According to my current bank statement, I'm broke, yet, I couldn't help myself purchasing this three-10" disk set of the Miles Davis' definition of perfection "Ascenseur pour l'échafaud." The Louis Malle film is fantastic of course, but the soundtrack music is one of those series of perfect aural moments. With incredible backing from French Jazz musicians Pierre Michelot, René Urtreger, Barney Wilen, and the great American drummer Kenny Clarke. The mood is consistent, which has traces of sadness and reflection. The ultimate 'Modal' sounding album, it reflects the sound of a moody sea or a sense of moisture on a Parisian pavement.
I have at least four versions of this soundtrack album. It is consistently reissued in various formats, but my favorite is the 10" record. Last year, they released a 10" original version, but this package includes all the outtakes throughout three discs. For the new listener, I would suggest this above package because it sounds phenomenal, and there is not a bad or wasted cut on this album, including the extra bonus cuts. Economically you can find a more inexpensive version, but then again, why do you want a discount of vinyl greatness?
The album works in the early morning as well as late in the evening. It has a purity or a sense of place that is meditative, but not background music. Choosing a favorite Miles album is almost pointless, due to his vast recorded history. Although, on a very subjective level, this is my favorite Miles album. It never fails in supplying me the food I need to move on, and although I don't feel it's a spiritual work, but perhaps more of a sexual experience. Sensuality that is the forefront, and therefore the ultimate sound of lovemaking that enters the brain.
