Blonde (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

A children’s choir singing over a big, roomy organ introduces Cœur de pirate’s sophomore album as if it were ushering listeners into a religious mass. But the following “Adieu” finds French-Canadian chanteuse Beatrice Martin sounding like a younger Jane Birkin as she coolly croons over lively '60s tones. “Danse et danse” sounds similarly timeless, as she sings over what could be a bygone score for an international spy movie where seduction is the deadliest weapon. “Ava” sounds less like a Parisian gal singing for Pizzicato Five; it works in timeless French pop that percolates over a waltzing rhythm. “Verseau” puts a French twist on the classic girl-group sound that all the kids are revisiting, replete with a muted bass playing upfront to sound like Carol Kaye, the legendary backbone of the Wrecking Crew. Of course it helps that Howard Bilerman was at the mixing board when Blonde was produced. Having worked with Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, and The Dears, he knows how to keep old tones sounding fresh.