HONG KONG

I am not a big fan of Jean-Michel Jarre, or of electronic music in general, but this live album took me by surprise. Compared to his studio albums, and some other live albums of his, Hong Kong is a bit more towards the Rock side. By no means all the way, but the presence of something like a "band" backing him up, Jarre's music tends to be less sterile here. Electric guitar and a real Rock drum kit is featured here alongside the expected synthesisers and programmed rhythms. Some non-electronic keyboards are used and some parts are even downright "symphonic" with choir-like sounds.

The always welcome hit Oxygene Part 4 remains faithful to its original version, but Equinoxe Part 4 is tastefully embellished with lead guitar; easily the best version of this familiar piece of electronic Pop that I've heard (and ever likely to hear). In general, I enjoy Jarre's more melodic numbers--Magnetic Fields 2 is another one of those (not unlike something from Rick Wakeman)--but I don't care much for bleak soundscapes or experiments in sound which are just transportation to my ears. There is some of that here as well, but also several highlights.

The most interesting release I've heard from Jarre

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