Customer Reviews

Boum: Great French Stars

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Many Americans know of Maurice Chevalier, but few have ever heard of Charles Trenet. That is a shame, because Trenet is a better singer (in my opinion) and a more interesting songwriter.

Yes, it is a BIG help to know French to get the songs on this disk. But, even without an extensive understanding of the songs, there is a lot of entertaining and upbeat music. Most of the music could best be described as transitional between the "crooner" style and the later, less-vocals-oriented big band style.

If you get the words, you will find that many of the songs are lighthearted and comical. Trenet was quite a poet (he actually started his career as a poet and not a singer).

My one (minor) complaint about this disk is that I would have liked to have the lyrics included with the liner notes. I've listened to some of the songs many a time trying to parse out some phrase of idiomatic French. Even better, would have been to include the lyrics with reasonable English translations.

All in all, this is a fun recording. I like making my neighbors wonder by turning up the volume on "Boum" or "Pigeon Vole" (my two favorites) If you like oddball pop/jazz, this might be a fun one to try.

Man, Its hard to write about an album like this, when you're the lead scream guy in a punk/hardcore band. So, here it goes. Charles Trenet's voice has been etched in my mind since I was young, depriving myself of sleep late at night to watch "World at War" on PBS. I clearly remember seeing film of the famed Maginot Line and Sir Lawrence Olivier's soothing voice and the trumpets from the begining of "Boum" the title track. A nice Kubrick-esque moment. I then lucked out and blundered across this album, I recklessly snatched it up, and somewhat ashamedly, been playing the hell out of it for 6 almost 7 years now. If you want some atmosphere music of a bygone era or something to give the feel of prewar and occupied France, this is for you, brother! I agree, with previous posts, the guy's got some lungs, he can really belt it out! Besides Yves Montand, my knowledge of french vocalists is not strong-- BUT I know what I like! so take it from an old, noisy musician, buy it you fools!

It is a shame that Charles Trenet wasn't not more popular on this side of the pond. In his day, he was he was as popular in France as Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra were here in the USA. Writing most of his own text and music, he was a star of 20th century chanson. If you are curious as to exactly what he is singing about, I have found several websites with full lyrical listings. This CD is a good starting point for those who are discovering Trenet for the first time, but also great for the collector. ASV Living Era has done a great job assembling and presenting these timeless hits. Bravo!

As I said in my review for "La Mer," Trenet's music is just plain wonderful. However "La Mer" has more memorable songs on it. So buy that one first, then if you like his music as much as I do, buy this one.

I first heard Charles Trenet on the Enchante sampler. He was far and away the star of that CD. Boum! and La Mer were extraordinary songs, and wonderfully performed by their composer as well. Who was this guy? I found this, and at the price, for 27 tracks, jumped in. And wow, no regrets! This has not been out of my CD player for more than a day since its arrival. Boum! has to be the happiest tune ever recorded. It is a perfect song with a perfect arrangement performed by a perfect vocalist. I guarantee that your sourest mood will be lifted by its effervescence and joy.

The rest of this CD is not far behind. While a couple of tracks grate after thirty or forty listenings, nearly everything on this CD ranges from delightful to impeccable. ASV produces yet another winner!

If you've ever spent time in France and want some memories to take home, this album is great. I also recommend it for people studying the language. It's delightful. We like to play it while riding in the car. It's so upbeat, and the lyrics are amusing once you realize what they're saying. Once you learn the lyrics, just try to keep up with Charles Trenet as he sings; it's impossible! But fun to try.

This CD has a great variety of Trent's songs on it. My 15 year old son loves it as does my 59 year old husband. It is very different from the everyday cd. A good addition to our collection.

If you watch Madonna's rare "Sex" movie, you will hear the songs "La Mer" and "Boum!" playing in addition to some other french singers. The film was shot on Super8, so there's no sound. The sound that was added included those songs. Just wanted to point that out...