Olympia 64

28 minutes, half of them applause. Seems fitting for a guy whose impact on European music (and soundtracks!) can hardly be overstated. A nice little taste of how French the 60s could sound like.

In 2019 I visited the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Every morning I went for a shower in the marina and every morning in the stall next to mine a French gentleman loudly sang what I only now realize was a rendition of “Amsterdam”. What a dramatic way to start the day.

A correspondent on these pages described Brel as a French Leonard Cohen which is wrong on two accounts - first of all, Brel is Belgian; and, if anything, Cohen is the Canadian Jacques Brel! Brel had an unmatched song writing skill, able to not only write acerbic songs satirising society but also tender, romantic and moving songs about lost loves and lost friends; haunting songs about death and funerals; and, of course, songs about soldiers losing their virginity in a mobile army whore house. In rating this album, I admit that I am swayed by Brel's entire catalogue. Olympia 64 does a good job of capturing a moment in time (and you can hear the crowd go wild for the music) but it is an unsatisfying album as so many tracks were recorded but not cut (restored on later versions) and some of his greatest songs aren't here. A fine artist whose works will endure and continue to inspire future songwriters, just as he inspired Scott Walker and David Bowie.

Foreign language crooning, was fine?

p68. 1964. 2 stars. Well done of its type, but definitely not my thing.

The divine Monsiuer Brel!

Very romantic sounding. It helps that there's a lot of seemingly classic French influence in the instrumentation...you know, being French. His voice definitely feels like something I've heard in films or just generally around. Surprised that his first release was a seemingly live album as well.

So that’s what Robert Goulet would sound like if he were born in Paris. Fun fact, Brel was on the toilet when they took this picture. I’d bet dollars to donuts Jacques Brel is on a Wes Anderson soundtrack. If I were wearing a tux and drinking champagne I might put this on again.

The French Frank Sinatra I guess? I few too many selections from the HMV “World Music” section for my liking

2.4 comme ci, comme ça. This is probably french folk music at its best, but I would never know. There looks to be some interesting translations that I will check out

Wasn’t into it: amsterdam was ok.

Peak Frog

An interesting and engaging, almost conversational feeling classical performance

Did I really just spend 30 minutes listening to some French dude singing to an accordion? A little more entertaining than the previous album, but I did start thinking about Margaret on the Guillotine pretty early into this album. Maybe if I understood French, but then again, I understand English and it didn't help with Viva Hate. Sounded like the audience had a great time. I did not. Will not revisit. 1

2 So, going in with the expectation that I wasn’t going to enjoy this at all, the opening track Amsterdam turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. Nothing mind-blowing - I just found it to be a cool song with an impassioned vocal performance… but man, that charm started running real thin real quick. I was about over it halfway through the second song and was completely over it when he started doing that weird, dramatic laugh/cry bullshit on the third song. So glad this thing didn’t go over the 30-minute mark. I can admit the guy’s voice is impressive, but I listen to music more for personality than technical proficiency, and this didn’t give me that - though, then again, I don’t speak French, so I don’t know what the hell he was singing about. Either way, it was a bit too operatic and French for my taste, though it did make me think of that one opera-themed Bugs Bunny short, so it has that going for it (Kill the wabbit, kill the wabbit). While not my thing, I guess David Bowie was a big fan, and anyone who’s alright with Bowie is alright in my book. I would strongly recommend anyone reading this to give Bowie’s cover of Amsterdam a listen - not that this should come as any kind of surprise for those familiar with the man, but it’s a really well done translation.

Hmm…. Another odd one. This is a 1964 (released in 1967) live album from a French performer (born in Belgium), who I’d never heard of. Recorded in French, and sounding stereotypically French. I looked around Wikipedia, and there’s very little information on this album. But there’s more on Jacques Brel: he was active musically through the 50’s and 60’s, and into the 70’s, releasing 14 studio albums and 2 live albums between ‘54 and ‘77. Also appeared in 10 films between ‘67 and ‘73. Apparently, his songs were covered by several folk as diverse as a David Bowie and John Denver. And Scott Walker…. His Scott Walker II album includes 3x Jacques Brel songs, and is on the 1001 list, and I rated it 2/5 a couple of weeks ago. So, what of the album? This sounds like a French version of a mid 60’s Vegas crooner, maybe one of the Rat Pack. All nice enough, seeming rather polite. Perhaps even quaint at the same time worldwide Beatlemania was in full swing. It’s also remarkably short, just over 28 minutes. Being a French version of mid-60’s crooner is not bad, mind you, but I surely don’t think it rises to the level of Sinatra. I like this better than that Scott Walker II album (that included 3x S.Brel written songs). Give it low 3 stars, an interesting period piece. 3/5

fdg

I wanted so much more shit like this on this list. Way too much British/american punk rock. 5

Having no context for this album, chanson, or Brel to begin with, there was a tough barrier of entry for me to get through here. I didn't quite understand why this was on the list. Normally, with foreign language albums, I can still get an idea for what it was the artist wanted to communicate through the music, even if I don't understand the lyrics( which, if I think about it, really isn't that different than a lot of English-speaking music). The problem here is that aside from Jacques' impassioned voice about what he was singing, we really get no indication of what the music is communicating without understanding the language. I dug into the Wiki a little bit, and discovered that Brel was known for his word play in lyrics, which makes sense given the less-than-stellar musical accompaniment throughout this record. I'm honestly stuck here with a rating, because I'm certain if I spoke French I'd be digging this one. But I don't. Maybe I should've payed more attention in Spanish.

I really wish I remembered more (read: any) of the French I took in school so I could understand and better appreciate what sounded to be a rather revelrous evening of music and life.

