Let me be your musical ambassador...

Okay anglos, stop listening to Nickelback already. They've pulled the wool over your eyes - they've been recording the same song over and over again, and it wasn't such a great tune to begin with. Choose liberty over suffering! Listen to something with substance.

I've had a few people ask me recently about francophone music. As you know, I consider it a great tragedy that the anglos rarely - if ever - pay attention to what their French siblings are creating, whether it be music, theatre or television series. You may think it's cool that you recognise the Malajube track from the Zellers commercial, but trust me people, there is more out there than Jean Leloup.

Although I cannot claim to be well-versed in all things artistic and francophone, as my gift to you this week, I offer you two franco musical suggestions. If you want to add your own suggestions, please do leave a comment.

Also, when listening to francophone music, pay attention to the lyrics (or paroles). The wordplay is extremely well-crafted, and chances are you're missing all the good stuff if you listening in that half-distracted way you sometimes listen to music.

Tricot Machine, self-titled album
May not be the most complex music you'll ever hear, but the tracks are so resplendent with the personalities of the duo (Catherine Leduc and Matthieu Beaumont, a real-life couple) that they are immediately likeable. Genuine lyrics sprinkled with hijacked English words. A piano that trips merrily along. Music that feels good when it's snowing outside and you want to bliss out.

The lyrics are sometimes so achingly tender - so suffused with the pregnant silences that define and electrify a loving relationship - that if you're suffering from a peine d'amour, you have to immediately turn away from the intensity and listen to something loud and precocious by the White Stripes instead. If you're crazy in love, then listen to your wee heart's content. Pure ear candy.

Les Breastfeeders, Dejeuner sur l'herbe
A garage rock band with a dash of 60s frolic. Don't be alarmed if suddenly you're gripped by the urge to pin your hair into a beehive, put on some vintage Pucci and do the Hitch-Hike. The lyrics are a little rough-and-tumble, and it may all sound like a blur to you, but the energy of the music and bouncy almost-punk feeling it exudes will keep you listening.

And any band that can make an ostrogoth sound pop-funky gets my vote.

Excellent choice if your afternoon is stretching interminably before you and an impromptu dance party seems the only suitable remedy for the situation. Also, check out their video for "Viens avec moi". Something vaguely Monkees about it...