier award for the best French rock album of the year.
Marc et Robert (1988): Their third album, named after their pet turtles. The album featured guest appearances by Iggy Pop, who sang a duet with Ringer on "My Love Is Bad", and Sparks, who co-wrote and performed on "Singing in the Shower". The album also included the singles "Le Petit Train", "Tongue Dance", and "Hip Kit". The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.
Re (1990): Their fourth album, a compilation of remixes and live versions of their previous songs, as well as some new tracks. The album included remixes by William Orbit, Mark Saunders, Jesse Johnson, and François Kevorkian. The album also featured a cover of Serge Gainsbourg's "Les Amants", sung by Ringer and Jean-Louis Murat.
Système D (1993): Their fifth album, named after the French expression for improvisation and resourcefulness. The album was more political and social than their previous ones, addressing topics such as racism, sexism, ecology, and AIDS. The album included the singles "Y'a d'la Haine", "Femme de Moyen Âge", "L'Hôtel Particulier", and "Les Amnésiques".
Cool Frénésie (2000): Their sixth album, released after a seven-year hiatus. The album marked a return to their pop-rock roots, with catchy melodies and witty lyrics. The album included the singles "Cool Frénésie", "Alors C'est Quoi", "Un Zéro", and "Sachem en Ré". The album won the Victoire de la Musique award for the best rock album of the year.
La Femme Trombone (2002): Their seventh album, a concept album about a woman who plays the trombone. The album was more experimental and avant-garde than their previous ones, featuring orchestral arrangements, spoken word, and sound effects. The album included the singles "Triton", "Au Fond du Couloir", and "Tu Me Manques".
En Concert Avec l'Orchestre Lamoureux (2004): Their eighth album, a live album recorded with the Lamoureux Orchestra at the Olympia in Paris. The album featured new arrangements of their classic songs, as well as some covers of songs by Jacques Brel, Édith Piaf, and Nina Simone. The album also included a new song, "Rendez-Vous Avec Moi-Même".
Variéty (2007): Their ninth and final album, released shortly before Chichin's death from cancer in November 2007. The album was produced by Mark Plati, who had worked with David Bowie, The Cure, and Louise Attaque. The album was more upbeat and optimistic than their previous ones, celebrating life and love. The album included the singles "L'Ami Ennemi", "Communiqueur d'Amour", and "Terminal Beauty", a duet with Serj Tankian from System of a Down.
Bestov (2001): A compilation of their best songs, selected by the band themselves. The album included 18 tracks, spanning their entire career from 1984 to 2000. The album also featured a new song, "Même Si".
Acoustiques (1998): A compilation of acoustic versions of their songs, recorded for various radio and TV shows. The album included 15 tracks, mostly from their first three albums.
Remixes (1996): A compilation of remixes of their songs, made by various DJs and producers. The album included 12 tracks, mostly from their fourth and fifth albums.
Les Rita Mitsouko Présentent The Eye (2006): A DVD of short films directed by Chichin and Ringer, featuring their music and visuals. The DVD included 13 films, each corresponding to a song from their discography.
Conclusion
Les Rita Mitsouko was one of the most original and influential bands in French rock history. Their discography is a testament to their creativity, diversity, and longevity. Their music is still relevant and inspiring today, and can be enjoyed in high quality FLAC format on SoundCloud.
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