Æðisleg plata, æðisleg lagasmíð

Já þetta hreif mig ekki alveg nóg. Flottur gaur örugglega og á alveg flott lög eins og Ne Me Quitte Pas. Var að telja niður í lokin.

Jackques er æðislegur listamaður og með áhrif langt út fyrir hinn frönskumælandi heim. Scott Walker auðvitað mikill aðdáandi, en líka Bowie og Cave. Seasons in the sun líka eftir hann. Frábær plata, þ.e. lengri útgáfan ekki þessi stutta sem forritið vísar inn á. Fullkomin tónlist við vinnuna.

Well this was a real treat. I think this might be the only chanson artist I have ever properly listened to. I know about 5 total French words, so the language barrier is obviously strong in something as wordy and passionate as chanson, but I mean… just listen to this guy sing. “Amsderdam” needs no subtitles, his passion, anger, intensity is brimming. And listen to that band! Reminds me a little of Bernstein’s Candide score, that’s my only touchstone to this, I have none other, I’m so uncultured! I thought this was so passionate and surprisingly feel a bit in love with it. And I love that it’s so live. Good moment in time, captured on a record. A post-listen-high, maybe too generous, 4/5. It did enough to convince me that I should be simply ignoring chanson just because I don’t speak French.

I know enough French to know that this would be way better if I understood French. Unfortunately, without more fluency, the musical style isn’t my thing, so I can’t give it too high a score.

Opera? On my list? It's more common than you think. Not bad, not my cup of tea.

Way out of my norm. It was beautiful. His voice is fantastic and it really pulls together well musically. I’ll queue it up on Bastille day at my house

An interesting album, very theatrical in nature, and Brel’s performance and energy manages to convey the mood and tone of the songs even if one doesn’t understand French (which I don’t) making this a compelling listen and an album worth revisiting.

This is a really solid album. I had never really heard of Jacques Brel before and was excited to hear something new. I find the chanson style of song really interesting and I can definitely see how it was an influence on other artists like Scott Walker. I have no idea what he's singing about in these songs but the music and his vocals are great. I don't think it will be a regular in my rotation, which is keeping it from a 5/5 but it's a strong album and a cool artist. Standout Tracks: Amsterdam, Le Dernier Repas, Les Vieux, Les Bonbons, Mathilde, Les Bigotes, Les Bourgeois, Madeleine

5 for cultural diversity on the list.

This will be a tough one for non-French speaking people. I will say Brel sings with passion but the culturally this one is just too difficult to get into. Considering this was released in 1964, it seems culture and music has already past it by then 3.4/10

The Jimi Hendrix of the chanson

uh, ok Pepe Le Pew lookin' ass.

Highlights - Les jardins du casino

Fav song: amsterdam

I knew Brel from his famous and superb Ne Me Quitte Pas. Although none of the songs here can match that masterpiece, at least Amsterdam comes close, if by nothing but the power of sheer will, of which Jacques seems to have no shortage of. Seriously, check the lyrics and the translation, the song hits different, as I'm sure all of his songs do. 3 drunken sailors out of 5 🚣🚣🚣

Oh merde! J'ai terminé ma dernière critique avec une touche française, et cela m'a valu un album français en retour, alors je suppose que c'est une chose maintenant?... Anyways, I like the first song, or chanson, called "Amsterdam" as Brel puts his full chest into it, but there after is very hit or miss. The recording is also very rough around the edges, applause fades in and out and sounds like basic stock audio clips inserted between songs, and the overall feel has the taste of half smoked Gauloises and Gitanes cigarettes.

I didn’t like his voice, or the music. Live albums shouldn’t be on this list. At least it was short.

Scrapes a 2 because the guy seems charismatic

General culture

Beautiful singing and songs. Is this something to hear before I die? Probably not.

My grandma is a huge fan of this man. I like it as well, but not as much as her.

Not sure what was special about this live album as opposed to any other from Brel's discography, but it was a fine enough album by one of the greats of la chanson française.

first listen really lovely

Fun. But my French isn’t good enough.

French.

Neither liked it or disliked it. Seemed to be a perfectly reasonable crooner but it's not something that interested me.

No idea what that was all about since I don't speak a word of French

You can't doubt his passion. Did I enjoy it. Not so much

Not exactly my taste but something about it kept me listening to the end.

French

Beautiful voice and instrumentation. Never will listen to this again. Ever.

Vive la France!

Måske bedre hvis man kan fransk

HL: “Amsterdam”, “Les vieux”, “Le plat pays”, “Jef”, “En suivant” C’est bon 3.5 November 17th, 2023

What I listen to while my rat cooks me dinner

Best Song: Amsterdam. I love a song where the singer has so much energy they're almost shouting, and it feels like he's musically shouting here. Worst Song: Le tango funèbre. It felt like some of his energy was wasted in this tango, which never matched him for intensity. Overall: Goddamn if he doesn't sing with conviction. I like the passion with which he sings, even if sometimes the arrangements show their age in their theatricality.

Bravo! Quel bon œuvre.

pleasant but not particularly memorable

If Tom Waits or Leonard Cohen were French and came on the scene 15 or so years before they did, I imagine this is what they would be cranking out. Passionate, soulful singing and a simple, traditional sound. Good album, definitely would not have thought to seek this one out.

It was in another language, so I didn't understand what he was saying. Otherwise, decent 2.3

I guess if you're French...

I like getting these from left field - but can't say I would listen again. I prefer Serge Gainsbourg in this genre

Why is this an album I must hear?

Serviu para me lembrar do meu desgosto carregado de preconceito do francês.

Meh.

A nice voice, clearly very expressive even not being able to tell what he is saying. A little disappointing that his only album on the list is a live album, but in terms of live albums it's not too obnoxious.

