Five addresses to set you spinning Fargo Store Fargo, with its wooden windows and neon lights, wouldn’t look out of place in San Francisco. It’s got a USA feel inside too (despites being a stone’s throw from the Canal Saint-Martin), with collections that cover ‘country’ music and all its forms (rock, pop, folk and new-wave). The shop’s only been around since 2010, but it’s got good connections... Souffle Continu Opened in 2008, Souffle Continu quickly became one of the musical stars of the neighbourhood thanks to its owners, Bernard and Théo, a pair passionate about vinyl and obsessed with discovering the newest releases, while never forgetting the fundamentals. From jazz improv to harsh noise, from indie rock to black metal... Born Bad Now here’s a record shop not to miss – Born Bad – a rock ‘n’ roll central with its own label that has signed excellent French rock groups like ‘Cheveu’, ‘Magnetix’ and ‘Yussuf Jerusalem’. But aside from its own bands, the shop also offers an array of cool sound, from punk and 70s rock ‘n’ roll, to blues and hardcore. There’s even a special rockabilly and 50’s section filled with the gems of days gone by... Plus de bruit Jean-Paul has been running Plus de Bruit for 17 years, and is an unmistakable figure in the neighbourhood – his store is always full of regulars come to see what’s new in stock since their last visit. A rare pressing of a Standells compilation, indie rock vinyl from the ’90s, French punk bands… you can spend hours rummaging for
The concept's simple enough: invite a dozen French artists/bands to a studio, split them up into groups, give them two hours to compose something, and get them to play the fruits of their labours in a one-off concert to remember. This is the long and short of the 'Secreètes Sessions', the sixth edition of which took place last weekend with the likes of Narrow Terence, Bukowski, Cheateau Brutal, Kyan Khojandi, Rhinogrades and Boris Viande. Those not lucky enough to make it to the gig can catch up courtesy of a YouTube playlist and a free album download on Bandcamp. Our favourite tracks are 'Play It Loud', 'Old Man', 'My Fork', 'Burning Août' and 'No Solution', though all are worth a spin – as are the back catalogues of these hot artists.
For more details, take a look at the official website of Secrètes Sessions (French only).