a couple great electro-acoustic threads on the noise board.
I feel Francois Bayle puts all other to shame, but I said that a few times over in those threads.
I'm not sure it influences much of this culture at all, which is a real shame. Dynamics. Palate wise. Painting and storytelling with sonic colors (though I often find it purely ear candy of the finest order). It's so rich in so many textures, ideas, etc. We're amidst the dumbed-down phase of "noise", so it only makes sense that stuff like this is appreciated by fewer new listeners, thus fewer people taking any influence from it.
The French seem to have maintained a connexion with nature, and it follows through in their sonic interests. Maybe it is simply a strong sense for art and organics. I'm not learned enough to say. That's not to say that electro-acoustics aren't laden with the plastique. I find they are a great deal, but I hear organic ideas and atmosphere in subtle, but strong, ways in the finer works.
