I think part of the reason (carrying on from what Peter was saying) that Brel doesn't seem to be that well known in the anglophone world is that we just aren't used to hearing male singers invest songs with so much emotion. Piaf yes, Brel no. Listen to the ending of "Marieke" (my favourite Brel song at the moment) and you'll see what I mean. He also approached each song as if it was theatre, creating characters and stories within each. I suppose that's why I find him fascinating (it certainly ain't the buck teeth!)...:)

Cheers,

Isabel

PS Is that "Grovelling Songs" thread yours, Peter?