This is honestly the only Ange album I like from start to finish. Solid record.
This is honestly the only Ange album I like from start to finish. Solid record.
The Prog Corner
Like you wrote, it's like they evolved at the same time in parallel universes. I discovered Genesis after Ange and thought exactly that. Although the electric guitar is often more present in Ange's sound than in Genesis', Jean-Michel Brézovar was not a leading force in the band. And yes, the end of "Exode" is great - the combination of the rythm section, the cosmic organ/mellotron sound and the guitar is gorgeous.
Think I'll play Au-Delà Du Délire later tonight. Loudly.
Hired on to work for Mr. Bill Cox, a-fixin' lawn mowers and what-not, since 1964.
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imho their BEST !
The script ( in french ) of the original story .. ( yes it's a concept album ..)
"En 1358, Godevin des Alouettes, avec sa femme Céline et leurs deux enfants, Petit Pierre et Églantine. Godevin était vilain de son état et travaillait pour le compte du baron Henri de Valeran. Un jour, Godevin rencontre Isaac, un vieil alchimiste vivant dans la forêt. Godevin lui fit part de sa condition. Isaac lui enseigna une partie de sa connaissance. Lorsque Godevin revint au hameau, il était décidé a devenir un homme libre. Il parla à ses compagnons et décida de fomenter une révolte. Celle-ci fut très vite réprimée par la noblesse. Le baron, intrigué par le nouveau comportement de Godevin, l'invita au château afin de le soudoyer. Refusant de livrer son secret, Godevin sera condamné a être brûlé en tant qu'hérétique. Son corps est détruit par les flammes, mais son 'moi' spirituel rejoint le cosmos. Il y parfait sa connaissance en observant la désintégration complète de la race humaine et de ce qu'elle a construit; désintégration consécutive à la bêtise qui n'a cessé de grandir au cours des siècles. Godevin, durant toute cette période spirituelle a compris l'ensemble des choses et au 25ème siècle, il se réintègre sous sa forme humaine, sur une terre revenue a son origine. La végétation et les animaux sont là, comme au commencement des temps, mais il n'y a plus d'humains ... Godevin rencontrera une biche, qui peu a peu se transformera en femme, ayant les traits de Céline. "
Just played the other day, great album, love the thoughts that went into the mixing
"Always ready with the ray of sunshine"
It is as crazy as any album/song concept that comes from Christian's mind... and it works, in its own way. The narrative aspect doesn't get in the way of the musical aspect. The songs have their own lives, one can enjoy them without thinking of the story. The balance of music and words is really fine on this album.
Interesting. I ran it through Google Translate, which gave me a clumsy but understandable translation. I heard somewhere that Ange was big on basing their music on French folklore, and this story certainly qualifies. Actually, this story does seem reminiscent of some of Gabriel's wacky stuff, thus lending more credence to the "parallel universe version of Genesis" (and, I repeat, by no means a clone, or even derivative of their sound)The script ( in french ) of the original story .. ( yes it's a concept album ..)
Both Au-delà du Délire and Emile Jacotey were based on references to medieval folklore, Au-Delà... being the most obvious. The whole universe of Ange lyrics features fictional figures based on different areas of folklore and mythology (storytellers, peasants, sorcerers, clowns, poets, gypsies, magicians, alcoholic acrobats and captains, narcissistic kings, sheperds, jesters, harlequins, lonely people, cosmic travellers, people on the edge of madness, etc.).
This kind of folklore is not unknown to classic prog lovers (and to prog bashers of course). In the case of Christian's lyrics these themes are woven into a special kind of surrealistic poetry and weird sense of humour. The stories often feature characters who are faced with some kind of darkness and transcend it in some way (often in a weird way !).
There is often a grounded, realistic aspect that counterbalances the magical / fairytale aspects. Recent Ange lyrics feature more explicit references to (and criticism of) the current state of society, all being still delivered through a poetic and surrealistic filter.
Last edited by Interstellar; 10-08-2014 at 05:24 PM.
It really does them a disservice, maybe in my case I was expecting something different
Much harder, far less pastoral
For me, they are one those bands I "should" like but it jut doesn't have it for me
I've collected their "best" and every so often I'll try again, the thread got me to revisit this one last night
Seems it's the vocals that for whatever reason I can't seem to get past
Others I respect think it's classic so I'm sure it's me
Progs answer to Dan Quayle
Disgusting is fair!
BG
"When Yes appeared on stage, it was like, the gods appearing from the heavens, deigning to play in front of the people."
Genesis are indeed much softer. Ange flirt with hard rock and their lyrics go to darker places.
Regarding the vocals, I think Christian Décamps has really aged well as a singer. When I listen to the old records, I still love his vocals but he has a more nuanced, mature way of singing now. The vocals on the 70s records sound a bit forced in comparison.
Quintessential French symph. I think I have all of their '70s albums, and this is probably the one I enjoy the most. I also really like the two previous albums, which are more psych-sounding. Love Ange's string synth sound. I haven't listened to this band in a long while, I think it's probably time to break them out again.
If this band, this brilliant record, can't get more than 10 people on this place discussing about it, there's no hope. Now really, is there something deterring people from appreciating French prog? This - and Cimetiere - is an outstanding masterpiece of our music. What's wrong?
Hurtleturtled Out of Heaven - an electronic music composition, on CD and vinyl
https://michaelpdawson.bandcamp.com
http://www.waysidemusic.com/Music-Pr...MCD-spc-7.aspx
I'm a fan. I think certain songs and sections of songs on this album and Cimetiere hold the seeds for where Van der Graaf went with Godbluff and Still Life. The raw, stripped down style with repetitions and build-ups.
And before the Prawg Police come after me, no, I am not suggesting Hammill ripped them off. I just clearly hear similarities in some of the work on these Ange albums and what was to come stylistically for Van der Graaf a couple years later.
Ange is the best French prog band ever !
(And now for a little lesson of the French language, regarding the album’s title and this thread title: We Do Not Capitalize Words In Titles ! Believe me, it looks ugly to a French reader. Also, accents are essential. So the correct title is: Au-delà du délire. Thank you)
Wonderful record from an excellent band! Their latest release "Happy" is also solid and excellent. Lot of great things in their catalogue if you ignore 1982-1992.
You know what? I've never listened to anything by Ange.
I need to correct that, starting today.
My favourite Ange album.
My progressive music site: https://pienemmatpurot.com/ Reviews in English: https://pienemmatpurot.com/in-english/
Hurtleturtled Out of Heaven - an electronic music composition, on CD and vinyl
https://michaelpdawson.bandcamp.com
http://www.waysidemusic.com/Music-Pr...MCD-spc-7.aspx
Busted this out. I like it.
If it isn't Krautrock, it's krap.
"And it's only the giving
That makes you what you are" - Ian Anderson
solid record from a band with many solid records.
"Angels die, redemption rages
The age of man on an empty page
And chances are
This will save your soul or break it forever "
Love this one but still prefer the '95 live Version of the whole album (played by the classic Lineup)
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