L'Essential - 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: Heart-moving, passionate, tear-jerking
Disadvantages: Buying wine spritzers!!

...I went to Les Miserables last year and can say without doubt in my opinion, this is the most wonderful musical I have heard of. I am basing that on the fact that this was a full house matinee performance which included stunning acts and sets. I had never seen this show prior to going but having previously heard songs from it, I had already began to fall in love with it. We had wonderful seats in the middle of the dress circle (which cost in the region of £40 each for the two of us, a total of £80. Prior to the film starting we sat down and also had a couple of wine spritzers which cost in the region of £5 each - I wondered if this was going to be value for money?? The show was being viewed at the The Palace Theatre. We took our seats for a film that was going to last almost 3 hours! The film is about the French revolution, love... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful