M&J
Encyclopedia
M&J is considered as one of the most successful French language debut albums in recording history. At the time of its release, Vanessa was only 15 years old, and had no creative control over the record. As a result, the album featured several childish and banal tracks that had little or no lyrical merit. Prime amongst these were "Mosquito" and "Chat Ananas", a meaningless song about a 'Pineapple Cat'. Vanessa often ridiculed her own work at this stage, and refuses to perform many songs from this CD (also refer to the track list of her Au Zenith
album). English-language versions of many songs from the album were also recorded, including "Coupe Coupe" and "Maxou"; an English version of "Marilyn & John" appears at the end of the album.
Critics hailed the Beatles-influenced "Scarabée" as the greatest track from this record, though it is still remembered as being the album that contains "Joe le Taxi". The album also marked the start of what would become a long-lasting collaboration between Vanessa Paradis and composer Franck Langolff -- an association that lasted 20 years until his death in 2006.
All songs written by Etienne Roda-Gil
(lyrics) and Franck Langolff (music).
In addition in 1987 Paradis had released Manolo Manolete (B-side You You) as a follow up single to Joe le taxi but following relatively disappointing sales, the single was left off the album.
Au Zénith
Au Zénith is the second live album by singer Vanessa Paradis. Steve Nieve of Elvis Costello's The Attractions is featured on keyboard. This is her lowest-charting album...
album). English-language versions of many songs from the album were also recorded, including "Coupe Coupe" and "Maxou"; an English version of "Marilyn & John" appears at the end of the album.
Critics hailed the Beatles-influenced "Scarabée" as the greatest track from this record, though it is still remembered as being the album that contains "Joe le Taxi". The album also marked the start of what would become a long-lasting collaboration between Vanessa Paradis and composer Franck Langolff -- an association that lasted 20 years until his death in 2006.
Track listing
- "Marilyn & John" 5:48
- "Maxou" 3:50
- "Le Bon Dieu est un marin" 4:28
- "Mosquito" 4:21
- "Soldat" 5:41
- "Joe le TaxiJoe le taxi"Joe le taxi" is a French song written by Franck Langolff and Étienne Roda-Gil for French singer Vanessa Paradis. It was later included in her debut album, M&J, which was released in 1988....
" 3:56 - "Coupe coupe" 5:21
- "Chat ananas" 3:47
- "Scarabée" 6:25
- "Marilyn & John" [English Version] 5:46
All songs written by Etienne Roda-Gil
Étienne Roda-Gil
Étienne Roda-Gil was a songwriter and screenwriter. He was married to the painter Nadine Roda-Gil until her death in 1990.-Biography:...
(lyrics) and Franck Langolff (music).
Album
| Chart (1988) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| French Album Chart | 13 |
Singles
5 singles were released from the album:- Joe le taxiJoe le taxi"Joe le taxi" is a French song written by Franck Langolff and Étienne Roda-Gil for French singer Vanessa Paradis. It was later included in her debut album, M&J, which was released in 1988....
- April 1987 (B-side : Varvara Pavlovna) - Marilyn et John - June 1988 (B-side : Soldat)
- Maxou - November 1988 (B-side : Le bon dieu est un marin)
- Coupe Coupe - March 1989 (B-side : Scarabée)
- Mosquito - September 1989 (B-side : Chat ananas)
In addition in 1987 Paradis had released Manolo Manolete (B-side You You) as a follow up single to Joe le taxi but following relatively disappointing sales, the single was left off the album.
| Year | Single | Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | "Joe le Taxi" | French Singles Chart | 1 |
| 1988 | "Joe le Taxi" | UK Singles Chart | 3 |
| 1987 | "Joe le Taxi" | Swedish Singles Chart | 7 |
| 1987 | "Joe le Taxi" | Norwegian Singles Chart | 5 |
| 1987 | "Manolo Manolete" | French Singles Chart | 10 |
| 1988 | "Marilyn & John" | French Singles Chart | 5 |
| 1988 | "Maxou" | French Singles Chart | 13 |
| 1989 | "Coupe coupe" | French Singles Chart | 22 |