I know almost nothing about Gérard Manset, except that he's French, songwriter, artist/photographer and made some remarkable music. I discovered him during the heights of music being on the Internet, and one could download songs/albums on various collector's websites. I made a note to myself that I should find myself a hard copy of Manset's "Le Train du Soir" as soon as possible. It took me five years, but I found a used vinyl copy in Paris, and I think it's a remarkable album.
People find it hard to believe, but I don't know the French language except for specific words and a general over-all menu in a cafe. Still, I have a life-long fascination with anything French, especially literature and cinema. French pop music was a recent discovery, perhaps 20 years ago when I came upon Serge Gainsbourg. That opened up a whole avenue of artists for me to explore and purchase for the next decade or so. Still, even in those terms, Gérard Manset is an unknown figure outside of the French-speaking world.
I get the impression that he's very independent minded, and is skilled as an arranger and musician. I know he has worked with massive orchestrations on previous and future albums from "Le Train du Soir." What makes this record so good are the songs, and although they were recorded in 1981, it sounds very 70s to me. It also reminds me of studio minded artists like Emit Rhoades or Nillson in that there's a great deal of songcraft that goes in his work. This is without a doubt a rock album, but it is such an album that has music history attached to its presence.
Not knowing the language thoroughly, I'm sure there is the context within the music that is beyond my knowledge, still, on a listening experience, it's an excellent way of spending 40 minutes or so. There are six songs, including the 12-minute length of "Marchand de Rêves (Dream Merchant)," which is a series of melodies that fit in the song itself. My favorite cut on the album is "Les Loups (Wolves)" which is a perfect build-up of melody and passion. I'm frustrated that there seems to be no information in English about this unique artist, but alas, give me time.
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