Customer Reviews

Salle Des Pas Perdus

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Whispery-voiced, winsome, '60s-style retro lounge-pop which is studiously faithful to the original "ye-ye" style of Francoise Hardy, Jane Birkin and their cohorts, yet also takes full advantage of modern recording technology and ambient musical ideas. Clement's languid sound is in large part sculpted by songwriter/producer Benjamin Biolay, an up-and-coming youngster who has worked with several other singers, as well as older artists such as Henri Salvador and Alain Bashung. This is a beautiful, dreamy album, admittedly unchallenging yet completely delicious, and recommended for those in a mellow mood. (PS - if you like this, you might also check out Francoiz Breut, whose style is similar, but infinitely richer and more creative.)

Coralie has an extremely breathy voice, which, as other reviewers have mentioned, goes perfectly with the light-jazzy arrangements and simple melodies. On the title track and a couple others, "Samba de mon coeur qui bat," for instance, her voice seems to make an emotional connection with the lyrics and the song comes across as catchy and thoughtful. On other tracks, though, where her voice doesn't match the lyrics exactly, the whole confection comes across as frothy, the kind of feathery pop that would evaporate in a spring breeze.

It is an extremely relaxing record to listen to, but listeners who want something more substantive might prefer the Keren Ann CDs or Benjamin Biolay's Rose Kennedy.

It's hard to believe that this CD started out as merely a venue for her BROTHER'S music. Coralie was only 19 at the time this was released. Her soft, silky voice blends effortlessly with light jazz melodies. The combination is tranquil and lovely - like swinging in a hammock between two palm trees on the beach on a mild summer afternoon and sipping a daiquiri. And even if you don't understand French - I understand SOME - this CD is still very enjoyable. The songs play in my head all the time. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD and hope she will release more!

I actually found this in Virgin Records when I was in Paris at the end of 2001 randomly and was shocked at how good it is. Coralie recorded this by chance - these were songs written by her younger brother Benjamin who had a hit in France a few years ago. They weren't written for Coralie, but she sung the tracks so he could shop them around the industry. Her relaxed voice shines through turning these songs into seductive melodies. I am delighted to see it offered here and think anyone interested in jazz, bossa or samba should have this CD in their collection.

very nice and calming. I recommend this album over her other one, bye bye beauty.

Once in a blue moon, a album comes along that redefines what it means to listen to beautiful music. You don't have to speak any French to appreciate the silky yet playful voice of Coralie Clement. From sexy songs like Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi to whimsical stylings of Ca Valait la Peine, you will find yourself listening to this album over and over again.

After two years, and I still listen to it regularly.

additional note- Je ne sais pas pourquoi is not on any recent editions of this album, but you should be able to find it on one of the file sharing networks.

Perfect for a breezy summer day, Salle Des Pas Perdus brings to mind the 1960s in its swinging glory: shades of Serge Gainsbourg, Jane Birkin, Francoise Hardy and Astrud Gilberto abound in this delightful tribute to vintage French pop. Breathy-voiced chanteuse Coralie Clement (only 19 when Salle des Pas Perdus was recorded) perfectly channels the sort of laid-back, summery bossa novas and light jazz of a bygone era. It's been called "An imaginary soundtrack to Francois Truffaut's 'Jules & Jim'," and it certainly captures the groovy feel of a simpler era.

This wonderful, underrated gem makes it summer anytime. Perfect background music for a sidewalk café in Paris or a romantic dinner, savour it with a glass of sangria, champagne, or espresso and feel yourself transported to a simpler, swinging era.

Absoulutely incredible cd. I came across her music accidentally in a store that was playing her cd. When I asked who it was, they showed me a blank cdr with no name. I just had to have it so I burned it on the spot with my laptop the next day. Much -much Later I found out who she was after much digging and research. She has a remarkable voice and the duets she does with her brother are incredible.

This is a great surprise. The sister from the new cult-hero in frenchmusic Benjamin Biolay made a fantastic first job. This is a perfect example for modern timeless music the french way. Like the fabulary Helena with the CD: Azul, Coralie Clement is the next big thing in France. Immagin Astrid Gilberto, Francoise Hardy and Nick Drake in some way and you know what this can be, a great piece of modern lounge music. This is togehter with brother Benjamin Biolay and Singer Keren Ann the new wave of Paris!

I love this CD so much! I admit, I'm certainly a romantic, and what's more romantic than a soothing breathy Frech jazz artist? I love studying with her, drawing, sleeping, driving. I know very little French, but am rather enamored with her voice.