I hereby declare Monday to be "dueling records day!" Today, I'm setting France against Italy circa 1969/70.

On the French side, we have the sensitive, harpsichord-lovin' heavyweight Graeme Allwright.

1. "L'Etranger" - Graeme Allwright

2. "Jusqu'a La Ceinture" - Graeme Allwright

Graeme gained fame by introducing the French listening public to American folk stars Pete Seeger and Leonard Cohen--including his hit cover of Cohen's song "Suzanne." Allwright comes out swingin' with some fast finger-picking in the melancholic dirge, "L'Etranger," translated from the orignal Leonard Cohen score. He follows up with blues-inspired jam by Seeger "Jusqu'a La Ceinture."

Italy goes bigger with Massimo Ranieri. His music declares, "you shall know me!" Or something like that. Ranieri sounds exactly like how I'd imagine Italy in 1970. On the verge of major change, but not. quite. there. yet. Vent'anni's verses radiate with a kind of national pride that feels uniquely Italian. Makes me wish I was zooming through Florence on a scooter, a bouquet of flowers strapped to the seat.

1.  "Fai Di Me Quello Che Vuoi" - Massimo Ranieri

2. "Candida" - Massimo Ranieri 

3. "Aranjuez Amor Mio" - Massimo Ranieri 

Italy wins, if only for the grand finale of "Aranjez Amor Mio." Who can beat those crescendos?

-- Jess