He certainly has an exciting singing style, and I can hear where Scott Walker and Leonard Cohen got some inspiration, but it's a live album... And not only that, they recorded the crowd in the most abrasive and obnoxious way possible.

Expressive and good voice, but doesn't do a lot for me besides make me feel classier than I really am.

Well aware of his legendary status in France. Not bowled over by the "chanson", my lack of French probably not helping with that, but certainly a pleasant enough vocal. Will almost make you want to chain smoke Gitanes if you listen to it for long enough

I know no French but I somehow understood the meaning. Lot of passion behind this live album. Loved it!

French crooning. Sure, I guess.

Doesn't work for me - it's not interesting enough musically to get over not understanding French well enough to know what he's on about. One of the albums that probably does belong on the list - he seems to have influenced and inspired a lot of better music - but isn't particularly fun to listen to. 2/5.

Probably would have liked it more if I was French, oh well

Chanson francesa. Está bien y se sale de lo común de la lista. Un 4.

Bah.

Heel typische 'verhalende' zangstijl. Een Belg om trots over te zijn

And Dimery pleasantly surprises. This is a fine album, from the legend Brel, and from a country that influences anglophone pop in weird yet important ways. This is probably close enough to must listen to justify its presence, though Brel's studio stuff is better, I think. 3.5 rounded up.

In the 60’s, all I knew about Brel was that he’d written Ne me quitte pas (If You Go Away), one of Dusty Springfield’s greatest. Then, sometime in 1973, I got a copy of Bowie’s hit single, Sorrow, and the b-side was Brel’s Amsterdam. Bowie’s version is absolutely outstanding. And Brel’s version here is the highlight of this album for me. Pretty closely followed by Les Bourgeois (which I first heard in the late 70’s by Tom Robinson, under the title Yuppie Scum) - and this is where you need a translation , because Brel wrote wonderful lyrics. Check out a translation for Les Bigotes - timely after NO voters sank the weekend’s referendum. Brel was a huge talent. Unique.

Not my thing. Not speaking French, all I hear is over-dramatic emoting, untethered to meaning. And sometimes Brel's presentation borders on the ridiculous (Les Bonbons or Tango Funebre). I will be interested to see if my mate Alan, who French fluent French, has a different opinion. The tunes aren't that great either. I mean, I really dig Edith Piaf, and there is nothing here that lights my fire like her greatest tunes.

Nope. I think the rulebreaker is English unless I feel a lot of emotion.

3.5

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Amsterdam, Les jardins du casino

Meh

Well you can feel the emotion he puts into the songs. Check the lyrics to Amsterdam if you'd like to expand your mind a bit.

Wasn't my thing.

I think the combo of French, big band and live audience is too much to process. Not something I would ever pick

Short and sweet

What he say?

Not only French..but live!!! Aghhhh

Ah Jacques Brel. My familiarity with him begins and ends with Amsterdam, and only because Bowie did a (Superior, I think, although it's close) cover. This album is fun and zippy and what's not to love about a French crooner?

It's hard to appreciate explicitly lyric-driven music in a language you don't speak.

Silly French man

I wasn't able to listen to all of it. I just don't like it. It's not because I don't understand the language (don't think I would have liked it more in English). I just don't like this type of music

Posé sous Jacques

l'olympia c'est un peu cheapos si vous voulez mon avis

Not for me.

I kinda liked it, surprisingly so

One of those artists I only heard a song pass by but it fades into memory. But he is something unique. Very dramatic, intense performances here. Maybe it would help if I was more fluent in French, but I’m not.. But his style was definitely original and I can see the appeal for a lot of people. 6,5 out of 10

French pop from the 60s. Wild and very welcome. This was a very enjoyable listen on a lazy early Sunday morning.

Not a fan.

Brel yeah

french music slaps, but this didn't knock my boots off

Not bad! Its a fun, old French album recorded live and keeps my interest throughout. 4/5

Nope, not for me.

It was definitely French!

Beautiful, don't understand a word, and could only find half the album, but it's beautiful

None for me, merci.

Stórfenglegir tónleikar! Amsterdam er rosalegt! Hlustaði á lengri útgáfu plötunnar á https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_md8CgECWzLA6WbE8tQIjKQzfXXeyEw19M&si=3_SKV3sdxKGsEKLK

Had never listened before...pretty solid. Would 100% listen again. 3.5/5

4/5

Once I read someone likening listening to Jacques Brel without speaking french to listening to Morrissey without speaking english. Be that as it may, Brel is still a joy to listen to even when you don’t understand him! Such spirited delivery. The backing music is consistent in matching the energy as well. The music transcends the language barrier. Besides, doesn’t Morrissey himself have a large Mexican fanbase?

Kova

Très bon album de classique chanté par un brel au sommet de son art 5

3.5

didn't understand 99% of it, loved it

Perfectly enjoyable, hard to judge

C'est agréable mais le principal obstacle est que je ne comprenais pas ce qui était chanté.

Not my tempo

Well this is about as far apart as you can get on live albums back-to-back. Unfortunately, I don't have much to say about this one since a lot of it went in one ear and out the other (plus I got into a fight w/ my gf right before listening which couldn't have helped). It was cool to get more french music because I don't think I've gotten too much of that so far. Even the wiki blurb doesn't have anything interesting to say about this album. Also, "avec" in the 4th song is used so much it just started to annoy me; that hard consonant doesn't work with the vibes.

Listened Before? N No. I'm good. I did not need to hear a guy sing in French with accordion backing from the 60s. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Amsterdam

Un francés que canta ópera, tango, algo así. No da para esto. Tampoco es tan malo, pero no es lo mío. Para estudiar sirve.

