Claudine Longet

Claudine Longet may've started out as a breathy pop vocalist (picture a Stepford Wives version of Nancy Sinatra or Francoise Hardy), but this fine 1972 release finds her tackling mellow rock, folk and country numbers. As usual, there are some easy laughs here, but Longet usually proves that she is at least up to the standards of today's indie-pop chanteuses. Top marks go to the hummed introduction, "Wake Up to Me Gentle," Neil Young's "Birds" and her surprisingly groovy recasting of the Stones title track into a lilting, sun-drenched invitation.