One half of cult pop duo Les Rita Mitsouko, Fred Chichin died of cancer yesterday at the age of 53. He is survived by his partner in music and life, Catherine Ringer, and by an outstanding body of eclectic and joyous music.

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Talking to the taxman about poetry: France's greatest (i.e. longest-surviving) rock n'roller sings a song by Bono (and Simon Carmody!). Unsurprisingly, they share a concern for having to pay tax. Listen to 'I Am The Blues' while looking at the cover of Johnny's new album.

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La Return-elle: The very hairy and slightly troubled Parisian has finally finished the follow-up to 2004's 'Politics': 'Sexuality (with production by half of Daft Punk) comes out next spring. First single 'Sexual Sportswear' is a bit dull, though. Never mind; here's the video for the marvellous 'La Ritournelle'.

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Today's super-size transport + civil service strikes are disrupting French radio stations, as well as some TV and press. Out of solidarity with our comrades, here's some fab (and topical) French pop from Superbus, whose single 'Travel The World' reflects their global-domination potential:

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69, année érotique: Dublin's current French Film Festival features an autographical movie by France's favourite Englishwoman, Jane Birkin. No better opportunity, then, to look at how she became a Gallic icon through Serge Gainsbourg and their notorious 1969 duet - with the video!

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Another fine Paris concert from Ireland's favourite (i.e. only) astral-pop princess this weekend reminds us of her French-supermarket-inspired single 'Monoprix'; here's the video.

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'New Soul' by Parisian singer-songer Yael Naim is just the type of feelgood acoustic pop ditty that could be the soundtrack to your commercial breaks. Forewarned being forearmed, here's the video. Terms and conditions apply.

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... Daphné, whose second album 'Carmin' won for her the Prix Constantin ahead of Justice and Keren Ann.

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Wine of the country: France celebrates the arrival of this year's Beaujolais Nouveau today. As for new music, here's the first album by the former singer of a cult French band. Country, indie, burlesque - all as fruity and intoxicating as a fine wine.

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A taste of bohemian Paris at the former TBMC on 16 November.

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France's latest transport strike will test the resolve of Paris concert-goers - not to mention smaller bands, venues and promoters.

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Strange musical contraptions, odd little pop songs - welcome to the world of Thomas Truax, one of the most original and intriguing singers around. Watch his video for 'Prove It To My Daughter': then go take apart some kitchen utensils and make instruments of them.

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If only every record featured both Eric Cantona and Emily Loizeau... on 'La Mécanique Du Coeur' the great man only speaks, though. Still, it's a fine album of dark, romantic cabaret-pop.

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Duke Special, Nina Hynes, Sinead O'Connor, Dolores O'Riordan and Roisin Murphy are all playing in the French capital over the next few weeks. Check out the latest video from Wickla' woman Roisin.

Dancing at the crossroads: From Bordeaux, here's the charming electro-folk-pop of a comely maiden whose surname will sound familiar to Irish people. Check out le video de (Mélanie) Valera for 'How Many'.

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Je t'aime (moi non plus): The legendary rock writer has released a new edition of his collected articles, now including the story of his sole encounter with France's greatest pop star. Brimming with le stuff noir, check out the video for Serge's 'Requiem Pour Un Con' (with apologies to any offended French readers).

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The long and winding road: Good luck to those of you running in this year's Dublin Marathon - we have a few tips to help you get round the course with a smile on your face (okay, at least with less of a pained grimace).

RSVP*:The Downpatrick hard rockers who are currently in the French capital, playing an acoustic show at - where else? - the Hard Rock Café. Check out the video for their single 'Under The Sky'. (*rock, s'il vous plaît)

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The shortlist for this year's Prix Constantin includes Justice and Keren Ann; the prize will be presented on 15 November. Check out a video from the 2005 winner, Camille.

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Paris is gripped by a transport strike today. Dublin's French club night also seems to be stopping activity - but only temporarily, we hope.

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Hell for leather: The excellent Quebec band eventually stood the heat in one of the best live venues in Paris. Watch them in cooler times, playing 'Montreal -40°C' by the river at Rouen the day before.

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France's biggest rock star, currently serving a jail sentence for having killed his girlfriend, has been given conditional early release from prison.

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Strike up the band: This week's French transport stoppage recalls for us a French-language radio hit from recent years. But what's all this got to do with RTE's football commentator?

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Unconfirmed reports of U2 Ltd's annual Christmas stocking-filler, 2007 version: a 20th anniversary edition of the album that made them superstars, along with a DVD of their 1987 Paris concert. You can sample the merchandise here.

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Elvis is live: The American singer-songer, maker of one of 2007's finest albums, is the latest star in the excellent series of live sessions from the streets of Paris. Watch him performing 'While You Were Sleeping' in the swanky Place Vendome.

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