Maneige ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Live Montreal 1974 / 1975 (1998)

Continuing on with albums in my collection I haven't heard since acquiring them, comes Maneige's Live Montreal archival release. The 18 minute 'La Rafiot' was recorded in 1974 and later showed up on their debut album. I'm not familiar enough with that album to know how much they deviated from the studio version (though I own it). It does get loose in places, and I recall that from the album proper as well. The whopper track here is the 29 minute 'La Balloune', recorded in 1975, which appears to be a unique composition. It's very well possible that portions of this song appeared on their first two albums, but again I'm not well versed enough in either to know if that's true. Again there's a looseness here, though with a rockier edge primarily due to the psychedelic infused guitar. The final seven plus minute track is from the same session as the opener and is very similar. At this stage of their career, Maneige are a mix of classical, jazz, and progressive rock. Improvisation is a key characteristic, all built around structured themes.

Ownership: 1998 Fonovox (CD). Tri-fold digipak. Booklet has liner notes primarily en français. Acquired in 1999. Downsized in 2026.

1999; 8/11/25 (review)
 

Les Porches (1975)

The sophomore effort from Quebec's finest prog band starts off in highbrow mode. Borderline chamber classical music, it maintains a certain beauty throughout. As the title track progresses, it slowly introduces rock elements. That which side 2 takes complete advantage of, and is a brilliant piece overall. Les Porches is a mostly instrumental mix of jazz fusion, classical, and prog rock, and represents the region's sound very well. A classic of its kind.

Ownership: 1975 Harvest (LP). Acquired in 1990.

1990; 12/31/07; 8/11/23 (review)

Montreal, 6 AM (1980)

Believe it or not, this is the first time I've heard this album, or at least a dedicated listen. For many years, general wisdom has it that Maneige's first four albums are all one needs, and they fell off a cliff after that. Well, I beg to differ. But it is different than its predecessors. Their first couple of albums are prog rock, and the next two are prog fusion, or what we used to call symphonic fusion. So it should come as no surprise that by 1980, the band had moved wholly into the jazz fusion space. There are no epics, but rather nine short and punchy instrumentals. No vocals and it certainly isn't pop music. It's a full six piece with flute, sax, guitar, keys, bass, and two percussionists. Essentially the same lineup as the recently reported Katamaran - Cafe Florian. I must've played each side three times back to back, something I rarely do anymore. The second side has a rougher edge, and honestly could have fit easily on Libre Service. Easy recommendation to fusion fans, but do expect it to be different than what came before it.

Ownership: 1980 Interim (LP). Interesting name for the label, as it ended up being self-defining, not lasting more than one year and eight LP's. Also worth noting that Maneige's first four albums all have at least 7 to 8 releases including reissues, and after that there's only the one original LP release. No reissues at all, and this would be a great title for CD enthusiasts. Acquired in 2022.

1/27/22 (review)

Libre Service (1978)

You gotta hang in there with this one, Maneige's 4th album. The album opens up with a funky chicken number, and that leads into a trendy Latin jazz rock piece, that isn't entirely convincing either (though I admit to liking it). 'Les Petoncles' seems to be heading into more funk, when the album shifts gears and features the rawest electric guitar soloing of the album. Now we're in business. 'La Belle et la Bête' is the kind of avant prog everyone likes, with its complex rhythms, strong melody line, and angular structures. I tend to group 'Bagdad' and 'Noemie' together, though they have nothing in common with each other, other than they are two snippets of songs that close the side. The former is a middle eastern styled number (surprise) and the latter a pensive introspective piano led closer. Side 2 is all aces. 'Celebration' recalls the charming Harmonium and that leads into the album's most progressive track 'La Noce', where one can hear the happy sounds of Spain's Gotic. 'Miro Vibro' closes in similar progressive rock fashion, and might be Libre Service's best song. Plenty of flute, tuned percussion, guitar, and complex compositions define this mature work. I'm not sure where the negativity is coming from here, though the inauspicious opening doesn't help. I would expect all serious raters to hear the whole thing, however.

True original LPs sport a different cover than the one presented. It's a Chevy Mist green color with two gas pumps and "thought clouds". I kind of like it myself, and have no idea why it was withdrawn. It's quite rare these days, and I've never owned one. 

The more known cover has the familiar food truck sitting near a motel, in a very depressing looking winter setting. I absolutely love this cover - one of my favorites, though not overtly striking of course. There does exist a "French only" version with a different font, and the label title only in Quebec's first language. Since it's instrumental, not quite sure why it matters and the titles remained in French anyway without translation on the "English" version. OK then.

