With this awesome compilation, German record label Staubgold puts Perpignan on the map as the French capital of garage rock. Under the title Perpignan Burning, 27 songs have been brought together on a double LP, with an extra six bonus tracks on the digital version. The 33 different bands and artists are a motley crew, from garage punks, psych rockers and freakbeat mods to new wave experimentalists and yé-yé singers, who have in common that their work was recorded in or around the Southern French city of Perpignan, and more importantly, they all embody a ‘Foc U’ mentality in their quest for the perfect riff. Some of these are well-known names that we have written about before, such as Johnny Tramuntana and Monsieur Paul Et Les Solutions, but for the most part this is an exciting journey of discovery, introducing us to a host of new musicians you’ll want to hear more from (there are so many good tunes that it is difficult to choose which highlights to share below). Its variety-meets-quality content makes this a must-have ‘Nuggets’ compilation, a sonic treasure trove to revisit again and again.
Perpignan Burning is out now digitally and on limited edition vinyl 2-LP through Staubgold. Cover art by living legend Pascal Comelade, who is also responsible for an alternative version of The Stooges’ I Wanna Be Your Dog with his Riffifi orchestra.