Ophiucus Ophiucus

Ophiucus released their debut LP in 1972. It is one of the masterpieces of French psychedelic/progressive/folk music, and members of the band included Jean-Pierre Pouret -who had recorded with Sylvie Vartan, Antoine and Herbert Leonard a.o.; brothers Alain and Bernard Labacci (a.k.a. Tom & Jerry - they even supported Jimi Hendrix on a TV appearance) and Michel Bonnecarrere, who had founded the band Zoo. The sound production is amazing, as it used to be with French albums of that era, basing its strengh on acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies, but not refusing to add subtle layers of electric arrangements, even featuring a couple of totally electric Hendrix-influenced songs ('Djarbouka' should become a classic among those dee-jaying at heavy psych parties from now on!). And the band's performance is top level! This amazing album was even planned for an international release and looking for that they even produced a version of it with English lyrics (which can be found on the bonus tracks of the currently available CD release by Lion Productions), but we are sticking to the original release, with the original French-sung versions of the songs, and respecting the beautiful original artwork. It is reissued on vinyl for the first time since its original release, mastered from the original tapes and featuring an insert with liner notes. In a limited edition of only 500 copies.