Author Archives: cassepompon

Jacques Brel – No. 6 (Olympia 1961)

After 11 years of performing in Parisian cabarets and smaller town venues, Brel finally got the chance to take the stage at the most prestigious concert venue in France: the iconic Olympia Theatre in Paris. In 1961, his performance at the Olympia was a huge success and solidified Brel’s status as a major star inContinue reading “Jacques Brel – No. 6 (Olympia 1961)”

5 Songs That Will Introduce You To The Music Of Jacques Brel

1 – Amsterdam Brel’s gripping depiction of the lives of sailors in the Dutch city is undoubtedly his masterpiece, and most people’s introduction to the music of Jacques Brel. Covered by a diverse list of artists from David Bowie to John Denver, the rich imagery – complete with Brel’s dramatic performance – makes this BrelContinue reading “5 Songs That Will Introduce You To The Music Of Jacques Brel”

Une île by Jacques Brel: English Translation

Below is my poetic translation of ‘Les Bigotes’ by Jacques Brel. Particular attention has been paid to keeping the rhyme and flow of the piece while retaining the poetic origins of the French lyric.

L’Air De La Betise by Jacques Brel: English Translation

Below is my poetic translation of ‘Les Bigotes’ by Jacques Brel. Particular attention has been paid to keeping the rhyme and flow of the piece while retaining the poetic origins of the French lyric.

Jacques Brel – Les Toros

Overview This 1963 EP was originally intended to contain a different track listing, but was changed at the last minute and ‘J’Aimais’ was replaced with ‘Les Fenetres’. This change was alluded to in the EP’s cover design, which shows the original track listing with a black cross through ‘J’Aimais’ and the replacement track scrawled atContinue reading “Jacques Brel – Les Toros”

Le Bon Dieu by Jacques Brel: English Translation

Below is my poetic translation of ‘Les Bigotes’ by Jacques Brel. Particular attention has been paid to keeping the rhyme and flow of the piece while retaining the poetic origins of the French lyric.

Jacques Brel – Les Bigotes

Overview This 1962 EP comes in two distinct variants – one version containing the ‘official’ versions of the songs (the versions that appear on CD and on the subsequent albums), and another version which contains alternative takes of the songs. The two variants have exactly the same cover design – which makes it hard toContinue reading “Jacques Brel – Les Bigotes”

Les Bigotes by Jacques Brel: English Translation

Below is my poetic translation of ‘Les Bigotes’ by Jacques Brel. Particular attention has been paid to keeping the rhyme and flow of the piece while retaining the poetic origins of the French lyric.