FLUVIAL

Another crazy French person. Catherine Jauniaux produced this album which is full of incongruities and bafflement that makes no sense whatsoever. That's why I love the French. They have so many insane bands. The Germans had the Krautrock thing, the Italians had 12 guys in their prog bands, The Brits had that more polished commercial thing going on - and the French.... the French... they were just mental. I have a list as long as my arm of the amount of bizarre and wacky musicians from this country. For example if you're after something completely off the wall try: Albert Marcouer, Etron Fou le Loublan, Ghedelia Tezartes, Jacques Berrocal, Philippe Besombes, Birgé Gorgé Shiroc, Theatre du Chene Noir, Pierre Henry, Jean-Pierre Massiera, Horde Catalytique Pour La Fin. The list goes on and on...

'Fluvial' is an album which is at once all over the place but at the same time pleasant listening. It's made up of vocal experiments with the help of eight musicians. You'd never think it though. All you can hear is Jauniaux's crazy vocals. Tuneless vocals at that. This is all highly experimental stuff that will not appeal to many. 'Doreso Trei Babys' sounds like a World War II night-time party in Vichy France circa 1943. 'Copul's Humus' like a red indian squaw get together round a fire by a wigwam.

Plinky plonky percussion plays a big part. It's well recorded and decently put together, but I just can't see this appealing to many people, despite the multitude of instruments used.

Each time I hear this I'm drawn to the stand out track 'Origine Des Femmes'. This just defies description. Bouncy vocals and springy bass are interspersed with strange violins and high pitched 'Bowie- Laughing Gnome' backing tracks. I wish I knew what she was saying. She sounds so pretty. It makes no sense but sounds so friendly and warm.

There's a lot going on here if you can get by the queer vocals. For instance, there's bursts of African percussion involved like finger pianos and bongos. Come to think of it - there's a whole lot of shakers, tablas, tambourines and all sorts of paraphernalia including reversed vocals that I was never aware of before. All of a sudden things go electronic with 'A Devine Image' with blaring trumpets and clashing cymbals mixed in with some strange sequencer. Truly bizarre and one of a kind. I'm always left scratching my head in confusion.

A fun little album that may be the worst best ever album I've heard.