Saturday, August 3, 2024

Soular System, France


Birth of Paradise. 1976 BASF

Soular System's sole album was a mystery for years, but recent data has come to light. The only name associated with it prior was James Bolden (or Buddy Bolden), who was supposedly Canadian. Bzzt! Turns out Bolden was one of many alias' for a Jacques Pépino, mostly recognized as David Christie - a French pop singer most known for some early 80s hits. He wouldn't be the first pop star to release an all electronic album, as he obviously had other dimensions of his muse to explore. Also it had been reported in the past the album was from 1971, but once again that is false. All signals point to a 1976 release, which is exactly the era that the album sounds like it's from. A little Zanov, a little Ashra, a little Klaus Schulze. Some psychedelic guitar on Side 2 adds much needed variety to the otherwise purely keyboard driven album. Overall, I am reminded of Didier Paquette or Alain Renaud's first album. A good one.

Even the timings on the original vinyl are jacked - as it turns out that both sides of the LP run between 16 and 16 and half minutes, not 17 and 12 as recorded on the label itself.

Priority: 2

10/3/10 (new entry); 11/23/18 (update)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't say this album is mundane... sure it's repetitive in part, but gradually evolving as the hypnotic, psychedelic mood unfurls. I love it as a deep trip to get drawn into. I'd love to find out more about the guy behind this album!

regards,
Chris

Purple Peak Records said...

Thanks Chris for the comment. I always appreciate positive discourse!

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