Classical M - The Complete Collection (1967-70) [2005]

1967/1970 French band
Freedom fries’ idiocy aside, the country of France and the genre of psychedelia are usually thought of as ‘mutually exclusive’. We humbly present a glorious exception. Deftly combining lilting vocal harmonies and lush studio production, to say the brothers Maruani (Guy and Andre) and Henri Bratler were the 'Gallic Fab Three’ is a claim ably backed up by the sheer brilliance of their two English language 7"s released by EMI-Odeon in 1969. Fortunately for us, and despite the machinations of the Robert Stigwood Orginasation (a management decision they would soon regret), they had a bit more to say and so we give you all four single sides, seventeen unreleased compositions (most in finished form with superb studio fidelity) and three tracks sourced from the 1970 appearance on the French TV show 'Pop Club’ (also easy on the ears fidelity-wise). Rounding up this package are track-by-track liner notes by the ever-sardonic Guy Maruani, complete lyrics and a multitude of photos from the era. C'est si bon!’…..
Classical M could have made a great album if given the chance. As it is, the songs contained on this disc make for a stunning collection, with the band’s psychedelic flourishes, outrageous melodies, and fantastic attention to production detail evident throughout.

This profoundly original music was made in three short years (1967-1970): twenty-four delirious and provocative songs that establish Classical M as perhaps the best, and certainly the most intriguing French band of all time.

Their offbeat sense of rhythm and harmony, the complex intertwining of voices, and perhaps more than anything, their unusual practice of trying to play all sorts of instruments—be they electronic or traditional—these elements make the music of this odd French trio unique and very special.
by Vincent Tornatore…