Customer Reviews

Panique Celtique

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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!"

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.

A few reviews have commented that this is not the best French hip hop/rap. They are probably right, the best music on this CD isn't rap, but that is what is lovely about it. As some one who doesn't speak French (and thus couldn't car less about the content of the songs) this CD breaks out of hip hop beats, that fit to English, and shows off the beauty and cadence of French. (This is why La Tribu de Dana seems to be the most popular song on the CD.) If you're looking for good rap, look else where, but if you're looking for charming, beautiful, melodic langue this is lovely album.

French Rap WOW. I have no clue on what they are saying but it doesn't matter. I love it. You don't have to be a Rap Fan to enjoy this Wonderful CD with a Celtic Twist.

My first taste of Manau was about six months ago when my French teacher brought in this C.D. to class. He played it for us, and we enjoyed all the songs (especially "Mais Ou Est La Belette?" and "La Confession") and music. I call it "Celtic rap" because it sounds like rap, but some of it has bagpipes going on it. I loved this C.D. and highly, highly recommend it, especially if you are into French music.

I love it. It's so strange, french hip hop/rap, celtic instrumentation. It's so weird, I can't help but love it. I love world music, Celtic music in particular. If you're the type of person who has their taste in music questioned on a constant basis, a person who actually knows how to Irish step dance and isn't afraid to bust out with it in a public setting, or someone who listens to music at work and the people pass by have weird looks on their faces and/or make disparaging remarks frequently, then we have the same taste and you should check this out!! =) I love this album and everytime I play it my boyfriend shakes his head bewilderment!

This Album deserves more stars than would fit on this page. I never thought I would like French Rap, but this album has opened up doors to all kinds of world music. This album is highly recommended to everyone.

Generally speaking, rap has been something that I have strongly disliked... Until a friend let me listen to this CD by Manau. Absolutely marvelous... Good music (I didn't believe my friend when he told me that the music was great, and have since apologised to him :-) ) and beautiful lyrics. Your enjoyment of this CD will be enhanced if you are able to understand French; you will then find out the unexpected depth and beauty of the lyrics. I strongly recommend the tracks "La Tribu de Dana", "L'avenir est un long passé", "Le chien du forgeron" and "La confession".

What is there not to like? The beats are incredible, the classical instruments thrown in are inspiring, and the best part are the lyrics. 3 guys with a Celtic background wrote songs in prose about their history which translates beautifully to hip-hop. The lyrics are both funny as well as touching. The singer has a very clear voice. I recommend this album to all hip-hop lovers, including those looking for some cool new sounds.