RÉIMPRESSION 72-76

"Réimpression" is wrongly titled since it means reprinted and this one is out of print for a very long time. It has never been converted to the CD format since later compilation will make this one obsolete. Well, almost.

This compilation was released to commemorate the hundreth anniversary of the invention of the record (1877) thanks to the phonograph invented by Tomas Edison. Ten years later, Emile Berliner (Germany) will produce the first gramophones. Many thanks to both of you gentleman. What would have been our world without you ?

I have said almost in my introduction. This compilation holds two single tracks released in 1972 and that have not been included in their wonderful debut album "Caricatures".

"Tout Feu Tout Tout Flamme" is anything but a simple song as one might have expected for a single. This is a brilliant Ange song, full of poetry and with an extraordinary chorus. Bombastic as they could sound in those days. Great keys as well. The second one "Le Vieux De La Montagne" is even more poignant. Scary and Crimsonesque at times, very subtle and symphonic at others. Great lyrics as well (but this is the case most of the time in Ange's songs). It is a mystery how at least one of these numbers has not made their debut album.

Ange will release a newer version of "Tout Feu Tout Tout Flamme" in 1987 (actually it will be the title track of an album). It will be released as well on another compilation "Vagabondages" in the old version (and my preferred one). As far as "Le Vieux De La Montagne" is concerned, Ange will release a live version in their excellent live album "Un P'tit Tour Et Puis S'en Vont" released in ...1995. So, there is a way to get them. They are really worthfull.

Since Ange have already released five studio albums by the time of this compilation, we'll fly over each of them. Remember this was a single vinyl album.

Due to the format of the two best songs from "Caricatures", the title track (almost thirteen minutes) and "Dignité" (almost ten) won't make this compil. But I would have preferred to get "Tels Quels" instead of "Le Soir du Diable" which was one of the weakest number.

From "Le Cimetière Des Arlequins", we'll get the title track which is an excellent choice. It was by far the best Ange track on this album. The other one being their cover for "Ces Gens Là" from "Le Grand Jacques".

Surprisingly enough, one of their best albums won't be featured. No songs from "Au Delà Du Délire" on an early Ange compil is IMO a big mistake.

Again, from "Emile Jacotey", we'll get the best two numbers : "Ode À Emile" and "Sur La Trace Des Fées". Two songs during which the main character, Emile, will introduce the song. Excellent choice. As for "Des Yeux Couleur d'Enfants" from "Par Les Fils De Mandrin".

It closes this first Ange compilation which is of course not essential (they will release better ones later) but is a nice intantaneous of their early years. But to have skipped "Au-Delà...".

Three stars.