- Folk Prog Rock
Malicorne's "Almanach" is a brilliant work of progressive folk. It revives traditional French melodies with passion, imbuing them with the energy and complexity of progressive rock. The album celebrates French heritage, spins tales with poetic lyrics, and bridges the past with thrillingly modern arrangements, making it a captivating and timeless musical experience.
Malicorne's "Almanach," released in 1976, stands as both a pinnacle of their career and a landmark within the progressive folk genre. This enchanting fifth album seamlessly weaves timeless melodies and the rich sounds of French traditional music with the energy of rock instrumentation and arrangements. The result is a sonic tapestry as mesmerizing as it is innovative, breathing new life into centuries-old songs.
A Folk Revival Amidst Change
"Almanach" arrived during a fascinating period of French cultural history. The 1960s and '70s saw a resurgence of interest in traditional folk music, driven by a desire to reconnect with a simpler, more regionally focused identity. This folk revival ran parallel to the progressive rock movement sweeping through Europe, where bands were experimenting with complex structures, diverse influences, and a willingness to defy genre boundaries.
Malicorne, with their unique talent, stood at the intersection of these two movements. "Almanach" embraces the heart and soul of French folk songs, rescuing them from obscurity and celebrating the rich storytelling within them. Yet, they infused these traditional melodies with the energy and audacity of progressive rock. Electric guitars, shimmering synthesizers, and bolder rhythms create a thrilling tension without sacrificing the essential spirit of the music.
Poetic Storytelling and Evocative Imagery
Malicorne's lyrics delve deep into the wellspring of French folklore. Their songs spin narratives of love, loss, tragedy, rural life, and the rhythms of nature. They paint with words as much as with sound, using rich, evocative language to conjure images as vibrant as their progressive arrangements. The listener is transported to medieval villages, windswept fields, and scenes of both heartbreak and celebration.
Bridging Past and Present
The enduring appeal of "Almanach" lies in Malicorne's refusal to be confined by expectations. They honor French tradition with reverence, yet they refuse to treat it as a museum piece. The album feels timeless; the folk melodies could have been sung centuries ago, yet the arrangements make them feel as fresh and exciting as anything created in the band's contemporary era.
Album Description & Collectors information: Malicorne was a French electric folk group that flourished in the 1970s.
"Almanach" is an album by Malicorne. As before, it has a complex sound. The arrival of Hughes de Courson has given the album a more classical feel. It was recorded and released in 1976. |
Music Genre: French Prog Folk Rock |
Record Label & Catalognr: ANTAGON ALP 3222 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1979 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: MALICORNE - Almanach |
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Complete Track Listing of: "MALICORNE - Almanach" |
The Songs/tracks on "MALICORNE - Almanach" are
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Album cover photos of : MALICORNE - Almanach |
| Front Cover Photo of "MALICORNE - Almanach" Album |
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| Back Cover Photo of "MALICORNE - Almanach" Album |
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Close-up Photo of "MALICORNE - Almanach" Record Label
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| Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Malicorne is not only the name of a French commune, but it is also the name of a highly influential French rock band that emerged in the 1970s. The band is known for their unique blend of traditional French folk music with progressive rock, creating a sound that was unlike anything heard before in the French music scene.
The band was formed in 1973 by Gabriel Yacoub, Marie Yacoub, Laurent Vercambre, and Hughes de Courson. They took their name from the commune where Gabriel and Marie Yacoub had spent time living and playing music together. The band's music was heavily influenced by the traditional music of France, and they incorporated elements of medieval music, Renaissance music, and traditional Breton music into their sound.
Malicorne released their first self-titled album in 1974, which was an instant success in France. The album was a fusion of traditional French folk music with elements of progressive rock, and it received critical acclaim for its unique sound. The album's success helped to establish Malicorne as one of the most important bands in the French music scene.
Over the course of their career, Malicorne released a total of nine studio albums, each one building on the sound that they had developed on their previous releases. Their music was characterized by its intricate arrangements, soaring vocals, and the use of traditional instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, the bombarde, and the bagpipes.
Malicorne's influence on the French music scene cannot be overstated. They were pioneers of the folk rock genre in France, and their unique sound inspired countless other musicians in the country. Their music was also influential outside of France, and they were often compared to bands like Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span.
Malicorne disbanded in 1986, but their music continues to be celebrated to this day. Their influence can be heard in the music of many contemporary French musicians, and their legacy as pioneers of the French folk rock scene is secure. Their music remains a testament to the power of blending different musical traditions to create something truly unique and groundbreaking.
ANTAGON ALP 3220 , 1979 , Made in Germany
This album "MALICORNE 1 - Colin" is the first album by Malicorne. It is sometimes referred to as "Colin" because the album is called "Malicorne" and "Colin" is the first track. The absence of any rock drummer and the complexity of the sound makes it closer to folk than rock. It was recorded in 1974 and released 1975.
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ANTAGON ALP 3221 , 1979 , Germany
This album "MALICORNE 2 - Le Marriage Anglais" is an album of traditional Celtic folk music by Malicorne. The musical arrangements are similar to the contemporary English Albion Band but with a lesser electric element and more emphasis on traditional Celtic instrumentation.
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ANTAGON ALP 3222 , 1979 , Made in Germany
"Almanach" is an album by Malicorne. As before, it has a complex sound. The arrival of Hughes de Courson has given the album a more classical feel. It was recorded and released in 1976.
Learn more
ANTAGON ALP 3223 , 1979 , Germany
This album "MALICORNE 4 - Nous Sommes chanteurs de Sornettes" is the fourth album by Malicorne. It is sometimes called "Nous sommes chanteurs de sornettes" because the album is called "Malicorne" and that is the first track
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