Ownership: 1978 Polydor (LP). Acquired in 1992.

1992; 1994; 1996; 9/14/18 (review)

Ni Vent... Ni Nouvelle (1977)

Another band that needs no introduction here. Maneige had decidedly turned to a more fusion stance by this, their 3rd album. If pressed to name a favorite, I would probably pick this album, but the first four are fantastic, as is any live recording that was recorded during the mid 1970s. And speaking of which, the four live bonus tracks on the CD demonstrate that Maneige were far more unrestrained live than in the studio, and these tracks pack a punch.

Ownership: 
1977 Polydor (LP). Gatefold. On my "wall of albums". Acquired in 1993.

2010 Belle Antique (CD) Papersleeve with four bonus tracks. Acquired in 2011.

1993; 10/8/11 (review)

Also own: Maneige (1975); Les Porches Live

10/8/11 (new entry)

Frank Marino / Mahogany Rush ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Eye of the Storm (2000)

---Feb 2005

Whoa! Nice surprise this one is. I was expecting at best an attempt at his patented driving hard rock / Hendrix styled rock. What I didn’t foresee is a more progressive styled album. Eye of the Storm features some looooong space rock jams using Arabic scales – just like the old Krautrockers would do! You can hear this on the lengthy ten minute title track and even more so on the slightly longer ‘He’s Calling’. It isn’t until the 4th track, ‘Learned My Lesson Well’, that the What’s Next era Marino shows up. And that’s great too! This is followed by the 11 ½ minute ‘Heat of the Moment’ which recalls ‘Poppy’, my personal favorite Marino composition. Next is 'Windows to the World' which reminds me of ‘The Answer’ from Mahogany Rush IV (nice to see Frank reaching this far back into his repertoire). Another long cut, ‘Avalon’, also brings to mind the highly melodic ‘Poppy’ in addition to the jazzy instrumental ‘Tales of the Unexpected’ era. Believe it or not, I not only think this is a great album, but I think could very well be his best studio effort! Totally amazed by that.

---9/28/14

This really was a magnificent comeback for Frank Marino. Eye of the Storm arrived in 2000, 18 years after his last significant studio album Juggernaut (there were a couple of obscure efforts in between and one excellent live album). Perhaps what's most amazing about Eye of the Storm is that the album isn't a continuation of his more known hard rock style, but rather a further look back into his psychedelic past of the very early days of his career. Many of the tracks are quite lengthy: Four of them near or over the 10 minute mark with two more pushing eight each. The music at times goes off into a space rock direction, filled to the brim with Marino's amazing solo guitar talent. If you're familiar with the excellent 'Poppy' track from his live albums, then there's quite a bit of that style here. Only the straightforward, yet still excellent rocker 'Learned My Lesson Well' will recall the Marino of the 'What's Next' era.

As I write this review, we have yet to get a new album from Frank. If this is indeed his swan song, then he definitely went out on a high. Though possibly even better than this studio effort, is the 2004 ReaLLive album that just lays the concert hall to waste.

It's really too bad this album has fallen through the cracks, and few seem to have noticed. As I write this, it's #889 for 2001. Wow - that's really sad for an artist who has a legacy like Frank Marino - and this is one of his best albums ever! I do think its rediscovery is eventual - it's only a matter of time.

---8/18/24

For that last sentence, I said similar on my recent review of Tales of the Unexpected. And the album is now #1,606 for 2001, having lost half its ground. Over time, quality music transcends the trends of an era. Like evaluating a president, history will be the judge based on data, not emotion. I predict Frank Marino will be near the top when it's all said and done. I enjoyed another +1 listen, and it now resides in the highest tier of my world.

Ownership: 2001 Just A Minute (CD). Lyric booklet.

2//05 (acquired review); 9/28/14 (review #2); 8/18/24 (update)

World Anthem (1977)

Frank should be all the rage in today's musical world, not sure why he isn't. I was first introduced to Frank Marino at the point where Tales of the Unexpected was released. I really enjoyed that album and bought the others that were in print at the time - namely IV, Live, and this album (the first three were OOP back then). For whatever reason, World Anthem remains my least favorite of these albums (well, the first Live album isn't very good - especially compared to what he later released live). It's a transitional album from the IV release, which was an odd mix of hard blues, funk rock, and prog (?!). But World Anthem also harbors some of the more aggressive hard rock that Marino was to pursue on the smoking live side of Tales of the Unexpected. In the end, I've really warmed up to this album, after some 41 years of familiarity.

