Absinthe

In some ways a companion to Jacques, Marc Almond's 1989 album of Brel songs, Absinthe - originally released in 1993 - sees Almond interpret French pop songs and poems newly translated into English for him by Paul Buck. I don't know any of the originals but maybe that's a good thing, allowing me to come to them entirely new and without any preconceptions.It has to be said that Absinthe is something of a grower, and took me two or three listens to get into. Opening track the extravagant Undress Me is probably the weakest here, but don't let that put you off. Skip it and go straight to track two, which is much better, and the rest of the album is consistently good. Instrumentation is unadorned and to the point, largely piano and strings and sometimes drums or brass or guitar. It does the job without getting in the way, allowing Almond's voice to dominate.That this album came out immediately after Enchanted and Tenement Symphony, probably the two most blatantly commercial releases of Marc Almond's career, is one of the many things I love about him. He's never been afraid to follow his instincts and go off in whatever artistic direction seems right to him at the time. If you favour this side of Almond's music as opposed to his more poppy aspect, by all means give Absinthe a listen. It's probably one of the least-known albums in Almond's extensive discography, and thirty years later is ripe for reinvestigation.

An excellent rendition of some very interesting and unknown (to me) songs from France. A well produced album and thoroughly deserving of a listen.

I waited far too long to purchase this. A fantastic release & a must for all die-hard fans!

Absolute genius from one of the most talebede intellectual singers ever,Marc Almond at his best,he is a national tressue,absolute genius

Genuine product and very good delivery.