LE RAT DÉBILE ET L'HOMME DES CHAMPS

This is the third of five superb albums in a row by Catherine Ribeiro and Alpes. Don't let the front cover put you off - it sounds nothing at all like it looks! If it wasn't for the 'Nurse With Wound' list I'd never have discovered this (or Magma, Franco Battiato and Taj Mahal Travellers come to think of it). Ribeiro has an astounding voice that sounds powerful in a Lisa Gerrard from 'Dead Can Dance' kind of way. Edith Piaf similarities are inevitable.

The band Alpes have a distinctive way of playing, sounding quite dark and sombre which suits Ribeiro's voice perfectly. All their albums sound very European. You'd never hear an album like this originating from the USA. It's really difficult finding any info. or footage of them in the 70's on 'You Tube' when they were undoubtedly at their peak, which is a shame. Anyway, this is a great album and well worthy of four stars