Customer Reviews

Michel

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

 

 

This album by French singer/songwriter Mathieu would appeal to fans of bands like Kings of Convenience or Elliott Smith - the sound is delicate and pensive. Mathieu's voice is equally soft and timid. However, unlike either of those artists, Mathieu's music weaves in a unique strand of influence from raggae - it's so muted that you may miss it, but it definitely adds a slightly exotic flair to the music. This album is on the whole quieter and more subdued than the other album of his that I own, "Super." I find him to be one of the most interesting musicians in the "indie" french music scene. Beautiful stuff not to be missed.

I have been a fan of Mathieu Boogaerts since his first album "SUPER". Last year, I also got "2000" in France. But this year, with the arrival of "MICHEL" I really think this artist has reached a sublime level of expression. His combination of soft vocals and smooth indie/reggae rhythms make for some incredibly laid back, easy going music perfectly capable of that melancholic nuance that moves the soul. I am already looking forward to more from this artist.

Boogaerts is an awesome and nearly complete composer. These days, it seems that the art of just adding enough sound to express the sentiments found in the lyrics is nearly lost--not here. He does that almost perfectly. He weights the lyrics of his music more heavily, and forms the notes around the words like clay. Sometimes that makes the song awkward. "Une Bonne Nouvelle" injects the listener with images and sentiments that instantly appear in the mind of the listener. It is definitely a smoother, quieter sound than his past recordings. If you are considering this album, and don't mind a bit of musical poetry, go for it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

This album really surprise me. The music of Mathieu is really alternative and full of soft arrangements. African influences make this CD the best soundtrack to be in a terrace with your french girlfriend, making love and playing the chelo up to sleeping.