Les Blue Stars - The Excellence Series: Les Blue Stars (Digital Remaster 2024) (1957/2024) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

So, The Blue Stars – yeah, that French vocal group from the 50s. Their self-titled album, The Blue Stars, dropped in 1991 under Felsted, but it’s basically a reissue of old recordings. Vinyl, 10” LP, mono. Kinda niche. Jazz, Rock, Pop blend. Wait – Rock? On a 50s French jazz vocal record? Well… sorta. It’s more like early rock ‘n’ roll covers done in a smooth, jazzy harmony style. Think Buddy Holly meets Parisian lounge. First thing: the vocals. Tight. Real tight. These folks can harmonize like nobody’s business. Tracks like “Tribute To Buddy Holly” and “Peggy Sue” – you hear the pop energy, but it’s all polished, elegant. Like crooners covering rockabilly. It’s weird but it works. “Oh Boy” has this bounce, the voices layering over each other, not too flashy but effective. “True Love Ways” is soft, almost too gentle. Maybe lacks the rawness of the original, but it’s pretty in its own way. But not everything hits. Some tracks feel flat. “The Portuguese Washerwomen”? Sounds like a novelty skit. Cheesy. Out of place. And “Grapevine” – no real punch. Just floats there. The jazz standards like “Lullaby Of Birdland” and “Cherokee” are technically fine, but… where’s the swing? The band’s there, but it’s restrained. Like they’re afraid to let loose. Piano’s crisp, bass walks, but it’s all very safe. Also, the mix is mono, obviously, but some tracks feel muffled. Like you’re hearing it through a door. “Rave On” should be energetic, but it’s kinda sleepy. Same with “Modern Don Juan” – upbeat tempo, but the vocals don’t sell it. Feels like they’re holding back. Maybe it’s the era, maybe it’s the production. Either way, it lacks fire. What I liked? The concept. Taking early rock and pop tunes and filtering them through a French jazz lens. It’s unique. “Think It Over” – that one stands out. Simple, clean, the harmonies glide. “Blues Days-Black Nights” has a mood, low and smoky. Good late-night vibe. “Love Is Strange” – they actually make it work. The call-and-response is cute, not forced. What I didn’t? The inconsistency. Some tracks shine, others just sit there. And the runtime – 30+ tracks, but most under 2:30. Feels like a compilation, not an album. No real flow. Jumps from jazz to pop to rock covers with no transition. Also, the lack of original material. It’s all covers. No identity beyond “we sing other people’s songs nicely.” Funny thing? Despite the name, they’re not stars. Not really. More like a well-rehearsed ensemble. Professional, but not memorable. You’d hear them in a café in 1957 and nod along, then forget by dessert. And get this – the copyright says ℗ 2009, but the album’s from 1991, based on 50s recordings. So who owns what? Feels messy. Like a forgotten project dug up and slapped with a new date. Makes you wonder how much care actually went into this release. Still, it’s a curiosity. Not essential, but if you’re into vocal jazz or obscure Euro covers of American rock, give it a spin. Just don’t expect fireworks.

Tracklist:
01 Quand Je Monte Chez Toi (Digital Remaster 2024)
02 Place Blanche (Digital Remaster 2024)
03 C'Mot-là (Digital Remaster 2024)
04 En Écoutant Mon Coeur Chanter (Digital Remaster 2024)
05 On S'En Va Sous La Pluie (Digital Remaster 2024)
06 Les Âmes Fières (Digital Remaster 2024)
07 Fado (Digital Remaster 2024)
08 Tout Doucement (Digital Remaster 2024)


Thanks to the Original customer!