BABEL

Released in 1978 this is COS' third album. Some interesting guests including ZAO's Francois Cahen and PAZOP's Dick Bogaert among others. I like what Cesar Montesano had to say about this album. "Aptly titled, this album intercepts genres and melds them together cohesively with reckless abandon for the purpose of pure pleasure. What ends up being most prevelant in here is that many parts of the psyche are fed simultaneously". Pascale Son once again shines with her vocal prowess and those bands like MAGMA, CAN, HENRY COW, ZAO and SOFT MACHINE who inspired them can still be heard through their own unique style.

"Babel" opens with Pascale offering up some vocal expressions as male vocal melodies also come and go as the music builds. It kicks in at 1/2 minutes and we get some flute too. Love the guitar and vocal melodies together after 2 1/2 minutes. Piano then leads with some killer drum work. "Good Wind" is led by bass, guitar, flute and a beat early on then the guitar takes over. "Cha Cha Cha" has a light beat as sounds come and go including yelling.Vocal expressions from Pascale 1 1/2 minutes in including singing. Flute 2 1/2 minutes in then she's back. What a performance from Pascale as she even hits a double high F on here. "Mein Maschine Ist Schon" opens with light sounds and the mood is also light.Vocals join in at a minute. Farfisa organ takes the lead as the beat continues.Vocal melodies take over and lead. How good is this ! Sax before 7 minutes. "Sors Ton Petard Johnny (Get Your Gun Johnny)" is based on strong uneven rhythms. I like the piano and Pascale's vocals as she puts on a show. Catchy stuff and there is a Zeuhl flavour here.

"Oostend, Oostend" sounds amazing and I love the keyboards. Organ before 2 minutes followed by samples. Cool track. "Greeneldo" has a good beat as vocals join in. A toe tapper this one. Drums and organ to the fore after 3 minutes when the vocals stop.They're back 4 1/2 minutes in and they will come and go. Guitar 8 minutes in joins the relentless vocal melodies and drums. Keys then lead then sax is back before 10 1/2 minutes. Guitar too.Vocal melodies after 12 1/2 minutes as sax and drums continue.

While this may not be as good as their first two albums this is a very solid 4 stars record for me. I'm very proud to own this one.