BEST SONGS: -Le plat pays -Les jardins du casino

9/10. I've never heard a French person get so excited.

Pretty fun, pretty French. 7/10

Yet another troll addition to the list. This is not good.

Influential. Of its time.

Don't listen to foreign songs. Started and skipped the rest.

Exactly what you want from a French pop crooner.

This is an object lesson into how to roll an R. 😂 at the end of Tango Funebre, where he goes mental.

it's nice?

Good, wish I could understand the lyrics

I'm up for some french accordian music this morning. This is very forceful, french is being sung in such a muscular way. It's both refreshing and surprising. Tango Funèbre is a standout track.

for those over the pond this is what the eurovision song contest used to sound like in the 60s.

If one record was to ever sum up how I feel about the decay of the modern world, it's this. An assured display of charisma and charm that makes me want to fuck a dolphin dry. I can't help but feel like a new born baby shitting in my nappy. Well done.

Nah

OK, so this is the sort of thing I had kind of expected and also hoped for when signing up for this 1001 albums thing. Yesterday I had Limp Bizkit and today I have Jacques Brel. LOL This album definitely broadened my horizons just a little bit. I am familiar with this style but only in passing. It's the first time I've listened to several tunes of this era and style in a row. Brel is clearly connecting the cabaret with what would become early contemporary French music. Glad I listened to it? Yes. Need to listen to it more? Probably not, it was interesting precisely because I had limited prior exposure. Good selection for the 1001 though!

Despite having no idea what he was saying, I really liked this album. You can feel his emotion and I could just picture being there watching this performance.

I felt like Jacques was singing only to me...very entertaining

Jeg var stoked, men ble skuffet

Could have very happily dropped dead without hearing this Kronenberg advert dross.

I listened to one song since it’s French and that felt fresh. Being live did not feel fresh so can only do a 3 star but loved the music.

Woof. This inclusion seems almost accidental. It's a live album of a guy singing in French over show-tuney type stuff, in the same vein as the infamous Scott Walker 2. I'm not sure what is supposed to be remarkable here, and neither is Wikipedia. Usually I accept all foreign language projects with grace, but that's because at least they are musically interesting. We did have at least one French album with that Serge Gainsbourg project, but that was obviously important. This one? Yeah I don't know. Give this slot to someone more deserving. Favorite tracks: Le Plat Pays. Album art: A guy harumphing into his hand, looking worried, perhaps about some guy from the future who wouldn't understand why he MUST listen to this live album before he dies. Not even Jacques seems to think this is special. 1.5/5

Not my cup of tea. Just didn't connect with this one. 1/5

Melódico. Un poco aburrido

I didn't enjoy this at all but I'm not sure I'm the intended audience. I'll give benefit of the doubt and give 2 stars instead of 1. Maybe I missed some cool lyrics due to not knowing French

Fransk Singer/songwriter, live-optræden, tilstedeværende

This is the Frenchest thing I've ever heard in my life and I'm fluently bilingual

Too French for me

None of the chansons I truly like were in this album. And there are plenty to pick from!

Je vais peut-être plus apprécié Brel dans une quarantaine d’années, mais d’ici là, non merci. Je suis sûr que Victor apprécierait par contre

Jacques Brel- Olympia 64 Jacque Brel is cool. he’s got so much drama and passion in his voice. My favorite song of his is Ne me quitte pa. After listening to Kid A and Amnesiac recently I feel like it had a similar emotional effect as I get from a Radiohead ballad. The last song “Les Toros Avec Final “was awesome. 4?5?

Really dug this! So dramatic. He’s got an awesome voice and the songwriting is really cool.

More of this please!! Perfection!

I wanted some more diversity on the list, so it looks like I should be happy, but this is not what I had in mind. Can't enjoy it since my French is limited to voulez vous coucher avec moi

yeah i dont speak french, i fucking hate the french but man their birds are alright

One of the most aggressively French albums ever made. But that’s by no means a bad thing: even if the listener doesn’t speak the same language, Brel’s wit and warmth shine through.

The constant and droning applause does you no favors when you're high

This is so ridiculously French it should come with a breton jumper and a beret. Drama and histrionics all the way, and though 28 minutes long an absolutely exhausting listen.

French

A French crooner? I'm giving this a generous two it's likely some nostalgia to what French radio was like circa 1964.

Overwrought nonsense. It's not awful but it's not in my purview at all

I feel like I lose an awful lot by not understanding the lyrics. Totally fine cabaret music, does not move me at all.

interesting album. I have no idea what he was saying, but damn if he didn't sell it.

Way better than I was expecting.

Can't fault the energy here. 2.8

It's French and old French at that. Hard for someone like me to get into. For me just a 2.5

Jacques Brel is a popular chanson artist from the '60s. His style of music delivery is like a French Randy Newman or Leonard Cohen in that his grasp on the language, and his ability to paint a picture are breathtaking. Most of his music on this album starts as a whisper, and through the song lyrics and musical accompaniment, he slowly ramps up the intensity, culminating at an amazing crescendo near the end of the song. The musical accompaniment on this record has a real french bistro feel to it, with the heavy accordion work and beautiful guitar playing throughout. Since I don't speak French, but I understand bits and pieces, I'm left with a fragmented picture of what Jacques is singing about. Given what my research and translation apps have told me, Jacques is painting beautiful artistic pictures on the stage both through his lyrics, and his acting. I wish I spoke the language so that I could experience what the audience experienced on those two nights in '64. Something of note here: both of Jacques parents died in '64 prior to this live recording, so the themes of darkness and pain are coming from a very real, very fresh place. Another interesting fact, the album opener, Amsterdam, was covered by David Bowie. Overall, a really great album. I wouldn't actively seek it out, but am also glad to have heard it. Favorite songs: Amsterdam, Les Jardins Du Casino, Les Timides, Le Dernier Repas, Les Toros Avec Final Least favorite songs: Le Plat Pays 3/5

Nice opera

Sounds very epic and catchy. But in French

Great voice and pretty fun songs. It would be some good music to cook to or something. But I have not the faintest idea of what any of the lyrics mean.

