From Detroit to France to Italy

This Sound Opinions bonus episode highlights a rare musical treasure: Les Snobbs, an Italian girl group from the mid-1960s that blended French yé-yé charm with unmistakable Motown influence. The hosts discuss the band's scarce recorded legacy, noting only two tracks available widely on streaming platforms from a 2016 compilation of Italian contributions to the yé-yé and "yeah-yeah" sound. Fans of obscure 1960s pop, collectors of international girl groups, and listeners curious about cross-cultural musical influence will find this episode useful for discovering where European pop met Detroit soul. Listeners learn that Les Snobbs were three sisters and a friend, managed by their father, who began performing in cafés, on cruise ships, and in their hometown Brescia. Their recorded output appears limited to a single 1965 album that is difficult to find today, plus the two tracks circulating online: an Italian cover that recalls Peaches and Cream and an original called "La terra bruciata" (often misheard or mistranscribed as "bruschetta"). The hosts unpack how the band's tight harmonies and punchy horn arrangements emulate a kickin' Motown horn section, illustrating how American girl group sounds shaped European pop arrangements and production. This episode also touches on language and translation quirks when researching international music — from uncertain lyric translations to regional pronunciations — and how family stories and local scenes shaped emerging artists. For people searching long-tail queries like "where to stream Les Snobbs songs," "Italian yé-yé girl group history," or "Motown-influenced European pop 1960s," the discussion provides context and leads: check specialized compilations, Italian pop anthologies, and niche streaming collections that curate obscure European pop. The episode demonstrates the importance of archival compilations in preserving hidden gems and encourages listeners to explore beyond mainstream catalogs for rare singles and regional pressings. Whether you’re researching the history of yé-yé music in Italy, hunting for Motown-inspired horn arrangements in unexpected places, or simply seeking a new Desert Island jukebox pick, this conversation offers a concise guide to tracking down and appreciating Les Snobbs’ music. It’s a reminder that some of the most compelling recordings live on the margins — documented in compilations, cherished by collectors, and waiting to be rediscovered by curious listeners.