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(More customer reviews)In France, Mylène Farmer represents the link between the 20th century and the spirit of the new millennium, and she implicitly states it, entitling her new release Mylènium: a compound of her own name and of the over-advertised-over-used term millennium. Long time considered as a diva with a huge gay following (in the DVD, you will notice some rainbow flags but also hundreds of same-sex couples...), at 40 years old, she became less provocative and no one care anymore about her real sexual orientation. What's for sure is that she achieved a fine lyrics writing. Her songs are poems very difficult to translate into English, or any other language than French. Mylène Farmer knows how to play with meanings, but not only that.
This Canadian born lady also knows how to entertain her public, reaching levels of high qualified performance that only professionals such as Janet Jackson and Madonna could attend. In Mylène's discography, life albums have great importance: in her 15-year-long career, she only released five studio albums, whereas she published three double CDs life (En Concert, 1989; Live à Bercy, 1997 and The Mylènium Tour, 2000).
"Mylènium Tour" is a good work, presented in an original steel case, but not excellent: sometimes the quality of the recording is poor, although we have the feeling that it is made on purpose. In fact, Mylène has been told to sing in playback (lipsync) most of her songs. After this release, no more doubt that she performs, breathes, sings, speaks, whispers and coughs on life. She is supported by two excellent background voices, though, and her faithful musicians are at their best.
I personally think that "Live à Bercy" (1997) contains material which is more representative of Mylène's work. In fact, 10 songs out of 18 (+ 1 intro) on "Mylènium Tour" come from her most recent and multi-platinum studio release "Innamoramento" (1999), which includes six tracks released as a single. Furthermore, on "Mylènium Tour" are missing tracks such as "Libertine" and "Sans contrefaçon" (only 20 seconds each in the Medley), but also "XXL", the lead single from her best selling release "Anamorphosée" (1995). Finally, there is no previously unreleased material on this album, whereas in her 1989 and 1997 life albums she included new songs ("A quoi je sers..." on the first, and "La poupée qui fait non" in duet with Rai-Superstar Khaled, on the latter).
Let's come to the positive aspects of this album, though: "Mylènium" has a reason on its own to be bought, that is the outstanding version of her 1991 hit song "Désenchantée". It's probably one of her best re-arrangement of a song, along with "California" on "Live à Bercy". "Dernier Sourire" (The last smile: track #8 on Disc 2) also represents an extra on this album: this song has been previously released only on a Various Artists release to arise funds for the HIV/AIDS research. Mylène performs it with her voice several times broken by emotion, while she sings sentences about her loved one resting on her/his bed, waiting for the death to come. "If you want", Mylène sings, "I could come with you". This was a thrilling moment during both the shows I saw, and several people among the public shed some tears.
I think that one needs to see the show to better appreciate this album: if you can, buy the DVD. It is wonderful and code free (but as for NTSC / PAL compatibility, I have no clue - music industry should stop to stuck artists into their countries by means like Zone 1 and 2 and so on... that's a shame). You will notice the real involvement of the public and you will be puzzled by Mylène sexy person crying tears while singing her most moving songs.
I would also suggest you to buy her "Live in Bercy" and her studio album "Innamoramento", which will give you a wide representation of Mylène's work. By contrast, if you are a fan... why are you still reading this? Put it in your basket and proceed to check out!!!
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2001 live release for the French Canadian superstar who, with her collaborator, Laurent Boutonnat, have been compared to Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg. 19 tracks. Beautifully packaged in a standard jewel case size gold metal box with t he artist's name and the title embossed on two doors. 24 page full color booklet/tour program.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.
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