Boum!!

Charles Trenet

The world would be a better place if there were more airplay for the works of Charles Trenet. The French singer, songwriter and musician who died in 2001 left behind some of the most wonderful recordings of the last century.

At his peak in the 1930s, he wrote some songs that are still considered classics to this day. Had he been English or Amercian, I am sure that he would be considered alongside the most famous writers of his day. The likes of Cole Porter and Richard Rogers. It may be the fact that he was French that limited his appeal. The English speaking world doesn’t take too readily to entertainers that don’t speak the language.

His classics like “Douce France” conjure up images of a time long since gone. For older French people it must evoke many memories of a country now completely changed. For me the songs are full of wonderful images, pathos, humour and optimism. He was able to produce comedy as in “Le Jardin Extraordinaire” with its English-speaking ducks and sheer joy in “Boum!!” The sadness and the memories of love long-lost in “Que reste-t-il” are heartbreaking.

It is Trenet’s deftness and gentle touch that is so remarkable about his songs. When he sings “La Mer” the song bounces along with a lightness and feel that captivates. When someone like Robbie Williams gets hold of it, the thing is bludgeoned to death, all traces of charm left in the gutter to die.There is a good Flash animation of La Mer at www.charles-trenet.com Click on the link beside the seagull picture to start it.