ARMES & CYCLES

3.5 stars. "Armes & Cycles" is Albert Macouer's third studio album and probably my favourite. Released in 1979 I was surprised that he decided to record this at a different studio than his first two. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised when the studio in question is run by Laurent Thibault who recorded and mixed this album. And hey! Laurent's wife Jacqueline is playing organ on here! She also goes by the name Laurence Vanay and released two strong albums in the seventies.

Album number three from 1979 continues with the humour and style of the first two records, but this might be more accessible to my ears. It's not until that final track of side one though that I'm nodding in approval. I like the intricate sounds and harmonies on it as well as almost spoken words. A guitar solo before 2 minutes and a determined sound make this the first highlight for me on the album.

"Son Sac" might be the best though with the catchy sound and strummed guitar. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes and some depth too, and that final 1 1/2 minutes is the best part of the album. And it's the longest song at almost 6 1/2 minutes. The closer would round out my top three. It's a nice sounding piece with contrasts. Beautiful guitar and relaxed vocals. Not very avant.

Albert is such a talented and uncompromising artist, but he sure isn't for everybody. For me this is his high water mark although I really like the one that follows this too. And I think it's funny that he's brought his two brothers back again and it seems like with each release they are given more responsibility(haha).