Ownership: 1977 Columbia (LP)

1979 (first acquired); 1//08; 8/28/16; 11/27/20 (review)

What's Next (1980)

Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush's 7th studio album is about as great as it can get when talking fast paced and bluesy hard rock guitar. 'You Got Livin'', 'Finish Line', 'Mona', and especially 'Something's Comin' Our Way' are jaw dropping in their execution and intensity, and represent the apex of Marino's original recordings. Not an entirely consistent album, though for hard blues fans, it's also difficult not to love 'Rock Me Baby' and 'Loved By You'. I'm not real fond of the Doors' cover 'Roadhouse Blues', primarily because it doesn't add anything new and lacks Marino's usual unique solo touch.

One of the all-time great hard rock albums - at times strikingly so.

Ownership: 1980 Columbia (LP); 2017 Rock Candy (CD). Liner notes from long time Kerrang writer Malcom Dome. Some photos and poster shots as well. 

1980 (acquired); 9/14/19 (review)

Full Circle (1986)

I bought this one when it came out, already a fully fledged Frank Marino fan. I was pretty disappointed at the time, but kept it all these years anyway. It's still probably his weakest effort objectively speaking, but there's some really good material here. In particular the opener and 'Had Enough', the latter recalling some of his best work, where he really lets loose on the instrument he's holding behind his head. 

Ownership: 1986 Grudge / Maze (LP)

1986 (acquired); 2004; 8/20/18 (review)

Tales of the Unexpected (1979)

A very interesting album that has aged well I think (heck - I bought the album when it came out - I was all of 14). 'Sister Change' is a killer psych funk track - a sound that didn't find its audience until 25 years later. The instrumental title track really is something unexpected. Half of it is smoldering psych fusion ala Mahavishnu John McLaughlin while the second half enters into 60s Les Paul / Grant Green lightly amplified jazz territory. 'All Along the Watchtower' is Marino covering Hendrix's version of the Dylan classic, so a bit superfluous I guess, but still great to hear Frank do it. 'Norwegian Wood' is the throwaway here. It's not a bad cover, but too far removed - and soft - for what makes Marino great (besides, it's only three minutes). As for Side 2 - well this is the classic Mahogany Rush side. Absolute killer hard blues rock as only Frank and the boys can do it. Blazing solos throughout. 'Woman' is just phenomenal. And the prototype for the amazing What's Next album.

Mark my words - the rediscovery of Frank Marino will one day happen, a great talent who is sadly way too unknown in these times. I might be 80 when it occurs.... but it will happen.

Ownership: 1979 Columbia (LP); 1990 Columbia (CD)

1979 (acquired); 1/7/15 (review)

Other albums I own and need to review: Maxoom; Child of the Novelty; Strange Universe; Mahogany Rush IV; The Power of Rock and Roll; Juggernaut; Double Live; Real Live!

1/7/15 (new entry)

Contrevent ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Terre de Feu (1993)

To provide context below, I first acquired the CD in 1996.

---Sep 2004

This is certainly better than I remembered! Excellent grooves with violin and guitar (with nice fuzz tone) providing the solos. Nice use of vibes and acoustic guitar too. Keyboards range from atmospheric electronics (excellent) to digital brassy interludes (negative). Rhythms are jazzy scattered with thundering bass (though the rare slapped bass makes me wince). For modern fusion prog, this is tough to beat. If Contrevent would have exploited their more rough edges (like the fuzz bass), this would be even better.

---5/24/24

Having absorbed the album twice last night for the time since (the 2019 listen below was not as focused - I happen to remember), I think I captured the sound pretty well. As the years pile up, I find myself gravitating more and more to these melodic jazz rock outings. On Terre de Feu, the melodies have a naive quality about them that I find endearing. Almost a nostalgic lookback to the late 60s and early 70s from that standpoint. Contrevent successfully brought back the Quebec all-stars of Maneige, Contraction, and Sloche.  Everything here is seamless, and the production a cut above for a private such as this. Contrevent's style was not a common sound in 1993, predicting the retro movement that was only a few years away. I find all the songs here enjoyable, but special mention goes to 'Le Miroir Des Yeux'. 

