LA CLEF DES SONGES

This is a truly enjoyable album. All of the beauty and power of the traditional French groups of the era, plus a bit more melody in the softer/English styling. There's been so much written about this from other proggers, I won't go into detail, but there is just something very unique here that transcends what one might expect. Yes, wonderful French language sung beautifully, great string (non mellotron I think) backing to fine percussion/bass work, but the guitar - that's the key here. It's more in the American/English style. Which, in my opinion, gives the strength to this type of music that is lacking in some other efforts.

In fact the only complaint I have is the added tracks - poorly recorded "live" performances. The performances seem fine, but the quality is unacceptable - so the answer - don't listen to them. I wish there were no added tracks on most of these re releases, as they just tend to detract from the listening experience - again, just my opinion.

So, overall this is what the 70's era French progressive rock is all about.

Buy this one - got mine from the wonderful Greg Walker - Syn-Phonic Music site.