Some great live performances

The 60s brought us so many great sounding records and this is not one of them. I do not speak French so all I can really appreciate is the instrumentation and his vocal performance and both are weird in a bad way at parts and lackluster in other parts. Like what the hell is he doing on "Tango funebre". That does not sound good and the same goes with "Le plat pays". I read that this genre, Chanson, is lyric-driven so I might just not be getting the full picture but he is singing so harshly and not in a good way. It sounds like an American doing an offensively bad French accent with all the classic tropes played up to the maximum. It kinda sounds like it is the source of French stereotypes, like if you told me that people started believing French people were snooty/rude solely because of this record I would believe you 100%. It feels manufactured and sort of feels like it lacks any soul or passion that an artists typically has when making art. He sounds like he is constantly straining to sing these notes like he is forcing it. I did like "Amsterdam" and thought "Les jardins du casino" and "Les Toros Avec Final" were a fine songs but I would never come back to anything else on the album. 3.5/10 but I definitely am not getting the full picture as a non French speaker.

This was interesting. Very Wes Anderson.

1964 Ranskassako sitä ollaan suomalainen iskelmä vedetty paremmin.. ja taitavammin...VOI VITTU... Ongelma tietenkin jos on kehittänyt itselleen ominaisuuden saada kiinni jokaisesta kliseen poskesta ja puristaa niistä poskista kuin pientä suomalaista lasta.. miksi suomalaista.. miksi suomalaiselle lapselle kehittyy pakkasilla pienet punaiset posket.. ei puolalaiselle pennulle vaikka sielläkin on kylmä ollut ja halla vienyt satoja.. Ei osata arvostaa muita kulttuureja.. omaa hellitään.. pidetään kiinni siitä ukkometsosta ja syyttömänä syntymään biisistä ja siitä "sattui hän tähän maahan kylmään" ja "Hei, tarjoilija tuokaa mulle kolpakko Yhtä kylmä niin kuin aina ennenkin" ja mitä muita näitä suomi-juttuja onkaan… vielä eräs konsepti… esi-isät juovuksissa tottakai hakkasivat vaimot, lapset jos ne kiinni sai.. KYLLÄ VIHAMIES VENÄJÄLLÄKIN VIINA JA NAISTENHAKKAUS JUMALAUTA KESKEISESSÄ OSASSA KULTTUURIA GATEKEEPER SUOMALAISET SAATANA MIKÄ HOMMA Ironista tästä tekee sen kuinka eurooppalaiset artistit lainaavat toistensa biisejä ja sovittavat sanat sopimaan omaan maahansa. Kari tapiokin muutti italialaisesta kaverista suomalaisen heh.. NOH EIKÖ PITÄISI OSATA ARVOSTAA KAVERIN SANOMAA VÄHÄN KUSEE RANSKALAISTEN SUUHUN JOO, MUTTA VOIS TEIKÄLÄISENKIN SUUHUN KUSTA VARSINKIN JOS OLET EUROOPASTA. TÄÄLLÄ ARTISTIT KUSEVAT KULUTTAJIEN SUUHUN JOKAINEN SUU KUSTAAN TÄPÖ TÄYTEEN KYLLÄSTÄTETTYÄ ORANSSIA-PUNAISTA VERELLÄ NAAPURIMAASTA RIISTETTYÄ KUSTA. JOS JOKU AMERIIKAN POIKA SIELLÄ LUKEE ET YMMÄRRÄ IHAN SYYSTÄ HUUDAN KUN TÄÄLLÄ NÄMÄ ASIAT TAPAHTUU NÄIN, JA SIITÄ EIVÄT TIETOSIA OLE KUIN VAIN MEIKÄPOIKA TÄÄLLÄ TIETÄÄ NÄMÄ, KERRON TÄSSÄ MUILLE NYT SIKSI HUUDAN, ETTÄ HE YMMÄRTÄVÄT!

Passés les frissons ressentis sur Amsterdam, Brel transitionne vers une succession de chansons sans intérêt. Le public ne s'y trompe pas et le siffle copieusement, réclamant qu'il leur chante un de ses classiques (Ne Me Quitte Pas était sortie en 59). Malgré cela, Brel s'entête et persiste dans son idée avec par exemple des chansons sur les timides dont les gens présents n'ont que foutre. Une soirée gâchée qui se terminera pas une sortie de scène sous les huées. Mérité.

Un tout petit 4 pour notre JB, fier représentant de la francophonie. Robert est enfin sorti de cure de desintox, il est apparement parfaitement sobre. Pour l'instant...

Dynamic performer, but ultimately not really my style.

ja eri kieltä... ei suomen kieltä... mitä? ai ranskaa taas... ok... ihan kivalta kuulosti.. oli meikän luokalla samanlailla lausui ärrät kun tämä ukko...marssi sen jälkeen suoraan puhevikaisten luokkaan... amsterdam

French crooning. I feel like I'm listening to the next godfather soundtrack. Not horrible by any stretch, but not something I'm interested in apart from it being a curiosity

He might be a legend, but I can't say I warmed to Olympia 64. The best thing was that it comes in at under 30 minutes. Really not interested

It's French. Need I say more?

