The 2018 remaster of this 1984 album is excellent. There is even more detail and clarity in the sounds of the different instruments and vocalists than there was on the original vinyl version. This is one of Magma's most thoughtful albums with great melodies with saxophone, trumpet and trombone. It sounds like there is a flute in places, but a flautist isn't listed, so this could be the synthesizer. The subtitle of this album is "Six Tales About Death". The bonus track, "You", is shorter than the track on "Concert Bobino 1981". It isn't quite up to the standard of the six main tracks, but it is still quite good. The song "The Night We Died" is such an excellent finishing track for the six main songs. Nothing can follow that.
I had never heard of the band 'Magma' until I sort of stumbled across them on You Tube. They have been around since 1969 yet somehow their discography had passed me by. I bought 'Merci' on the strength of hearing 'Call from the Dark' as that track is the most unusual and eclectic thing I have ever heard! 'Merci' contains some really interesting and intelligent music with stellar playing and especially the vocals throughout the album. My quick first impression I was reminded of the heady days of Frank Zappa in his prime. And that alone should be enough of a recommendation! Fabulous!
On est très loin de Kobaīa avec Basquiz et Claude Engel (que st ils devenus????). C'est une sorte de brassband très funky faisant penser à Earth Wind and Fire ou Sly....si,si!!!!! Dédié à Coltrane d'accord mais cela s'arrête là. On trouve de tout, même du gospel.En filigrane il y a Magma, le vrai. le morceau Otis bien sûr qui pardonne tout le côté un peu pauvre des compos. Le plus curieux de ce morceauxcest que l'on entend les cuivres qua la fin du morceau.