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.
This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
Ah, 1977. The year punk's snarling snarl was in full throat, and disco balls twirled their vacant glitter. Amidst this sonic storm, Malicorne, France's enigmatic folk revivalists, dropped their second album, 'Le Mariage Anglais' (The English Wedding). Was it a bold leap into musical maturity, or a misguided stumble into the abyss of pretension? Let's dive in, shall we?
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
Malicorne had already made waves with their debut, shocking traditionalists by injecting folk music with a jolt of rock 'n' roll energy. 'Le Mariage Anglais' doubled down on this audacious approach. This wasn't your granny's gentle strumming; it was a full-on sonic assault, blending traditional instruments like hurdy-gurdies and bagpipes with electric guitars and thunderous percussion.
The album's concept was equally ambitious: a sprawling, multi-part suite inspired by the historical marriage between King Henry VI of England and Margaret of Anjou. But instead of dry historical re-enactment, Malicorne wove a tapestry of myth, folklore, and social commentary.
Music Genre and Controversies
'Le Mariage Anglais' was, at its core, a folk album. But it was folk music on steroids, infused with the spirit of rock, prog, and even a touch of medieval psychedelia. Imagine Jethro Tull jamming with Steeleye Span in a 15th-century French castle, and you're getting close.
This genre-bending approach earned Malicorne both accolades and scorn. Some hailed them as visionaries, breathing new life into a stagnant genre. Others dismissed them as pretentious poseurs, diluting the purity of folk music with their rock 'n' roll bombast.
The album's lyrics, sung entirely in Old French, added another layer of controversy. Was it a genuine attempt to connect with the past, or just an elitist ploy to alienate the masses? You decide.
Production Team and Recording Studio
Malicorne enlisted the talents of renowned producer René Boyer, known for his work with French prog-rock pioneers like Magma. Boyer's touch is evident in the album's expansive sound and meticulous arrangements. The recording took place at the legendary Château d'Hérouville, a 17th-century castle turned recording studio. Its grand halls and echoing chambers undoubtedly contributed to the album's atmospheric grandeur.
Popular Topics and Themes:
'Le Mariage Anglais' isn't just about its sonic bombast. It delves into deeper themes that continue to resonate:
1. The Intersection of History and Myth: The album doesn't just recount historical events; it blends them with folklore and legend, creating a rich tapestry where fact and fiction intertwine. It's a reminder that history is often shaped as much by stories as by documented events.
2. Social Commentary and Power Dynamics: Beneath the medieval setting lies a sharp critique of power, ambition, and the human cost of political machinations. The songs explore themes of war, betrayal, and the plight of the common people caught in the crossfire of royal conflicts.
3. The Enduring Power of Music and Storytelling: 'Le Mariage Anglais' is a testament to the ability of music and storytelling to transcend time and language. Even if you don't understand Old French, the raw emotion and sheer sonic power of the music can still transport you to another world.
Conclusion
'Le Mariage Anglais' is not an easy listen. It's dense, demanding, and unapologetically ambitious. It's an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of complexity with each spin.
Whether you consider it a masterpiece or a misfire, there's no denying its audacity and its impact on the French music scene. Malicorne dared to dream big, to push the boundaries of folk music, and to challenge their audience. In a world of safe, predictable sounds, they were a glorious anomaly.
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Music Genre: French Prog Folk Rock |
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Record Label & Catalognr: ANTAGON ALP 3221 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1979 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: MALICORNE 2 - Le Marriage Anglais |
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Complete Track Listing of: "MALICORNE 2 - Le Marriage Anglais" |
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The Songs/tracks on "MALICORNE 2 - Le Marriage Anglais" are
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
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"MALICORNE 2 Le Marriage Anglais" Orange and Black Colour Record Label Details: ALP 3221 ℗ ANTAGON Musik GmbH Sound Copyright
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.
Learn more
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.
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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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