Biography
Inspired by the film starring Anthony May and Judy Huxtable (with music by the legendary Les Reed), 'Les Bicyclettes de Belsize' is the bedsit project fronted by Charlie Darling (formerly with indie popsters 'Paisley & Charlie' and 'Detox Cute and the Beauty Junkies'.
Swayed by both joyous, mid-60's, swinging and jangling guitar groups, Julie Christie movies, black and white British 'kitchen sink' dramas (of small and big screen - directed by the likes of Gerry O'Hara and Lindsay Anderson) the band's music segues neatly with early 70's, orchestrally arranged, shimmering pop songs and the gentle, irreverent humour of Neil Innes and Rutland Weekend Television - where wide lapels and neck scarves ruled the day and brass sections often replaced flute solos.
Film and TV influence the project as much as music: Billy Liar, Quadrophenia, All The Right Noises, The White Bus, Unman, Wittering and Zigo, Darling, The Go-Between, Say Hello To Yesterday, Sebastian, Please Sir, … all have a place …
Picture the scene …if Tom Bell, Olivia Hussey, David Barry, Leonard Whiting, Tom Courtenay, Arthur Lowe, Barry Evans and Judy Geeson were all in a bedsit together, sipping wine and idly chatting, maybe this is what they'd listen to ? ?
Oh, and of course, Jacques Tati …
'Jacques Tati Sur Le Velo' cover art by Justine Lecouffe
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