Etienne De Crécy – Super Discount

Etienne de Crécy is one of the earliest names from France that helped established "La French Touch". His work with Phillipe Zdar under the group name Motorbass is considered to be the precursor to the entirety of the French House sound.

But Etienne de Crécy doesn't really sound too similar to say, the sounds of Daft Punk, DJ Falcon, Alan Braxe, Sedat, or some of the other big names in the French House scene. His well-known Super Discount album is more of a downtempo, lounge album, much like Cassius' 1999. Super Discount is more reminiscent of the kind of music you would hear while shopping in a supermarket, but more dance-friendly. It's definitely something you could spin at a club, but moreso in the beginning or end of a set, or when you just want to slow things down. But it's also music that's easily listenable to at home, the sound isn't intrusive or sounds good only on the dance floor.

One criticism I do have about this album though is that there is a lot lost in translation. All of the song names are in French, and there's some speech on the tracks that you won't understand unless you can talk French, along with a couple of tracks that aren't more than a few seconds long. The album is just very French, and doesn't have a big worldwide appeal.

The best tracks here are Prix Choc, Super Disco, and Affaires a Faire, they're nice to listen to at home but have a good dance floor appeal as well. The rest of the album is significantly more downtempo and lounge music.

Overall, Super Discount is a good album, but it's definitely leaning towards a different realm of French House. If you like Dimitri from Paris, Cassius' 1999 album, La Funk Mob, AIR, and Motorbass, then I would definitely recommend Etienne de Crécy. But if you're a fan of Daft Punk, Alan Braxe & Fred Falke, Roule, and Crydamoure, then the sound found on here might be a little too calm for your tastes.

This is truly a seminal (french) house record. Its spacy and dubby feel sounds fresh 9 years later. Although some tunes are (still) great for mixing at the parties, while some are perfect to be enjoyed in your household, the entire release has a fluid form which can be consumed in one take over and over again.

The video for the tune "Prix Choc" by Etienne De Crécy is my favourite video of all times. And I saw it only once. Imagine this sexy tune played to judo fight filmed from various angles with a hi-speed camera and played in slow motion. A total trip!

This compilation has converted an ex-colleague of mine into the world of house and electronic music. Go figure! :-D

This was when the French invasion of quality dance music was really beginning to take over in the late 90s. This seminal release was at the forefront. Although a compilation of different artists, it sits together as a perfect artist album, encompassing some beautiful French disko, quirky chillout & downtempo and lovely slow groovers. Superb, inventive dance music by the French.

It seems I will never understand the concept of this project.
By the name of the album and the titles of the track, I first thought that De Crecy and friends would use old commercial samples to make music. But that's not it. The only "lyrics" never match the title of the tracks (apart from "Prix Choc" maybe, but that might be a joke for weed smokers). The interludes are part of french translated movies/series and do not provide a continuous linear comprehension for the listener.
"Super Discount" is considered by many as a classic part of the emergence of the french touch. It might be right about the music, but not about the concept.
"Le Patron Est Devenu Fou" and "Prix Choc" were both released as singles. "Prix Choc" was slightly modified for a 7" (neat amelioration in the bass and the echo), but not for a 12" (Why?).
The second volume of "Super Discount" was released in the fall of 2004.