Reissued French pop icon Brigitte Fontaine's landmark 1968 album Brigitte Fontaine Est Folle, originally released on the cult label Saravah and arranged by Jean-Claude Vannier. This special, approved by the artist, features the original album, newly remastered from the original tapes, along with demos, instrumentals, and a live rendition of "Il Pleut" recorded for France Inter/ORTF. The release also includes a 20-page bilingual booklet with introductions by journalist Jeremy Allen and Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier, essays by Brigitte Fontaine's biographer Benoît Mouchart and Benjamin Barouh, plus full lyrics and rare archival photos. Brigitte Fontaine needs no introduction. An inspiring figure in French music since the 1960s, she has long been revered by a wide array of musicians -- from Stereolab to Sonic Youth, Beck, and Jarvis Cocker. Originally released in 1968 on Pierre Barouh's cult Saravah label, Brigitte Fontaine Est Folle shattered conventions. Fusing Fontaine's lyrical brilliance -- tackling themes like death, social revolt, and female desire -- with Vannier's lush, funky arrangements, the pair created a work that was ahead of its time. The release offers a selection of rare and previously unreleased recordings, including demos -- recently unearthed by the album's composer, Olivier Bloch-Lainé -- instrumentals showcasing Vannier's skills, and a groundbreaking 1969 live rendition of "Il Pleut" recorded for France Inter/ORTF. This version features Malachi Favors on bass, forming a direct link to her next LP, Comme à la Radio, recorded with the Art Ensemble of Chicago. Rebellious, witty and timeless, Brigitte Fontaine Est Folle is a landmark work by an artist who not only redefined French pop but also expanded its boundaries on the international scene. This deluxe edition stands as a vital document of her enduring legacy and one of the most original voices in modern music.
