I've been a big fan and follower of French soul singer Ben l'Oncle Soul since discovering his work--including great, often unexpected covers of familiar English language tunes--on YouTube a few years ago. In the last couple of years, he has been steadily building a following beyond the French borders, and "Être un Homme Comme Vous," his French language cover of "I Wan'na Be Like You" from Disney's The Jungle Book shows exactly why. As someone who (blasphemously?) admits that I am not exactly the biggest fan of the beloved 1963 animated feature while recognizing and understanding its historical significance and esteem, not to mention the appeal of the music, it says a lot about his version (recorded for the French tribute album We Love Disney) that it makes me actually want to rewatch the film. (Now, if only Jon Favreau can somehow use this track over the end credits or elsewhere in his upcoming, live action/CG update of the tale for Disney...)
Buy Ben l'Oncle Soul's "Être un Homme Comme Vous" here.
Buy the We Love Disney album here.
