Magma - ER

chalkpie · 02-11-2014

Dusted off this sucker for the commute. I definitely like it, maybe even love it, but don't think it will be in the realm of the masterpieces. I do also have my usual gripe about the production of this album of course. Sounds like one mic in the middle of the studio a la Coltrane or something. I dunno, I think this music would have even a greater impact if he went with different production values a la more modern perhaps? Lose the small kit too, and start banging on a REAL rock kit, sir. Go borrow Motley Crues or Alex Van Halen's. I love warm Gretch kits when I'm listening to Tony Williams, Paul Motian, etc. but this music is orchestral in nature and should be treated as such IMO, and not just in the percussion. The bass is mushy too - such killer playing and it never reveals its true ferocity. I've said this before - have SW engineer this music - not that he is deity of deities - but it would turn some heads. Maybe even convert some Magma fans. Playing is spectacular of course, and CV is a monster god on the kit.

**battema** · 02-11-2014

For me the version of ER from the Mythes III DVD is the best. Widemann on synths is a monster and there's more fire to the performance (IMHO).

chalkpie · 02-11-2014

Originally Posted by battema

For me the version of ER from the Mythes III DVD is the best. Widemann on synths is a monster and there's more fire to the performance (IMHO).

Don't have it. There is no doubt I would like it more.

**Udi Koomran** · 02-12-2014

I don't care for ER (well not even KA and I know that is spells blasphemy here ) but the followup Félicité Thösz regained my faith
Frankie what do you think of Floe Essi ? Ektah I adore that one !!

**Scrotum Scissor** · 02-12-2014

I like it, but not nearly as much as I do K.A - and I still haven't heard the latest one.

I agree that the rather intimate "jazz-ensemble" production context isn't necessarily the best way of filtering this music, though.

**jupiter0rjapan** · 02-12-2014

Not the best production, but I really love that album. Live versions of Magma albums are always better imo.

**battema** · 02-12-2014

Originally Posted by chalkpie

Don't have it. There is no doubt I would like it more.

Do yerself a favor and put some coin towards that DVD. It is an amazing set, start to finish

**Dana5140** · 02-12-2014

I love this wholeheartedly. When I put on headphones and turn it way up, the drums are beyond belief. And yes, get the DVDs or at least watch the youtube clips of them.

chalkpie · 02-12-2014

Originally Posted by Udi Koomran

Frankie what do you think of Floe Essi ? Ektah I adore that one !!

Flo and Eddie? I don't have that one.

Seriously, I don't know what you are referring to...album or tune(s)? I don't know the names of most of their stuff.

**battema** · 02-12-2014

Before K.A. came out, there was a single with some new Magma tunes: Floe Essi and Ektah. I think you can get it off iTunes nowadays...

chalkpie · 02-12-2014

Originally Posted by Dana5140

I love this wholeheartedly. When I put on headphones and turn it way up, the drums are beyond belief. And yes, get the DVDs or at least watch the youtube clips of them.

That's cool. Obviously CV approves since his heart and soul went into these projects. I guess my idea of how these albums (KA, ER) should be produced/engineered/mastered is different than his, but I think we both have some valid points.

Musically speaking, consider me a huge fan of most of their stuff. At the end of the day, the Trianon Trilogie is still the holy grail for me, maybe along with Hhai/Live and BBC London '74.

chalkpie · 02-12-2014

Originally Posted by battema

Before K.A. came out, there was a single with some new Magma tunes: Floe Essi and Ektah. I think you can get it off iTunes nowadays...

Wow - had no idea. I'll investigate - danka.

**battema** · 02-12-2014

Originally Posted by chalkpie

Wow - had no idea. I'll investigate - danka.

We're Amuricans, man...why do work yourself when someone else can do it for you: http://www.rermegacorp.com/mm5/merch...&Store_Code=RM

**battema** · 02-12-2014

Slightly drifting off topic, but I am hoping that the planned studio version of Slag Tanz is less reserved and more like the live renditions, unlike the studio ER.

The Slag Tanz on Mythes V is wonderfully powerful IMHO.

**selfextraction** · 02-12-2014

I agree with everyone about the productions. I think the Epok DVD's are their best sounding stuff ever. I do think the last one, Felicite, sounded better than ER so I hope Slag Tanz will at the very least sound as good as that one.

**mellotron storm** · 02-12-2014

I hope you don't mind me asking this Chalkpie but I noticed Wayside has those two Vander/Top live releases available from 1976. It's really Magma apparently but under those two guys names, but i'm wondering how good these are.

**Dana5140** · 02-12-2014

The VanderTop releases are raw and not all that well recorded, but are intense and well worth having.

**Udi Koomran** · 02-12-2014

I love Ektah
I think it was first played by Offering tight ?

**Dana5140** · 02-13-2014

I honestly don't know, Udi. In all the live tapes and stuff I have, I have no version of this ever played live. I do have a copy of the disc, though, signed by CV.

**Udi Koomran** · 02-13-2014

Dana I think it has a different title ...
I need to check it

**zeprogmeister** · 02-13-2014

Are the Offering cds still in print? I don't see them available from the usual prog vendors.

**Udi Koomran** · 02-14-2014

http://www.seventhrecords.com/CVANDE...doffering.html

**Scrotum Scissor** · 02-14-2014

Originally Posted by mellotron storm

I hope you don't mind me asking this Chalkpie but I noticed Wayside has those two Vander/Top live releases available from 1976. It's really Magma apparently but under those two guys names, but i'm wondering how good these are.

Good, but not as overwhelmingly awesome as the Utopic Sporadic Orch, Jannik Top's very own zeuhl project.