Champignons, Canada-Quebec

Premiere Capsule. 1972 Les Jeunes Artistes Associés

Champignons were a band from the Montreal area, and who released this one album that is now much sought after by progressive rock aficionados. The LP starts off in an almost go-go 1960s way, with an energetic keyboard lead instrumental number. This is followed by a very slow, depressing, blues song with French vocals. J'ai eu le blues, j'ai eu le blues vraiment mauvais. There is some nice electric guitar work however to keep one's interest throughout. From track 3 on the first side to the conclusion of the record, it's all aces. The music becomes primarily instrumental while taking on a darker stance. The guitar has that ominous fuzz tone, and there's an underlying jazzy structure lead by the fine flute and sax work. For these excellent tracks I'm reminded of the Eden Rose / Sandrose family out of France, and the relative progression from one to the other. If Champignons were lead by a female vocalist, that would solidify the Sandrose comparison.

Priority: 2

***Reissued on LP by Return to Analog (2019)

The label above stated at the time they were to reissue this album on CD as well but apparently lost interest. Pity.

5/6/10