Putumayo Presents: Vintage France

Despite its somewhat misleading title, Putumayo's Vintage France is a charming collection of classic French songs reinterpreted by contemporary artists including Madeleine Peyroux, Juliette Gréco, and Francesca Blanchard, as well as a couple of new tracks that sound traditional. Highlights include Philippe Gautier's version of Charles Trénet's "Menilmontant," the Norbert Slama Trio's "Nany," and Peyroux's cover of Serge Gainsbourg's "La Javanaise." Though the collection will have an extra richness for those familiar with the original versions of these songs, Vintage France is still well worth hearing for anyone fond of classic French pop and jazz. ~ Heather Phares