Search - Leo Ferre :: Paname

A fine example of the work of one of France's best.

12/09/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD, containing 22 songs written and recorded 1960-62 with orchestral backup by one of France's finest chansonniers, takes some getting used to, but once you've done so it'll never let you go.The title song, Paname, needs some explaining. It is a slang expression for "Paris," which seems to date to around the time of the Panama canal scandal early this century. The love affair with Paris that is the first song sets the tone for the rest of the production.A mixture of whimsy and soaring lyricism, the CD takes some knowledge of French argot to be fully appreciated. The music alone, however, is well worth the price of the CD. What is especially remarkable is the deeply moving, almost romantic music that Ferre is able to compose for the most mundane of phenomena: the sun, the wind, a scooter, a scarf.For fans of the French popular music scene, this is a rewarding experience."

LÉO THE FOLKSINGER

ALAIN ROBERT | ST-HUBERT,QUÉBEC | 02/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Contrary to his contempories (BREL,BRASSENS),it took LÉO longer to make it as a singer and songwriter.In the fifties,his songs were more successfull when recorded by others like JULIETTE GRÉCO.By the time of these recordings however ,he had really found himself as an artist.This collection is a must have for his fans.Why you may ask?Simply because it contains many famous songs like PANAME,COMME A OSTENDE and MERDE A VAUBAN forever associated with him.This is the LÉO FERRÉ that everybody likes.It is important to know that FERRÉ had many styles during his career, including a rock one.His general output was often controversial,but this is the price one has to pay for being his own person.It would be better(but not essential)to know about FRENCH slang to really appreciate this cd.Rock fans should go elsewhere;folkies will enjoy."