Search - Louis Philippe :: Kiss in the Funhouse

Bittersweet French confection

Kenneth Salzer | Ravenna, OH United States | 01/09/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"French-born singer Louis Philippe (born Philippe Auclair) made quite a name for himself on the El label, but this CD is the first one to be released domestically in America. *Funhouse* is a compilation of his post-El songs recorded in the 1990s (see *Claret* for a sampling of his earlier work). The album has four separate sections with titles like "Exotic Birds and Drinks." Included are some of his more popular tunes like "L'Hiver Te Va Bien" and "Sunshine." My favorites are the beautiful "Sweet Dollar Bill," "Boy" and "She Means Everything to Me." Philippe mostly sings in English, but regardless of the language, his lilting voice and poignant lyrics come through loud and clear. Fans of Kahimi Karie and April March should definitely check it out."

Nice stuff

alexander laurence | Los Angeles, CA | 04/20/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A very fine and delicate record, for fans of the harmonies of Brian Wilson. Like Cornelius, Louis Philippe is interested in great sounds and good songs. Philippe is a recluse from France who does love songs in French and English. This record is actually a compilation of several albums done for the Trattoria label. Songs such as "She Means Everything To Me" and "Every Day Gone By" remind me of 10cc, and the fact of Philippe's great influence on Momus. He was just recently in New York, but thanks to someone unnamed I was not able to see him perform, which is a great regret. It's good that people are still making tender and careful records like Louis Philippe, because many talentless buffoons who make a real big noise sometimes get all the attention. A good record for Sundays and late at night.(www.freewilliamsburg.com)"