- Thu Dec 04, 2014 2:14 am
#43496
I am following in Mr. Bansel's footsteps in that I am having to post a few days early. Next week is a truly crazy week for me, and this weekend will be all preparation for the upcoming week, so this is just about the only chance I'll have to give real attention to my Deep Cut post. I hope you guys don't mind, and that you enjoy the record!
DEEP CUT 6: Pierre Bachelet - Histoire d'O Original Soundtrack
Originally released in 1975 on the French label Barclay. It shouldn't be too incredibly hard to track down, as there have been 12-13 pressings. From all accounts I've read, the film was disappointing, and was actually banned in a few countries until the 2000's. I can't speak to the quality of the film, as I've never seen it.
Pierre Bachelet was a successful French pop singer, as well as a film score composer. His first film score, Emmanuelle, is well known and popular. The score for Histoire d'O was released one year after Emmanuelle.
Why am I selecting this as my Deep Cut? I picked this album up on a whim, really because it was slightly compared to Jean-Marc Cerrone, and I had really enjoyed his soundtrack for Brigade Mondaineon vinyl. I'm also a big fan of instrumental French pop/synth music from the '70s, so I wasn't afraid to grab this one without listening first. Turns out it was one of the most exciting "blind" purchases for me in a while. I also selected this album because of my deep love for the newly composed & released rescore for Fantomas by James Blackshaw. I don't have a clue if Blackshaw was inspired by this album, but I wouldn't be surprised in the least if he ever cited it as a direct influence.
The opening track, Histoire d'O, has a slight Giallo feel, that broadens quickly into a very upbeat and sensual theme. This opening theme grabbed me immediately...it wasn't what I expected, and I was extremely pleased to hear it unfold. I listened to it twice before even allowing the needle to go any further. It had sadness, deep passion, and was all wrapped within a dark, French style that I had come to love with Cerrone's music. I could almost hear bits of Jean-Michel Jarre's style too.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGTVOrG3p04[/video]
Song #2, O' Et La Rencontre, is just beautiful. Acoustic guitar, piano and synth...yes, please! This track has a lighter, more sentimental feel to it - playful, but cautious. The melody is simple, and rich. Beautiful music, plain and simple.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGP8nVHgXno[/video]
Track #3, O' Et Le Chateau De Roissy, is probably my favorite. It is romantic, sensual, deep, rich with sonic textures, and whimsical throughout it's near 4 and a half minute length. It ties together the themes in both previous tracks, but has a very strong character all it's own. It could have fit in a romantic montage of any 1980's film. I immediately picture scenes from The Princess Bride when listening to this track. The strings are terribly moving around the 2:30 mark...just incredible. The sounds in this track only improve and become more powerful yet delicate as the song progresses.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC5snBb7LFg[/video]
Track #4, O' Et L'Amour A Trois, is all giallo as far as I'm concerned. If you don't feel nervous and unsettled as soon as the track begins, something must be wrong with you. An eerie, haunting melody encapsulates you as the strings build. The disturbingly distorted synth hides just beneath the false comfort you find yourself lying in as the strings surround you. And just as you begin to fall to the seduction of the devil, the track is over.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r7RlyxaaU4[/video]
Track #5, O' Apres, is absolutely beautiful. I am sad that I could not find a youtube video for this track, but it is only 50 seconds long. It's a sweet, calm rendition of the main musical theme...soft, almost dream-like.
Track #6, O' She's A Lady, is the most controversial track on the album. I can understand how people might dislike it, and feel like it doesn't fit. I think it fits great, I love it, I wouldn't change a thing about it. It sounds as if Goblin was the backing band to Pierre Bachelet if he had been asked to write an Italian/French version of early 1970's American pop rock. Maybe that was the original intent!? Who knows. It's a strange disco rock song, but it is damn good on vinyl. Cheesy, weird, and out of place. Exactly what you'd want in a closer to side A of a 1970's film about sex!
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og4m8dIEyl4[/video]
Side B track 1, Tout Cela Est Pour Toi, is a straight-up giallo Italian thriller masterpiece of a song! Just a reminder, yes...I do know this isn't a giallo soundtrack at all...but I can't help but hold the comparison! This is a great track to build on the suspsene and tension of side B...and how the musical theme just takes total charge of all your senses around the 2:30 mark of the song is breathtaking. THIS is what perfect film score's are made of!
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqn0oI4KSE0[/video]
Side B track 2, O' Avec Pierre, is a classical piano piece. Somewhat filler, but still a pleasant listen to say the least.
