Recorded in 1977 but abandoned after their label Celebration (most famous for Harmonium) went belly-up. This isn't the typical half-baked archival release where major portions were still missing from the final product. In fact, I'd say the oven was turned off only about ten minutes too soon. You can tell they have many great ideas working here, and the depth of the musicianship and compositions are at the same high level as Contre-Courant. And the quality of the recording is superb. It seems they still needed time to finish arranging, compiling, and scrubbing the edges off. It's really a pity they couldn't finish what they started, as this may very well have been the second greatest album to ever come from Canada. Behind only their first album. Even still, an essential album for progressive rock fans.
---4/28/26
For the first several tracks, I was beginning to question my comment above about coming out "ten minutes early". These compositions are on par with Contre-Courant. Olivier Duplessis' piano is in top form, joined by Serge Nolet's flute, giving the music a very uplifting feel. This is then countered by Luc Gauthier's darkened counterpoint guitar, providing the perfect balance. The soft affected vocals in French only adds points. The breakdown starts on track 8, and the remainder seems like snippets of ideas not yet formed. The two exceptions are the tracks that made it on to their one 45 single: the title track (track 9), and track 12.
I know that Greg Walker has a test pressing, that he promised to add to Discogs some years ago. I'm curious of the provenance of that pressing. Is it recent (late 1980s) or was it from 1977 ready for mass production? To me, the CD does feel archival with about 30+ minutes of super material. Reviewing it in this light actually improves the experience for me, and resulted in a +1 listening session.
Ownership: 1989 Aller-Retour (CD). Acquired in 1990.
Contre-Courant (1976)
Opus 5 asks us: "Is it abnormal to speak French?". Which would be the only English lyric on the entire album. That should give you some insight into this band's makeup. Perhaps I should just state this: Contre-Courant is my favorite album from Quebec. Actually, all of Canada. Imagine the best groups from Quebec like Harmonium, Maneige, Aquarelle, Sloche, Contraction, etc... as played by the Swiss band Circus on the 'Movin' On' suite, with perhaps a touch of Picchio dal Pozzo's first album thrown into the blender. Flute, piano, bass, keys, guitar, French vocals, and insane drumming are the base ingredients. Nothing sits still for more than 5 seconds, and there are dozens of ideas going on at any one time. And yet it remains incredibly melodic throughout. There are no loose improvisations, or experimental noise bits to wait out. The whole album is composed to the last note, and yet it is kinetic, exciting, and exhilarating throughout! 'Il Était Magicien' is the album's best track, but there's isn't a weak moment to be found here. A true masterpiece, and one of my all time favorite albums.
Ownership:
Ownership: 1989 Aller-Retour (CD). Acquired in 1990.
1990; 1/8/15 (review); 4/28/26 (update)
Opus 5 asks us: "Is it abnormal to speak French?". Which would be the only English lyric on the entire album. That should give you some insight into this band's makeup. Perhaps I should just state this: Contre-Courant is my favorite album from Quebec. Actually, all of Canada. Imagine the best groups from Quebec like Harmonium, Maneige, Aquarelle, Sloche, Contraction, etc... as played by the Swiss band Circus on the 'Movin' On' suite, with perhaps a touch of Picchio dal Pozzo's first album thrown into the blender. Flute, piano, bass, keys, guitar, French vocals, and insane drumming are the base ingredients. Nothing sits still for more than 5 seconds, and there are dozens of ideas going on at any one time. And yet it remains incredibly melodic throughout. There are no loose improvisations, or experimental noise bits to wait out. The whole album is composed to the last note, and yet it is kinetic, exciting, and exhilarating throughout! 'Il Était Magicien' is the album's best track, but there's isn't a weak moment to be found here. A true masterpiece, and one of my all time favorite albums.
Ownership:
1976 Celebration (LP). Acquired in 1994.
1989 Aller Retour (CD). Acquired in 1990.
1990; 1994; 6/5/09; 1/5/15 (review)
1990; 1994; 6/5/09; 1/5/15 (review)
1/5/15 (new entry)
No comments:
Post a Comment