French

The French were a British indie band, formed by Darren Hayman and John Morrison after the band Hefner split in 2002. Musically there is a specific continuity between Hefner and The French, which is manifested not only in the lyrics and compositions but also in the use of vintage drum machines and synthesizers, an aesthetic choice that was very present in Hefner's last recordings. The French have only released one album, Local Information, on Too Pure Records in 2003. Since then, Darren Hayman has formed a band called Darren Hayman & the Secondary Modern.

Links To Peel
Darren Hayman first made a name for himself as the lead singer and main songwriter in UK indie rock band Hefner, who were big favourites of the late John Peel. Peel continued his interest in Darren's work with The French, where they performed three sessions for his show.

Festive Fifty Entries

 * 2003 Festive Fifty: Gabriel In The Airport #36
 * 2003 Festive Fifty: Porn Shoes #27

Sessions
1. Recorded: 2003-07-03. Broadcast: 20 August 2003. Repeated: 06 November 2003 2. Recorded: 2004-07-29. Broadcast: 18 August 2004. Repeated: None
 * Crispy Ambulance John Peel Jingle / The English Head / The Protons And The Neutrons / When She Leaves Me / Punk Rocks Going To Die


 * Theme From Hill Street Blues / The From Big John Little John / Crocket's Theme / Maybe Tomorrow

Other Shows Played
(This list was compiled only from the database of this site and Lorcan's Tracklistings Archive. Please add more information if known.)

2003 2004
 * 03 June 2003: 'Vanessa's Birthday (EP- Dagenham)' (Too Pure)
 * 12 June 2003 (Radio Eins): 'Vanessa's Birthday (EP-Dagenham)' (Too Pure)
 * 24 July 2003: 'Porn Shoes (LP- Local Inforrmation)' (Too Pure)
 * 31 July 2003: Gabriel In The Airport (LP - Local Information) Too Pure
 * 16 September 2003: 'Gabriel in the Airport (LP- Local Information)' (Too Pure)
 * 24 December 2003: 'Gabriel In The Airport (LP-Local Information)' (Too Pure) FF #36
 * 24 December 2003:  'Porn Shoes (LP-Local Information)' (Too Pure) FF #27
 * 26 October 2004: 'Gabriel In The Airport (LP-Local Information)' (Too Pure) (Peel Tribute show)