Jeez the crowd frickin loves this guy! I mean they're absolutely popping off, there's an applause break every time he mentions Amsterdam or puts on a silly voice! And I can't blame em! We're all just silly guys searching for validation! Brel! Olympia! Fave track: Amsterdam

Wish that I spoke French so I could understand what sounded like quite dramatic and theatric storytelling in these songs. A really terrific voice that really pulls you into some tracks, and some fun instrumentation as well. Some of the more polka-ish ones I found hard to connect to and overall this record didn't excite me a huge amount. To be fair - I never would have heard this album if it didn't come up here. And apparently Scott Walker did many covers of this musician in English which I enjoy. I'm sure Jacques Brel is a seminal figure in Belgian and French cultural history, 3 stars for me on this listen. Fave track: Le Play Pays

My favourite singer is Scott Walker and my favourite band is The Divine Comedy so Jacques Brel is patient zero for all the music I love. my French isn’t up to following the lyrics but what is undeniable is that these are extraordinary songs performed with fantastic intensity

Ok, det var alligevel slet ikke mig, haha. Hyggelig baggrundsmusik, men jeg ville aldrig sætte det album på for musikkens skyld.

Ik versta dan wel niets van de lyrics maar het klinkt gezellig. Mocht ik ooit een eigen bedrijf beginnen dan wordt dit de wachtrij muziek. Hoop dat er niet gezongen wordt over een heel heftig onderwerp. Dat maakt de wachtij namelijk wel een beetje grimmig.

Zou het niet snel aanzetten maar dit zijn natuurlijk echte klassiekers. Het album is van ver voor mijn tijd, maar toch geeft het een soort nostalgisch gevoel. Wel jammer dat het een Belg is.

Livealbuum van de ook in Nederland geëerde Belgische chansonnier Jacques Brel. Krachtige nummers, maar het album gaat - zoals met de meeste chansons - na een tijdje op de zenuwen werken. leukste nummer: Amsterdam Brel was een van de inspiraties voor Stromae, en dat is met terugwerkende kracht te horen in het album.

eww,i hate this

Hard not to be swept away by the tremendous momentum. Now show to fidget with mood and tempo, and the snatches I understand are nice. I think I get it.

If you're looking for melodramatic ditties belted out in French, there is no better option. Such a great voice and incredible theatrical delivery! Knew a few of these from much inferior cover versions in English. Excellent in small doses, great recommendation. Like a number of Gallic cultural high points he was, of course, actually Belgian.

I was genuinely quite impressed by what is, unfortunately, a live album. He sings well. It is recorded as well as a live performance could be.

4.25

This one took me all the way back to my childhood. It sounds exactly like being at my grandmother's house. Mr. Brel has an incredible voice and he delivers these songs with a particularly French zeal that I quite enjoyed. The songs, however, are a mixed bag. Some are great and some are sooo cheesy. No amount of amazing delivery from Mr. Brel is going to save those cheeseball tracks. The pendulum swung pretty widely for me throughout this album so I think I have to average it out at a three.

french

Pleasant album. Certainly the end of an era in music.

I understood 1/3 of the lyrics but I loved the French pop style. Brel’s voice was lovely & melodic.

I’m pretty tolerant of most albums and will endeavour to listen to the whole album, regardless of what I think. This was so torturous that I only got half way before deciding it wasn’t going to improve and it did hurt my ears ! What is it doing on this list ??? 1*

Not good. But I found it funny - in its French ridiculousness, so got at least some enjoyment from it.

Ok

Il est belge, mais il chante en français, donc je n'ai compris qu'une grande partie de ce qu'il a chanté. Cela sonne très bien, mais assez démodé. Je l'ai aimé, mais je ne l'ai pas adoré. 3 étoiles

Man, this guy is French af. Amsterdam had me hype, the rest was fine.

Hard to rate given language and time period.

Nice feeling, but must admit: completely new to me!

I'm not a fan of live music, and calling this album "rock" is very misleading

One star of my own liking but adding a star because he’s French and who doesn’t like a swarthy French crooner?

Again, maybe I’m jaded that there is no Rammstein, but why must listen to this. Why is this album on the list!? I have no idea.

Great album. Didn't expect it, but really liked listening to these very well performed songs.

I actually think his Olympia concert in ’66 is even better.

Lolz no thank you

I dont know what this guy is saying, but I do know he feels strongly about it

The most french thing since Jean Valjean, Emanuele Macron and René Artois sat atop La tour Eiffel eating an amuse bouche of escargots avec garlic et oignons. Rating: 1.5/5 Playlist track: Les jardins du casino Date listened: 04/02/23

fuck the french

Amsterdam was excellent, reminding me of old Eurovision songs from the 1950s. I think that is the problem for me, a modern 21st century listener. These are songs recorded in the 1960s when The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, Elvis, Bob Dylan etc were around, yet this album lives purely in the very early 1950s - it was dated music even when it was recorded and the sound of the audience politely clapping between each track just adds to that sense of age. You can almost see an elderly audience sitting attentively in dinner jackets as Monsieur Brel sings his songs from a disappearing generation. One song worth listening to, apart from Amsterdam, is Le jardins du casino. It's a pretty terrible song if I'm honest and is written in the style of the book, Little House on the Prairie, in that it conjures up images of times long since past in a flat, descriptive way that leaves you imagining the gentlemen loafing around chatting and the fake duchesses surrounded by smoke in a casino with moustachioed musicians playing, but ultimately there is no real substance to it. It's worth listening to though because through that flat descriptive style it transports you back to a past long since dead.

Tres bien! Je peut entendre cette disque longtemps

Niet mijn ding Brel.

So… evidently this guy is very influential and people love him. It feels like Tom Waits on a bender in France. Not for me.

