Harmonium - Les Cinq Saisons. 1975 Canada

Harmonium's second work is quite simply one of the most beautiful albums ever made. Though almost entirely acoustic, save some electric bass and mellotron, it never occurs to me to label this album anything but progressive rock. One would presume it to be part of the multiple folk genres out there, and yet the compositions are complex and they unravel similar to our favorite bands in the progressive genre. As most folks will point out, the only blemish is the short 'Dixie'. It's not a bad track at all honestly, but it doesn't fit the mood of the album. One listen to the opus 'Histoires sans Paroles' should hook you on Les Cinq Saisons for life.

Ownership: LP: 1975 Celebration. Gatefold. Acquired brand new at - once again - VVV Records in Dallas (1988). You would be hard pressed to find an album that better represents the contents within than the gorgeous gatefold of Les Cing Saisons. It also comes with a fold out lyric insert. Really a great package overall. It was also a tremendously popular album in Quebec, so originals are still affordable to this day. As such, if you are looking to build out an original progressive rock LP collection, this should be one of your first purchases. 

CD: 1991 Polydor. Jewel case. All the CDs are pretty basic (and it's been repressed many times), but gets the job done, taken from masters, and include the original lyrics and artwork.

1//88; 10/11/19 (new entry)