Search - Camille :: Le Fil

Astonishing [Camille, Le Fil]

jqr | Brooklyn | 04/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record blows my mind. It is at once catchy, hummable and avant-garde. There are two big "wow" points here. The first is the "string," (le fil), a tone that persists throughout the entire record (and beyond, into secret-track land). This literally ties the entire record together and makes you listen to it as a suite: not that the songs don't stand by themselves, but this persistent note just keeps pulling you into the next one.



The second big thing is that it is arranged almost all a cappella. Yes, there are instruments. But no, the instruments don't take center stage. It's all about the voice, the human beatbox, and the clap. This gives the record a real organic feeling: it doesn't sound as if it was spit out of a hit factory. I am amazed at Camille's self-assurance in making a record like this that relies so wholly on her own voice to carry it.



The lyrics are wry, funny, and thought-provoking, but in my mind are almost completely occluded by the breathtaking arrangements and production.



I am sure many people will browse this CD on Amazon and imagine that it's some kind of folk-song/chanson update, along the lines of Keren Ann, Carla Bruni, or Coralie Clement. It's not; it's more wonderful and inspiring and adventurous than those ladies' music. Incomparable is really the best word to describe "Le Fil.""

Incroyable!

Jesse Reiss | Berkeley, CA | 10/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Elle est vraiment incroyable. Les lyriques sont interessantes et sa voix est tres belle. Si vous aimez le jazz, ou la musique un peut etrange, cette album est parfaite.



She is truly incredible. The lyrics are interessting and her voice is very beautiful. If you like jazz or slightly strange music, this album is perfect.



C'est vrai, elle est comme une Bjork Francaise.



Its true, she is like a French Bjork"