Side B track 3, O' Et Sir Stephen, is possibly my least favorite on the album. I don't care for the scat vocals...they truly detract from what would have been a good song. I'm sure this was an attempt at being hip, perhaps it was something French producers were doing back then? Hell, I don't know...but it doesn't sound good to my ears at all. The backing music is basic, but pleasant. I just can't get passed those vocals. You can be the judge by listening below...
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sxers9Mb2Q[/video]
Side B track 4, O' Et La Photo De Jacqueline, borders on acid folk. It isn't bad at all, just doesn't have anything to keep me interested. The airy vocals are too high in the mix for me to really enjoy, and luckily the song is short.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ4-7qxayzk[/video]
Side B track 5, O' Comme Alice, is a striking, sweet, and calming Spanish guitar-style rework of the original theme. Gorgeous guitar work here, I can't praise this track enough. Again, I envision images of The Princess Bride as this track plays. I'm almost positive there is at least one song on the Princess Bride soundtrack that sounds a lot like this song.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqf7eLc8PGA[/video]
Side B track 6, O' Et La Valse Du Gramophone, is beautiful French music - powerful, bold, timeless, romantic and exciting! It doesn't quite sound like the rest of the score - but who cares, this piece is a wonderful listen.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JXnz-hVDR4[/video]
Side B track 7, O' Et L'Amour D'Yvan, shows the soundtrack nearly falling apart into sadness, and confusion. In a good way. The strings create tension and fear, and as the frantic drums clutter your ears causing your heart to race...the psych rock guitar keeps your grounded just enough to sense things might be okay. While this track might be a bit off-putting for some soundtrack listeners, I truly wish this song was 3 or 4 minutes longer. It has a great build, addicting tones & textures...it could have erupted into an all out psych rock masterpiece, had Bachelet so chosen.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXIzpApAzZc[/video]
Side B track 8, O' Comme Histoire D'O, is the closing track. Tying together a lot of what we've heard over the past half hour of music...giving you just enough of each mood, emotion, and theme to reach closure right before your needle runs off into the blackest hole. If you enjoyed the music in this score, you'll really enjoy this closing track.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEhUEzPz7ak[/video]
Sooooooo now you guys are familiar with Histoire d'O, and I really hope you guys enjoy this record as much as I do. It's such an engrossing listen, and I was in love with the score before I was ever finished with Side A. I listen to it often, and will never get rid of it.
With all that said, I nominate @discosucks... to continue on the Deep Cuts tradition! I know he'll have something damn good in store for us.
DEEP CUT 6: Pierre Bachelet - Histoire d'O Original Soundtrack
Originally released in 1975 on the French label Barclay. It shouldn't be too incredibly hard to track down, as there have been 12-13 pressings. From all accounts I've read, the film was disappointing, and was actually banned in a few countries until the 2000's. I can't speak to the quality of the film, as I've never seen it.
Pierre Bachelet was a successful French pop singer, as well as a film score composer. His first film score, Emmanuelle, is well known and popular. The score for Histoire d'O was released one year after Emmanuelle.
Why am I selecting this as my Deep Cut? I picked this album up on a whim, really because it was slightly compared to Jean-Marc Cerrone, and I had really enjoyed his soundtrack for Brigade Mondaineon vinyl. I'm also a big fan of instrumental French pop/synth music from the '70s, so I wasn't afraid to grab this one without listening first. Turns out it was one of the most exciting "blind" purchases for me in a while. I also selected this album because of my deep love for the newly composed & released rescore for Fantomas by James Blackshaw. I don't have a clue if Blackshaw was inspired by this album, but I wouldn't be surprised in the least if he ever cited it as a direct influence.
The opening track, Histoire d'O, has a slight Giallo feel, that broadens quickly into a very upbeat and sensual theme. This opening theme grabbed me immediately...it wasn't what I expected, and I was extremely pleased to hear it unfold. I listened to it twice before even allowing the needle to go any further. It had sadness, deep passion, and was all wrapped within a dark, French style that I had come to love with Cerrone's music. I could almost hear bits of Jean-Michel Jarre's style too.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGTVOrG3p04[/video]
Song #2, O' Et La Rencontre, is just beautiful. Acoustic guitar, piano and synth...yes, please! This track has a lighter, more sentimental feel to it - playful, but cautious. The melody is simple, and rich. Beautiful music, plain and simple.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGP8nVHgXno[/video]
Track #3, O' Et Le Chateau De Roissy, is probably my favorite. It is romantic, sensual, deep, rich with sonic textures, and whimsical throughout it's near 4 and a half minute length. It ties together the themes in both previous tracks, but has a very strong character all it's own. It could have fit in a romantic montage of any 1980's film. I immediately picture scenes from The Princess Bride when listening to this track. The strings are terribly moving around the 2:30 mark...just incredible. The sounds in this track only improve and become more powerful yet delicate as the song progresses.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC5snBb7LFg[/video]
Track #4, O' Et L'Amour A Trois, is all giallo as far as I'm concerned. If you don't feel nervous and unsettled as soon as the track begins, something must be wrong with you. An eerie, haunting melody encapsulates you as the strings build. The disturbingly distorted synth hides just beneath the false comfort you find yourself lying in as the strings surround you. And just as you begin to fall to the seduction of the devil, the track is over.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r7RlyxaaU4[/video]
Track #5, O' Apres, is absolutely beautiful. I am sad that I could not find a youtube video for this track, but it is only 50 seconds long. It's a sweet, calm rendition of the main musical theme...soft, almost dream-like.
