MONTRÉAL, 6AM

A few changes for Maneige - who had a relatively stable line-up as only original leader Jérome Langlois had left prior to this album and was not replaced - most notably a label change from the international Polydor to the local Trans-Canada , and a change of drummer with Gilles Schetagne having left. Using an old, over a rather weird and ugly artwork, this record was recorded at Quebec's most in-demand Morin Heights studio.

One of the most notable change, is that only one track exceeds 5 minutes (the superb finale), the rest of them being inferior to 4 minutes, the general Maneige spirit is respected, alternating between JR/F and more symphonic rock. Among the highlights one the first side of the album are Où-çà? and Popozoff , which surprises us by its energetic symphonic twist. On the second side, opening on the excellent Invitée De La Nuit, but closing on the very worthy slow-developing finale Cerveau Lent is definitely the high point of the album.

Still quite a worthy (almost classic) Maneige album, this album should one day see a Cd re- issue as well as the poorer follow-up Images. But you should nothave much trouble finding the album on vinyl for a reasonable price. However, importing it from Canada through the post ... comes cheaper to get it yourself and bring it back in your luggage. Still definitely worth the investigation, the investment and the regular spin on your turntable.

MANEIGE without a doubt were one of the best 70's bands to come out of Quebec. Most put them in the OPUS- 5/SLOCHE camp but I personally prefer both of those bands to MANEIGE. It's that flute/piano led classical style from their first couple of albums that are just too good for this middle class average Joe. Fancy music, and while I don't drink I'm pretty sure champaigne or expensive wine is a must for the upper class to really enjoy this band. Honestly I'd rather roll one and listen to BUDGIE so what can I say? It's why the ECM label is so difficult for me.

When Jerome Langlois left after the second album "Les Porches" the band started to steer away from that classical direction they were on to more of a jazz style. It's interesting that Jerome's brother Vincent who basically added percussion on the first two records as a second drummer, played horns on "Ni Vent...Ni Nouvelle" their third record, then he's the keyboard guy on the fourth and fifth records.

"Montreal, 6am" is that fifth album and there's a noticeable drop in the quality of music. Released in 1980 this album has never been re-issued which says a lot considering that the first four have all been. Still, this album grew on me, to sounding very pedestrian at first to actually having an appreciation for the second half of the recording. My top three tracks are all on the second side of the album. I like the energy and and power on both "L'invitee De La Nuit" and "Echec Et Mat" but the closer Cerveau Lent" is my favourite and it's different with the synths, samples early on.

A tough one to get a hold of and really is it worth it anyways. Stick with the first four, but I would grab this if available, but not their final album where it all went to pot.