Old school style that I am completely unfamiliar with. Pleasant enough tunes that would be fun to listen to while cooking dinner or having a candle lit dinner in the city.

Half a star extra for 2 years of HS French helping me understand a few of the words. Half a star for this guy’s passionate singing. But how could this be listenable more than once every 10 years?

very cool

Gallic concentrate.

bad tab mate?

Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: not really, very nice strong vocals but it’s not a genre I’m in too invested in with English vocals Favourite song: didn’t have one

I really liked the vibe, I wish I knew what he was saying, but I really enjoyed this!

silly french man got me jiving

Nope. Not for me.

Fancy!

French popular music in the 50's and 60's had an interesting element of songwriting to it: a keen focus on the lyrical content made for a much more poetic delivery. It's particularly dramatic, and Europeans loved it. I thought it was okay.

As others have noted here, I wish I could get a better sense of what Brel is singing given his flair for wit - alas, I do not speak French. That being said, the instrumentals are way too low in the mix here (even for a live album), and the whole experience of being spoken to by a French man for 30 minutes is not a pleasant one.

Pretty good, like something out of a movie

The music and liveness only amount to a morsel, but Brel's voice has a texture to it. Not at all what I expected given the legacy, but something to respect if not immediately revisit. The audience was into it more.

Ratatouille soundtrack type of album. It was pretty chill and had the spotify radio on after for like 3 hours in the cat, but would never be my top 5 go to genres at this point in life. Curious to see who he is though and who was influenced by him

3.5/5

Tjaaa, meget fransk - igen ikke lige min kop te, måske ville jeg bedre kunne lide det, hvis jeg kunne forstå teksterne?

Genius performer! Not the best collection of songs Imo...

This is French music at its most typical, strong vocal, accordion and a piano. I have no idea what he is singing about but it’s rhythmical and paints a very French picture.

French pop.....not for me....

That's really not my kind of music. And I don't understand French. Hard to evaluate.

Trop french, en verité

I have no business reviewing but I like his inflections

French Cohen is probably the best description for this

oui oui ah ah ah ah, ah aha ah

I just don't have the context I would need to enjoy this. The accordion bits were nice, but this guy's voice doesn't do it for me and I don't know French. To me, very bad unfun not good times.

Who the hell thinks this is a rock album? Robert Dimery? The same person who calls the Specials debut a reggae album? (that's probably more overtly reprehensible) Just stick with pop, or chanson if you want to be really accurate, but this is French pop, definitely not rock. I wish I knew French, I'm sure Google translate would not do the job here. I liked this, I bet it's clever and powerful.

A great vocal talent

Pas mal. Il a trop de passion.

Pleasant distraction I can see why he’s a thing but not enough to make me revisit.

hij mag me altijd brellen

Jacques mon copain, mon Belge. Un album incroyable. J'aime le plat pays/ mijn vlakke land (zeker beide versies beluisteren) hohoho Cette chanson me donne envie de sauter sur mon vélo et de rouler à la mer. Viva belgica 🇧🇪

I didn't mind this album. Unlike some people, I don't care that it's in another language and that doesn't detract from my experience with it. I hoped that I'd like this album a bit more, but the songs kinda blended together and didn't do too much to catch my attention. Also, as a side note, some of the clapping is really grating with headphones. My favourite song was probably Les Toros Avec Final, but barely any of the songs stuck out to me.

Nice

this wasn't that good

it’s cool but it doesn’t touch my heart

Amsterdam is pretty great but I don't speak French so uhhhhhhhh

som muito elegante, francesao (artista belga) com instrumentação rica

Great singer, enjoyable I’m sure even more if you can speak French.

All I can think about is the Animaniacs making fun of Jerry Lewis.

frnech slay what can i say. this is female empowerment

Baguette

This is certainly not the kind of thing I'd usually listen to, but I found myself quite enjoying this! I honestly wish I had a better understanding of French, but the lyrical prowess of Brel is very evident even without really understanding the lyrics. If anything it's a motivation for me to learn the language, because Chanson seems quite interesting! Favourite: "Les Toros"

Way more accordion than I can get down with

If I had this on vinyl and I listened to it with a cigarette and a bottle of wine, I'm sure I would be giving this at least one additional star. Sober as I am, it felt like I was listening to French diction instruction on cassette, which is unfortunate as I think something more balanced would be far more enjoyable to listen to.

Have no idea what he was singing about but what ever it was he meant it.

I really don’t know how to rate this album. I had no idea what he was saying, and I know nothing about the genre to compare it to. So it gets two stars for the amazing voice and two stars for making me feel like I was on vacation while listening.

You can sing in french, but it won't make it any better.

French Chanson always gets me nostalgic of an era that I haven't actually known. This music smells like drama and wine, but this particular album didn't do much for me. I mean it's good but this is far from being one of my Brel favorites.

There's plenty of wonderful Brel's albums out there and they still decided to recommend a badly recorded live album of 8 of his "okay" songs. Brel is incredible, but seriously, what's wrong with list?

It seems like the author of this book just google french singer, then randomly click on a live album and select this one for the book. It just a basic show that was record, nothing that stand out and that really gave the credit that Brel deserve.

Jacques Brel is a truly amazing French singer and he has several great songs to his credit. Given that the record present on this list is a live album, I expected that we would feel something special in this live album... Strong emotions, a particular contact with the public or an unusual energy. Unfortunately, it remains rather cold throughout. As long as that, I would have taken a studio album by Brel instead.

Well well. I want expecting much but I found this enjoyable. So I did some research which led to Bowie singing Amsterdam (good, but not at Brel's level) and live clips of Brel. So much emotion. And sweat.

Certainly was enthusiastically French. I can dig it.

