Sélects, Les
Websites:
No
Origin:
Montréal, Québec, 🇨🇦
Biography:
Les Sélects were a Montréal group active in the mid-1960s, part of the wave of francophone rock bands who translated early rock & roll energy into Québec’s own pop culture. Their recording career spans three known singles, beginning with a lively 45 on Tempo and followed by two on the Sonore label in 1968.
Their debut came in 1966 with “Debout jolie Suzie” (Wake Up Little Suzie) backed with “C’est lui le clown” (Cathy’s Clown), issued on the Tempo label (TE-101) and distributed by London Records of Canada. Both tracks were French adaptations by L. Brien of Everly Brothers classics, and capture the group’s exuberant rock & roll drive.
In 1968, the band signed with Sonore, where they released two singles that leaned into francophone pop-rock material. The first, “Ne pars pas, dis” backed with “Les voyages de l’amour” (S-8009), introduced a more melodic and modern approach. The follow-up later that year, “Le pantin de bois” backed with “Bye bye mon amour” (S-8015), pushed further in the same direction, with stronger arrangements and a more contemporary sound.
Though details of their live activity and lineup remain scarce, Les Sélects left behind a trio of 45s that illustrate Québec’s 1960s shift from Anglo-influenced rock covers toward its own distinctive pop-rock voice.
-Robert Williston