Ownership: 1993 CTV (CD)

1996 (first acquired); 9//04 (review); 12/26/19; 5/24/24 (update / new entry)

Hamadryad ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Conservation of Mass (2001)

I have quite a few albums in the collection that I'm most excited to hear - many of them I anticipate are better than I have them rated. This is yet another album I haven't heard since it first came out. So 22 years later we have our second visit. I'm much more familiar with their follow up effort Safe in Conformity. My notes for that state: "Hamadryad's second album primarily swirls around the mid 70s Genesis era of Trick of the Tail. There's the faux mellotron, familiar Collins-esque vocals, and Hackett styled guitar. There's also some muscular early 70s heavy prog in the Uriah Heep sense of the word. And the other diversion is about two-thirds of the way through, where they go all-in Rush but with a bit of prog metal thrown in. It's definitely a shoehorn, but it adds diversity on a continuous listen. Safe in Conformity is the kind of album that grows in stature with time, as it has done with me. A keeper."

On their debut, Hamadryad start with a heavier Rush like sound and move gradually over to Yes, rather than Genesis. It's a busy album with lots of time changes, harmonies, instrumentation, and a myriad of ideas. There's much to absorb here. I listened to it twice in a row, thus tripling my familiarity. Easy +1 listen and my self-prophesy of the album being higher rated than I originally had it was fulfilled.

Ownership: 2001 Unicorn (CD). Booklet filled with lyrics, recording details, and photos. Acquired in 2001.

2001; 12/23/23 (review)

Safe in Conformity (2005)

Hamadryad's second album primarily swirls around the mid 70s Genesis era of Trick of the Tail. There's the faux mellotron, familiar Collins-esque vocals, and Hackett styled guitar. There's also some muscular early 70s heavy prog in the Uriah Heep sense of the word. And the other diversion is about two-thirds of the way through, where they go all-in Rush but with a bit of prog metal thrown in. It's definitely a shoehorn, but it adds diversity on a continuous listen. Safe in Conformity is the kind of album that grows in stature with time, as it has done with me. 

Ownership: 2005 Unicorn (CD). Fold out cover with lyrics. Acquired in 2010.

8/28/10; 10/10/12; 10/29/17; 6/1/20 (review)

6/1/20 (new entry)

Ouba ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

"Freak Out" Total (1968)

With a subtitle of Freak Out Total, and the promise of a psychedelic instrumental tour-de-force, Ouba can only rate as a disappointment. Which is not the same thing as saying it isn't any good. For the time and place, it's a pretty fascinating record. Basically a rambling jam with organ, guitar, and a busy drummer (who manages to get in a four minute drum solo on a 26 minute album). There were a handful of these loose psychedelic groups out  there in the late 60s and early 70s, many of them tied to the sound library industry. Ugly Custard, Blue Phantom, Hungry Wolf, The Free Pop Electronic Concept, and Roland Kovac Set are but a few examples. But while those groups managed to break up their premise-of-songs, Ouba goes with one theme for the duration. In some ways it recalls Maquina's 'Why' instrumental, or even Beat of the Earth - but without the gravitas the latter brings. So a lot of groups to digest here, and Ouba is in that mix. Don't expect anything revelatory though.

Former ownership: 2001 Gear Fab (CD). Lengthy liner notes and interviews. Acquired in 2002. Downsized in 2026.

2002; 9/3/16; 8/13/20 (review / new entry)

Freedom North ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Freedom North (1970)

In what has to be a new precedent for the UMR, I first discovered this band via a 45 single. When I first heard 'Doctor Tom', by a band called Freedom of Choice, it was such a perfect fit for my Post Psych, Proto Prog with Female Vocals list, it could practically be the sound sample for the entire genre. So I promptly purchased the 45 (not expensive and from a local friend no less) and looked forward to promoting it here. And then... after a bit more research - discovered that Freedom of Choice was in fact the same band as Freedom North. And taking it even further than that, the 'Doctor Tom' cut was released simply under the name of Freedom. What? Discogs has it messed up - wrongly attributing Freedom of Choice as an alias verse an ANV (Alternate Name Variation). RYM has it listed under both names as well. Best guess here is the band was named Freedom and changed it Freedom North to avoid confusion with the more established English band at the time. In the US, the Wand label probably thought Freedom North was too "Canadian sounding" and went with Freedom of Choice. OK, once that all was sorted out, I found out that the Freedom of North album had been reissued on CD just recently - and with bonus cuts. Cool!

So here we are, and not all is lost on my 45 investment, as the 'Doctor Tom' is a slight variation on the LP version. The better news is the album itself is excellent. Right from the horn rockin' opener 'Ordinary Man' through to the psychedelic closer 'Vancouver' (the band were from Montreal incidentally), the album is filled with inventive tunes and excellent instrumentation. Freedom North are sailing way under the radar, and it's high time for them to get noticed.

Ownership: 2018 Unidisc (CD. Mini-LP sleeve. Feature four bonus tracks, though only two are noted on the back of the sleeve (the hype sticker has all 4 however). The first two tracks are from 45s, and the last two have no provenance. 

6/1/20 (acquired / review / new entry)

Champignons ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Premiere Capsule (1972)

Champignons were a band from the Montreal area, and who released this one album that is now much sought after by progressive rock aficionados. The LP starts off in an almost go-go 1960s way, with an energetic keyboard lead instrumental number. This is followed by a very slow, depressing, blues song with French vocals. J'ai eu le blues, j'ai eu le blues vraiment mauvais. There is some nice electric guitar work however to keep one's interest throughout. From track 3 on the first side to the conclusion of the record, it's all aces. The music becomes primarily instrumental while taking on a darker stance. The guitar has that ominous fuzz tone, and there's an underlying jazzy structure lead by the fine flute and sax work. For these excellent tracks I'm reminded of the Eden Rose / Sandrose family out of France, and the relative progression from one to the other. If Champignons were lead by a female vocalist, that would solidify the Sandrose comparison.

Worth noting that the band is Champignons, not Les Champignons. There's one place in the liner notes that refers to Les Champignons, and that's because it begins the sentence that way! As if to say "The Mushrooms...". In another section of the same liner notes it states "...les Champignons..." which is mid-sentence this time.

Ownership: 1972 Les Jeunes Artistes Associés (LP)

No CD reissue as of 9/6/25.

1994 (acquired); 2008; 1/4/19 (review / new entry)

Nebu ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Nebu (1978)

Low key, atmospheric smokey jazz with flute, piano, and standup bass. Gets experimental at times. Like Lloyd McNeill on a bad trip. Good one.

Ownership: 1978 Les Disques Cadence (LP)

12/29/16 (review / new entry)

Charlee ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Charlee (1972)

It's been often said that Frank Marino, at the dawn of his career, heavily copied Jimi Hendrix. More than likely, though, he was more influenced by fellow Montreal resident Walter Rossi and his band Charlee. Listen to the first 3 Mahogany Rush albums and compare to Charlee, which was recorded only a year earlier. Many parallels can be found. Frank eventually forged his own style and became one of the all-time great hard rock guitarists. No telling what Rossi could have achieved had he not chosen a career as a session musician. Excellent hard psych rock album.

Ownership: 1972 RCA (LP)

12/24/16 (new entry)

Opus 5 ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Serieux ou Pas (1977 / 1989)

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.

1990; 1/8/15 (review); 4/28/26 (update)

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: 

1976 Celebration (LP). Acquired in 1994.

1989 Aller Retour (CD). Acquired in 1990.

1990; 1994; 6/5/09; 1/5/15 (review)

1/5/15 (new entry)

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)

Vos Voisins ~ Canada ~ Montreal, Quebec

Vos Voisins (1971)

Vos Voisins is a really good example of heavy organ and blues based progressive rock. This seemed to be a somewhat popular breed of music in Quebec in the early 1970s, and can also be found in other fine groups such as Champignons or Dionysos. Some wonderful fat guitar leads too. High quality French vocals as well. A couple of the tracks are piano lead introspective numbers. Best song, in my opinion, is 'Le Monstre de la Main'.

---5/28/26

Looks like I never covered off on the 45 that was appended as bonus tracks to the CD. The first side is, naturally enough, more commercially pleasing in nature. The second side, however, has some wonderful freaky psychedelic interludes. Worthy of obtaining on its own, I'd submit.

Ownership: 

1971 Polydor (LP). Acquired in 2021. 

2011 ProgQuebec (CD). Features two bonus tracks, liner notes, and photos. Acquired in 2011.

First copy: 1977 Polydor (LP). Acquired in 1994. 

It's a recent revelation that the alternate cover comes from 1977. As the story goes, the original "wanted poster" rendition had to be pulled, due to Polydor not receiving permission from the Allo Police tabloid to use their logo.

1994; 1/20/11 (review); 11/13/11 (update / new entry); 2/11/23; 5/28/26 (update)