Gilbert Bécaud was known in France as Monsieur 100 000 volts. He contributed to bring about a revolution in French song (and the country’s music-halls) in the mid-Fifties, and today the name Bécaud - and his songs - are icons in France’s artistic heritage. This selection compiled by André Bernard gives us the chance to rediscover Bécaud’s first steps on the road to becoming a Chanson legend, with 36 titles accompanied by an illustrated booklet, containing Charles Aznavour’s reminiscences. Patrick FRÉMEAUX