Track #6, O' She's A Lady, is the most controversial track on the album. I can understand how people might dislike it, and feel like it doesn't fit. I think it fits great, I love it, I wouldn't change a thing about it. It sounds as if Goblin was the backing band to Pierre Bachelet if he had been asked to write an Italian/French version of early 1970's American pop rock. Maybe that was the original intent!? Who knows. It's a strange disco rock song, but it is damn good on vinyl. Cheesy, weird, and out of place. Exactly what you'd want in a closer to side A of a 1970's film about sex!
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og4m8dIEyl4[/video]
Side B track 1, Tout Cela Est Pour Toi, is a straight-up giallo Italian thriller masterpiece of a song! Just a reminder, yes...I do know this isn't a giallo soundtrack at all...but I can't help but hold the comparison! This is a great track to build on the suspsene and tension of side B...and how the musical theme just takes total charge of all your senses around the 2:30 mark of the song is breathtaking. THIS is what perfect film score's are made of!
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqn0oI4KSE0[/video]
Side B track 2, O' Avec Pierre, is a classical piano piece. Somewhat filler, but still a pleasant listen to say the least.
Side B track 3, O' Et Sir Stephen, is possibly my least favorite on the album. I don't care for the scat vocals...they truly detract from what would have been a good song. I'm sure this was an attempt at being hip, perhaps it was something French producers were doing back then? Hell, I don't know...but it doesn't sound good to my ears at all. The backing music is basic, but pleasant. I just can't get passed those vocals. You can be the judge by listening below...
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sxers9Mb2Q[/video]
Side B track 4, O' Et La Photo De Jacqueline, borders on acid folk. It isn't bad at all, just doesn't have anything to keep me interested. The airy vocals are too high in the mix for me to really enjoy, and luckily the song is short.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ4-7qxayzk[/video]
Side B track 5, O' Comme Alice, is a striking, sweet, and calming Spanish guitar-style rework of the original theme. Gorgeous guitar work here, I can't praise this track enough. Again, I envision images of The Princess Bride as this track plays. I'm almost positive there is at least one song on the Princess Bride soundtrack that sounds a lot like this song.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqf7eLc8PGA[/video]
Side B track 6, O' Et La Valse Du Gramophone, is beautiful French music - powerful, bold, timeless, romantic and exciting! It doesn't quite sound like the rest of the score - but who cares, this piece is a wonderful listen.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JXnz-hVDR4[/video]
Side B track 7, O' Et L'Amour D'Yvan, shows the soundtrack nearly falling apart into sadness, and confusion. In a good way. The strings create tension and fear, and as the frantic drums clutter your ears causing your heart to race...the psych rock guitar keeps your grounded just enough to sense things might be okay. While this track might be a bit off-putting for some soundtrack listeners, I truly wish this song was 3 or 4 minutes longer. It has a great build, addicting tones & textures...it could have erupted into an all out psych rock masterpiece, had Bachelet so chosen.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXIzpApAzZc[/video]
Side B track 8, O' Comme Histoire D'O, is the closing track. Tying together a lot of what we've heard over the past half hour of music...giving you just enough of each mood, emotion, and theme to reach closure right before your needle runs off into the blackest hole. If you enjoyed the music in this score, you'll really enjoy this closing track.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEhUEzPz7ak[/video]
Sooooooo now you guys are familiar with Histoire d'O, and I really hope you guys enjoy this record as much as I do. It's such an engrossing listen, and I was in love with the score before I was ever finished with Side A. I listen to it often, and will never get rid of it.
With all that said, I nominate @discosucks... to continue on the Deep Cuts tradition! I know he'll have something damn good in store for us.
ryanharrismusic.bandcamp.com