Contraction ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Contraction (1972)

To appreciate Contraction it helps to enjoy the unique Quebecois songwriting style. First half of the album is a classic early 70s period piece, with the beautiful voice of Christiane Robichaud adding some sunshine to the otherwise dreary and smoky clubs of Montreal. The melodies are gorgeous, and the Franck Dervieux (his Dimension M album another must listen from the region) influence is quite apparent. Second half focuses more on instrumentals. Contrary to what may be my common inclination, I tend to favor the first side here.

Ownership:

1972 Columbia (LP). Gatefold. Reacquired in 2026.

2005 ProgQuebec (CD). Booklet with lyrics. Acquired in 2005.

1994 (first listen); 5//05 (review); 5/21/06; 4/20/11; 10/12/12

La Bourse ou La Vie (1974) 

---May 2005

On initial impact, much easier to digest for prog heads, as this focuses mainly on instrumentals and includes a lengthy suite. In aggregate though, I now see this on par with the debut, though no less enjoyable. In fact, this is by far their most conventional release in terms of songwriting and arrangements. Shows a band who is very much embedded into the current “scene” whatever that may have been. Contraction sounded like they may have had one more good album in them, and then they most certainly would’ve gone down the commercial path (despite their protests here).

 

---2/1/14

And continuing with the contrary theme, I tend to disagree with my fellow peers, and I think the more straightforward debut is the (slightly) stronger album compared to the more overtly progressive La Bourse ou La Vie. I think the songwriting on the debut is a bit more engaging. However, the side long epic on La Bourse ou La Vie is their strongest moment across both albums.

Ownership:

1974 Deram (LP). Gatefold. Reacquired in 2019.

2005 ProgQuebec (CD). Liner notes. Acquired in 2005.

1994 (first listen); 5//05 (review); 5/26/13; 2/1/14 (update)

Live 1974 (2009)

Live 1974 is a splendid radio recording, perhaps even better than the studio recordings proper. Most of the material is taken from their terrific debut, with the lengthy title track of the second representing the tour de force. Opening track is the English version of 'Chant Patriotique' from the first album, and since I've not heard the English version of the album, it's interesting to hear it with the different vocal inflections. As if to underscore that point, the second track does a bit of franglais, as it mixes French first / English second, which is entirely unique. Then there's the three unreleased tracks: 'Solid Shine', ' Le Temps Fuit comme une Ombre', and 'Sagesse' (and the latter also gets the studio version treatment), that are all unmistakably Contraction, and great to hear after all these years. The live renditions play it pretty straight to the original album recordings, but it's still a superb performance, with perhaps better sound, and significant unreleased material. Definitely a worthy addition to the collection.

Ownership: 2009 ProgQuebec (CD). Booklet with liner notes. Acquired in 2014.

1/30/14 (first listen / review)

2/1/14 (new entry)