Acoustic Clubbing - Les Negresses Vertes

Advantages: live and unadulterated
Disadvantages: none

...I bought this album a few years ago when I had only heard a few of their songs. It appealed to me thanks to the double cd with a variety of their tracks so that I could get to know their material better. From the classic bodega I discovered a raw poetry in many of their other tracks, such as the haunting face a la mer. Granted, the negresses are an acquired taste, with a mix of punk and traditional french chanson style, but for anyone who appreciates the less mainstream french music in the vein of the mano negra will like this collection of tracks. Green bus is the more polished of the two, but en public is bursting with energy that has me dancing around like a madwoman every time. If you can get your hands on it, then buy it!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Some astoundingly moving tracks, unbeatable for its chill value
Disadvantages: A little inaccessible at times

...song of the 80s of a similar name, as this is nothing like it. This is one of the few tracks that uses authentic drums and bongos, as well as some of those long ridged things that you have to rub with a stick to create a scratching sound (you know, they always had them at school … and no-one knew what they were called? although I’m gonna plum for guiro). This song is sunny, blissed out and very Latiny – with some traditional Spanish guitar and a lovely 60’s influenced organ to add to the flavour. This song has been used countless times on holiday programs and I have to admit, if I said that Tout est bleu was quirky, this is mega quirky, but in a superb way (you’ll be seeing more of the same in Jose Padilla’s solo albums, which are also superb.) A must for any beach resort this one. -- Les negresses... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Beautifully controlled, deceptively inventive music
Disadvantages: Err... it's not bad Euro-pop, if that's what you like

...Whilst not as accomplished as their follow up album: Des Visages des Figure, the enigmatically titled 666.667 Club is still a stunning piece of work. It can be viewed as less creative, artistic and impressive than DVDF but in reality it is simply a different album and it is clear that the band have progressed in DVDF but they have done so in terms of scope as 666.667 Club is quite simply a stunningly good rock album. To me it is the paragon of a rock album; it is aggressive without being unpleasant, casually inventive with plenty of exciting riffs and with a coherent structure and sound. Moreover there is a real strength to the music, there’s nothing flimsy here; even the quieter, more laid back tracks never feel whimsical or throwaway. Once again there are overtones of the Rolling Stones mixed with North African influences, all... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful