Popera Cosmic – s/t. 1969. I’ve seen the album listed as “Les Enclaves”, but since I don’t have the LP, I can’t verify. I’ve had this on cassette forever, and totally forgot about it until recently. This is a very early William Sheller effort, and is pretty close to an exploitation album (there’s even a cover of ‘Batman’ for crying out loud!). But it can’t be written off so easily, as there are many experimental, avant garde, and flat out interesting rock segments that are way ahead its time for 1969. Also sung in French which was still unusual for the rock scene in those days. I actually think this would do well in the reissue market - especially with DJs who love to sample vintage sounds.
Alice – Arretez le Monde. 1971. I had totally forgotten about this French release. I had it on LP for a few years and finally decided to move it out. It was a difficult decision, mainly because the gatefold cover is so cool - and the feel of it reminds me of Sandrose’s sole album. That was well over 10 years ago. So hearing this again was fun. And also reminded me why I did ultimately not hold onto it. It’s by no means a bad album, but Alice were a French pop band exploring with orchestrations and other trendy “progressive” ideas. In that way, they remind me of the Italian groups doing similar like Delirium’s “Dolce Acqua” or The New Trolls “Concerto Grosso No. 1″. When Alice are strictly instrumental, they can be highly fascinating, and utilize a multitude of instruments (even mellotron). But they are pop singer songwriters at heart, and those moments are pretty hard to stomach, unless you’re a fan of said style. Would be a great choice for a Japanese mini-LP.
Pantin – Welcome to the Palace. 1977. Now here’s a strange one from France. “The Palace” refers to an old train station. Two side long brooding electronic pieces with piano dominating are what Pantin are about. Very slow moving but does crescendo towards the end making the investment of time worth it. Not sure what the label executives at EMI were thinking here, as this one has no commercial potential. Far too experimental for that. And the cover of an electric guitar has to be one of the most misleading ever. Underground heads take note.