GAMME

Gamme was delivered shortly before the arrival of compact discs. Unavoidably constrained by the physical limitations of vinyl, it duly lasts no more than 41 minutes. Which is altogether a crying shame because it is simply terrific throughout.

Let's get somewhat controversial. I enjoy Cinquieme Saison by Harmonium, but I'm not sure it isn't grossly overrated on this site - indeed, I would contend that its successor, L'heptade, is itself much better overall. In any event, however, I find Gamme to be much more consistently enjoyable than either of the aforementioned - it's just a real treat to listen to from start to finish. (Which, in my opinion, is definitely more than can be said for some of the CDs currently sitting in PA's "top 50 albums of all time"!)

I couldn't hope to emulate, let alone rival, the beautifully descriptive passages to be found in Tszirmay's splendid 2014 review, so I won't even try. Every word therein remains valid.

This is an overlooked gem, and one that deserves a much higher rating overall. If you can live with your conscience as regards the ultimate destination of any investment, I note that it currently remains accessible via any number of mp3 music websites of spurious legality.