Customer Reviews

Garou: Live a Bercy

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

 

 

Let me preface this by stating that the only French I know has been learned in two weeks of listening to Garou's music and translating it with online dictionaries. Which is why I almost gave this 4 stars, for not including English subtitles or at least an English version of the long and comprehensive biography. However, this DVD is packed with enough fabulous features to outweigh my Anglo-centric gripe. For one thing, you get two LONG, comprehensive films about Garou, his band, his beginnings, etc., done in a very "friendly" home-movie style. Also, a bunch of photos in the same vein. For another, you get 5 music videos (one of which is the amazing "Gitan", which everyone who has ever liked flamenco, gypsies or naked women should really watch. Twice). And a bunch of other stuff. Features-wise, this baby is packed nicely.
The actual concert itself . . . is beyond words. In our age of lip-syncing clownish poseurs, this guy is the real thing. His voice is powerful, versatile and rather unusual - low, quite raspy, and I suppose you have to like that sort of thing, which I do very much. (Joe Cocker meets Leonard Cohen meets singing gondolier meets ACDC . . . something along those lines.) I don't know or care how much of his onstage antics are scripted, but if they are, he is one hell of an actor. Comes across as 100% spontaneous and sincere. Like I said, I didn't understand a word of the French patter (although hey, the audience seemed to like it), but I watched the whole thing with a giant grin on my face. The energy level of the ENTIRE PERFORMANCE is staggering - from Garou himself, of course AND every single band member. They put their souls into every song.
The list of songs is NOT a carbon copy off the back of "Seul" (Garou's debut album); here, you will find covers of (among others) "Georgia", Joe Cocker's "You Can Leave Your Hat On" (oh . . . my . . .) and an R&B medley that will make every mobile body part start tapping to the beat.
I am NOT ordinarily a big fan of taped live performances, and I only got this because I HAD to see the "Gitan" video. Well, I got the DVD in the mail today and I've already seen it twice. If you like any of Garou's music, chances are, you will really like this DVD.

Ce DVD est exceptionelle... Je suis aller voir Garou en concert Au Centre Molson (maintenant le centre Bell) à Montreal au mois de mai 2002 puis ce DVD est l'exact spectacle!!! Le son est bon, les images sont magnifiques et les extras son très interressant.

I've seen the concert about 4 times and I love it!! Garou sings great songs and not only french ones!! He's a great R&B singer and great sense of humor!!

It's a shame I couldn't make it to the concert... Thou the DVD takes me there. It really is great!

This is a must have DVD for collectors of French performances; Garou is a man who knows how to conduct an audience with passionate song and humor too. I was struck by the complete honesty with which he speaks on stage and how the message is humble in the midst of this incredible performer! Merci bien, Garou, et que la vie te donne un grand sourire souvent...Oh, and the blue eyes, man o' man...

Certainly one of the most distinctive and emotive vocalists of our time, Garou is best heard at full strength live, and on this DVD, he delivers the goods. This and "Notre Dame de Paris" should be part of everyone's private collection.

Great lively music. Loved to see the extras with Celine, Peter and Daniel. Love Garou.

JOINS MANY OF THE GREAT TALENTS FROM CANADA.WONDERFUL MIX OF MUSIC-FRENCH AND R&B. GREAT FUN WITH AUDIENCE.SURROUNDED WITH GREAT MUSICIANS. ALL IN ALL -ONE OF THE BEST CONCERTS I'VE EVER WATCHED.

When I received the CD there was no CD in the case, even so it was plastic wrapped. Quite disapointing!