Search - Rod McKuen :: Sings Jacques Brel

Brel's greatest interpreter.

William Merrin | Leeds England | 03/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"English tributes to Brel's work are surprisingly diverse, yet each, in their own way, sympathetic: the cast recording of 'Jacques Brel is Alive and Well' delivers excellent versions of his songs, though marked by their obviously 'musical' origins; Marc Almond's 'Jacques' captures the torch singer in Brel in his impeccable rendition of songs such as 'The town fell asleep' and 'J'arrive', whilst Scott Walker's 'Sings Jacques Brel' has always been, for me, the closest we have to Brel's chansons, in its rousing, impassioned - even over-the-top - characterisation. I'd never heard Rod McKuen before this but the effect upon me of this CD was immediate. More restrained, and emphasising the subtle, emotional nuances of Brel, in moving versions of 'If you go away', 'seasons in the sun', and 'come jef', he succeeds better than anyone yet in reproducing the romantic and reflective side of Brel's character, evoking also the loss, regret, and mortality which marks Brel's best work, but when the grand guignol is required, in songs such as 'Amsterdam', 'Zangra' and 'The statue', McKuen's husky voice and story-telling charm still seem perfectly suited to the material. His versions send you back each time to Brel's originals with a new pleasure and appreciation wishing only that he'd recorded more of them. Treasure this album as you will be listening to it for a long time."

Rod McKuen Covers Selections of His Favorite French Singer

A. Bonner | LA | 08/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Searching for Rod McKuen items I came upon this CD. Though not familiar with Jacques Brel, I know Rod. Enough said! If you are a Rod McKuen admirer, you will enjoy the variety of music he covers in honoring his friend. Good music, and quick service as usual from Amazon."