Cocoon is the new english-singing French musical sensation. For once, I'm quite proud to be French. The band was born 3 years ago though I was abroad at that time and Scotland is a long way home. Britain is rather self-sufficient in terms of music, especially for the continental music to ever cross the Channel. I happened to hear Cocoon's song 'Chupee' recently as it's been heavily played on at least two TV ads (which is confusing). I realized I had already heard that unusual sound but never really made the link with the Ukulele. One of them is 'Somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world' by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole that is so delightful and delicate. I've never heard an instrument rending the accousting sound so full and interesting.



Israel Kamawiwo'ole



Cocoon

Even the video itself is worth the sight. Low-key, visually budget-tight, old-times special effects all shot in what looks very much like La Forêt de Fontainebleau! The appeal is found in the contrast they brought to our current musical landscape (the overdose of bad, formatted French R&B distorting the language to make it sound more 'English' is the ultimate example), a breath of fresh air, innocence, simplicity and the resurgence of underused musical instruments. I grant you that Ukuleles look like toys. They come in different sizes with the soprano version being the smallest of all. At up to 13,5 inches long, you could think only kids would be interested. My preference goes to the concert one that reaches up to 16 inches because it seems to be a fairly nice size to play.





2nd Pic from http://thinkingisnotdangerous.blogspot.com

Another brilliant cover of 'Island in the sun' by Weezer played by Aldrine from Ukulele Underground



I don't know how difficult it is to learn how to play but with only 4 strings and my intermediate musical knowledge, I'm very tempted to give it a go. :)