ALMANACH

As we all know, there are some progressive subgenres that strongly require a minimum knowledge of the languages they are sung in, and Malicorne's music is a case at stake. In order to fully appreciate the beauty of traditional songs like "Le luneux" (note the pathos of a blind girl's narrative of her life) or the piquancy, tongue-in-cheek humour, even the hidden symbolisms of a song like "La fille au cresson", the best is to arm yourself with a good French dictionary (and of course, an elementary knowledge of the French language), as well as plenty of time, patience and an open mind, to let grow on you the incredible synergy of musicianship, poetry and true respect for tradition that Malicorne undoubtedly stands for in the scene not only of French folk-prog, but in the whole realm of progressive music. ALMANACH is a must for every good-natured, well-meaning prog listener, hence the five-star rating that this classic deserves.