Nice flowing, autumny vibes. I'm not the biggest fan of chanson, but this is quite good. Best track is Amsterdam. 3.5/5

This is who Pepe le Péw thinks he is.

What a great performer! He’s so dramatic and expressive. I wish I understood what he was singing about though. Since the focus is mostly on his vocals and charismatic performance, I’m sure there are funny, witty, and romantic lyrics in French that I’m missing. A lot of songs even sound like show tunes. Still, I love this energy and I’m happy to know about this singer. I’m sure he’ll come again up at some point in my life. Hopefully I’ll have someone translating the song meanings for me. (Or maybe if I have time, I’ll try listening to a few of these alongside a translation.)

Yea I don't know it doesn't really do much for me. I'm assuming the big draw of the album, the first track, "Amsterdam" is what makes people put on the record. I'm guessing this because it has 11 million plays on Spotify, with the second most played on the album being "Le dernier repas" with only 846k. The track starts as like a national anthem, with a sort of clear borrowing of the most famous folk song of all time, "Greensleeves", and then it ends on this shouting "Amsterdam! Amsterdam!" motif. It kind of comes off to me as one of those sort of songs that describes someone's personal entity so they have no option but to like it? Like if someone wrote a song about a guy named Dan who wrote songs and was a nerd then how could I personally hate that? Maybe it's a rallying call type of song for Amsterdammers? The rest of the album didn't really do much for me either. Maybe there is some history behind the record that makes it important but I didn't find much when I was doing some internet sleuthing. I want to give it a 1/5 because I'm unsure if it should be on this list but I'm going 2 because I think there is some upside in that the singer's performance is very emotional and energetic.

Very weird eclectic mix sound lyrics and music. Not sure I'm a fan of the overall product but it was a short yet interesting listen.

It's a joke right? Come on. I HAVE to listen to THIS before I die? Tedious. I kept waiting for a punchline that never arrived.

It's live, It's french, it's apparently quite influential but aside from Amsterdam, even musically it kinda seems like a parody...maybe more of its time. But I did like Amsterdam.

He sings very well, though I don't know French, I can tell he's a talented singer. Not really my taste for music though

no.

Far bigger sound than I was expecting, very surprised in a very good way. Grandiose.

A fun listen, just for the voice and the showy feel of it. But it’s pretty simplistic and being another language makes me unlikely to return to it anytime soon.

I keep saying that live albums don't belong on this list - and I stand by it. But, I will say, this album doesn't sound live. It's musically simple enough that it sounds "clean" - like it could have been recorded in studio. Also, the audience is completely inaudible except for in between songs - which I think is a testament to the way in which Brel must have had them captivated. He certainly has a classic, crooner voice. He's good. The songs are pretty.

Live Albums: I've not been a lover of live albums as to me they're kinda like a cheap option (saves on studio time). Minutes of audience clapping too is a drag. There are some great artists in this category and it's a shame as there are a great many good songs not given their due. Non-English lyrics: I also think you don't necessarily need to understand the words to a song but in the case of Brel (who was primarily known for his lyrics) again it's a shame. The most you can hope for is to appreciate the tune, passion and singing ability. Maybe just the vibe of the genre? Nice to have in the background....

4.0 - Recordings of live performances work best when they convey the electricity of the moment, and in that regard this record succeeds marvelously. Brel's voice is a triumph - you can hear his lungs, throat, mouth and tongue flexing to project and articulate every line with the muscular proficiency of a bodybuilder. The audience's ovations are deafening, most notably after the first and most striking track "Amsterdam."

What do I make of this? Not really my genre or era normally, and I couldn't understand a word of course. Even so I liked it - excellent singer and, even in a language I can't speak, had classic feel.

From what I gather Mr. Brel was quite the lyricist, but since I don't speak any French I cannot confirm or deny. I do know that he had a very nice singing voice and that transcends language. This was a rather pleasurable listen with no fat to be found. Good music that doesn't over stay its welcome. I'll take it.

A fun album of old French music. It's always nice hearing stuff like this.

I prefer his late 60s/70s folky stuff. Still refreshing to hear French music on this list.

The guy seems like a good singer and a good performer - but I really don't care for live performances of 60's chansons. If I read the lyrics and done my utmost best with the rusty French skills of my high school days I'd probably understand the themes and broad content of the songs. But I really don't care enough. And I think understanding the songs is sort of prerequisite to caring about them for this style of music.

Not my bag. If I'm going to listen to something in a language I don't understand, it better be good enough to transcend language barriers, and this doesn't clear that bar for me. I'd rather listen to "Ça Plane Pour Moi" by Plastic Bertrand, or "Soy Yo" by Bomba Estéreo, or "Zaharila" by El Michels Affair and Piya Malik.

Reminds of a French Leonard Cohen. Thanks to French class, I was able to follow along pretty decently. There's a lot of passion, pain, art, and angst in this album - not sure what it is about Western Europeans, but they seem to delve right into the feelings of things & let it flow out of them like poetry. I've just added this to my Edith Piaf playlist. P.S. While listening on YouTube, I found a 1001 Albums Journey YT channel

Great crooner. I enjoyed listening to this very much.

This isn't it

Thanks but no thanks. 1/5

Not for me

Cool music and energy.

French male cabaret singer? Or... IDK. Apparently this guy is a big deal.

Mmm... to be honest....I don't really understand it....I don't mean French. Its just the nature of the vocal cabaret delivery. It puts me on edge in a bad way...If I was in Paris and it came out of a bar I would find a different bar. I'm sure it has cultural significance (it gets a lots of positive scores on here) but its lost on me so I can only give it a low mark as it is so unenjoyable. 1.75.