Panique Celtique [Extra tracks, Import]

Manau | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 7, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Import
• Label: Polydor Import
• ASIN: B00000JA4H
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #259,773 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Wish I Knew French, April 8, 2001

By 

3rdeadly3rd (Brisbane, Queensland Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panique Celtique (Audio CD)

Let me begin by being quite frank (OK, you be Frank, I'll be 3rdeadly3rd). While being a big fan of international music, I only have 1 or 2 French CDs - a disability which I should really up - and none of them (none of my CDs at all) come CLOSE to this in terms of sheer emotion.

I'm sure some of you are thinking: "French rap with Celtic instruments, how stupid can you get?" To those people I say listen to one or two of the tracks from this album however you can - and then see what you think. Without knowing much about what they're rapping about (the only French I know is the French I can pick up with linguistics knowledge) this sort of music can transport the listener to almost anywhere.

The opening track "La Tribu De Dana" is beautifully done. The hip-hop beats are marvellously downplayed in favour of cellos, violins and celtic instruments. By the time the second chorus comes up, I'm always singing as much as I can - sometimes even crying.

There are many other tracks like that on the album (the remix of "L'Avenir Et Un Long Passe", "Le Chien Du Forgeron" and "La Confession"). The first of these three has a subtle guitar part that works its way to the front as the rapper gets more worked up about famous people in the French resistance (well...that's what I translate it as), the second one has rapping over a harp - yes, I know that's crazy but it comes out as an absolutely spellbinding thing, the third has a lovely RnB/choir chorus in it.

As well as this, the album earns its hip-hop credentials with tracks like "Panique Celtique" which features some very hard edged rapping over what is possibly the only overt sample on the album. "Faux Pas Tiser En Bretagne" is another track with real hip-hop cred to it, this time with a call-and-response chorus which would probably work well live. The original version of "L'Avenir" provides an interesting counterpoint to the calm, celtic nature of the remix - the original being a straight, down-tempo assault-rap.

One of the best tracks on the album is "Mais Qui Est La Belette?" which is present in two mixes. Both are very up-beat with a lovely chorus (inspired by the traditional "La Joument De Michao"), however one version has a distinct taste of funk in it.

There is really no reason not to buy this album - unless you already have it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Franco-Celtic Hip Hop.....Manau Arrive!, January 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Panique Celtique (Audio CD)

Like other groups from Brittany, France (Tri Yann, Matmatah), Manau provides the listener with songs that are a finely crafted blend of traditional Breton-influenced themes(Mais qui est la Belette), instruments (pipes), and style, with modern techniques and musical rhythms. In Manau's case, it is the blend of the traditional with Hip Hop and rap, and it is almost hypnotic, even for one who can speak little French. The album covers the gamut from energetic (Panique Celtique; Faut pas Tiser en Bretagne; Mais qui est la Belette) to the more solemn (La Confession; La Tribu de Dana; L'avenir est un long passé; Je Parle). The differing tones of the songs, the hip hop, the vocals, and the blend of traditional and new makes for a very enjoyable listen. Even though some of the songs rely on sampling (La Tribu de Dana), and despite being a native speaker of English who has never been a big fan of hip hop, I HIGHLY recommend this CD, especially to listeners who are interested in either hip hop, francophone, or celtic-influenced music (a mélange that Manau mixes well). "He Ho, le noveau son de Manau!"

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, August 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Panique Celtique (Audio CD)

This album is truly fantastic. The only reason this band does not have world domination is because they have chosen to sing in their native language of French. All the songs have rap mixed with elements of their Breton roots. All the songs have great lyrics and even better tunes, so even if you aren't a French speaker you can still appretiate the fine musical quality and their excellent singing voices. This album is a must in anyone's collection.