Ergo Sum arrived onto the Parisian scene (though their roots were in Aix-en-Provence) at a time when rock music in France was not much more than an extension of what was happening across the channel in London (exempting, of course, the juggernaut of creativity that was both Magma and Catherine Ribeiro). Recorded and released in 1971, Ergo Sum offer up one of France’s earliest progressive rock experiences, and is easily on par with others from that period like Sandrose, Eden Rose, Alain Markusfeld, Travelling, Ame Son, etc… Before Ange brought national pride back, English was still the lingua franca of French rock music, and Ergo Sum’s Lionel Ledissez (who appropriately enough grew up in Mexico) had truly one of the most unique voices to ever grace a record. Somewhere between Family’s Roger Chapman and a road rage Champs-Elysees taxi driver, his guttural delivery will scare even the most hip modern black metal fan. The music is all delivered at a relaxed pace, with some incredible guitar, flute, piano and violin work. Along with Family, it’s obvious they were fairly informed of what Traffic and East of Eden were doing in those days. The compositions are uniformly strong, and they allow the music to slowly simmer, as albums from that era tend to do. Bonus tracks on the Musea CD are not mere throw-ins either. The superb 'All’s So Cosmic', one of the highlights of the Puissance 13+2 anthology, is included as well as both sides of a musically relevant 45 rpm. In all, Mexico will take many listens to absorb, but the rewards are great for the patient.
Personal collection
CD: 1992 Musea
Worth noting that the Musea CD reversed the original order, deciding to start with the B side. Original LPs are quite rare,and I wouldn't mind having one myself. I consider this an historically important record. The album has been well served in the reissue market, with quality labels behind the scenes.
Last listen: May 31, 2016
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