I don't speak French and it don't matter
ziz | 09/01/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Certainly a good value for the money with 2 CD's for just a smidge over the price of one. You'll get over 1 1/2 hour's worth of music (the songs are short). And if you're like me and not a francophone, you'll enjoy the music despite not being able to understand the lyrics. The music is very mood inspiring. I used to play this in my office at work and whenever people would walk in they'd comment on how it felt so relaxing and summerlike. Sure, it was summer when that happened, but I know the real reason was the music. It transported you to a time and place where it was a perpetual late summer (and most likely France).My favorite song - and this is a bit of a cop-out - is La Mer, also known as Beyond the Sea. This is the version that was out there before Bobby Darin covered it and, for me, it is the definitive version.Listen and enjoy."
A Superb Collection of Charles Trenet Songs
Alison | MA United States | 02/04/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although it took a few weeks for Amazon.com to obtain this album, it was worth the wait. The songs selected (all pre-WWII) fit perfectly within the "Cocktail Hour" series' theme. All the songs are short and cheerful, putting a smile on your face when you listen. You can tell that Trenet is having fun while singing them. If you are interested in the French lyrics, do a google search for "paroles des chansons de Charles Trenet" and you'll find all of the songs in this album. I am very happy with this purchase."
A confection.
anonymouslyreviewed | Ann Arbor, MI United States | 03/22/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Light. Feather light. Fun and delicious. Charles Trenet is jazz that doesn't take it self too seriously. My kids love it, and not just because it has the French (and original) version of Beyond the Sea. This CD is a great bargain. The only reason I gave a 4 over 5 is that this is not essential music. It is well conceived and well executed. Sound quality etc is excellent."