Album Review: La Danse Des Petits Chats by Les Minous (1981)
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving into a slice of French pop history that’s equal parts quirky and unforgettable. Released in 1981 under the Carrere label, La Danse Des Petits Chats by Les Minous is one of those albums you either stumble upon at a flea market or hear blaring from your eccentric aunt’s record player. Either way, it sticks with you—like glitter on a sweater after a craft project gone wrong.
First off, let’s talk about the title track, “La Danse Des Petits Chats.” Yeah, the name translates to “The Dance of the Little Cats,” which sounds like something out of a surrealist children’s book. And honestly? That vibe carries through the music. The song has this infectious bop that makes you want to twirl around your living room, even if you’ve got two left feet and questionable rhythm. Written by E. Wargnier, E. Courtois, and Maties, it’s got layers—just not the kind you’d find in an onion. More like…a parfait. Sweet, slightly cheesy, but oddly satisfying.
Now here’s where things get wild: there’s also an instrumental version of “La Danse Des Petits Chats” on the album. At first, I thought, “Why? Why do this to us?” But then I realized—it’s genius. Without lyrics, you can fully appreciate the funky bassline and those twinkling synths that scream early '80s France. It’s basically catnip for anyone who loves retro vibes. Plus, it gives you permission to hum along dramatically while pretending you’re starring in your own black-and-white French film montage.
What makes this album memorable isn’t just its charm—it’s how unapologetically itself it is. You won’t find existential crises or angsty breakup ballads here. Nope. This is pure, unfiltered fun wrapped up in a neon bow. It’s like Les Minous looked at the world and said, “You know what? Let’s make people smile instead.”
And honestly, isn’t that what music should do sometimes? In a world full of chaos, La Danse Des Petits Chats reminds us to embrace our inner weirdo and maybe, just maybe, bust a move for no reason at all. So next time life feels overwhelming, put this album on, grab a glass of wine (or juice), and let yourself dance like nobody’s watching—even if your cat is judging you from the couch.
Final thought: If cats could DJ, they’d probably spin this album. Or knock it off the turntable. Who knows with cats?
