Camembert Électrique

by Gong

Overview

This is a classic, the epitome of the band's early Daevid Allen phase with Ph.P.'s (pothead pixies) in full, blazing glory. In its infancy, Gong was a unique prog rock band that branched out in all directions at once while most other prog bands chose simply one path or another. Camembert Electrique is a testament to that. The band's eclectic "electric cheese" rock is a mixture of psychedelic rock, spacy atmospherics and lyrics, and doses of jazz often presented with a pop sensibility, yet always intense. From the first cut on Camembert, you are transported to planet Gong via the voice of a "radio gnome" who drops in intermittently to remind you you're not in Kansas anymore. Daevid Allen leads the band through several compositions musically (not lyrically) reminiscent of, and possibly influenced by, early King Crimson -- a hard, raw-edged sound propelled by a strong guitar-sax-percussion combo. Drummer Pip Pyle played on only a few Gong sessions; he is a major figure here, as is saxophonist Didier Malherbe. Both are up front on the wailing progressive rocker "You Can't Kill Me," which also features guitarist Allen in top form. Allen's declarative "I've Bin Stone Before," the first part of an inventive three-song medley, is of particular interest; introductory church organ and avant-garde sax make this another unique Gong experience. But the real gem on Camembert is "Tropical Fish: Selene." This jazzy composition is the most involving and intricate piece on the recording. The band moves tightly through several progressive movements and Gilli Smyth scores with her trademark "space whispering." Camembert Electrique remains undated after over 40 years and hovers "strong and steamin'" over most of the Gong catalog. ~ David Ross Smith

Product Details

Release Date:	05/31/2024
Label:	Charly Records Uk
UPC:	5060767445044
Rank:	169035

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Gong   Primary Artist
Gilli Smyth   Space Whisper,Vocals
Daevid Allen   Guitar (Bass),Guitar,Vocals
Bert Camembert   Guitar,Vocals,Guitar (Bass)
Blumdido Bad De Grass Ex Didier Malherbe   Flute,Saxophone,Sax (Tenor)
Submarine Captain Christian Tritsch   Guitar,Guitar (Bass)
Constantin Simonovitch   Piano
Shakti Yoni   Vocals,Space Whisper
Eddy Louiss   Piano,Organ (Hammond)
Pip Pyle   Drums

Technical Credits

Daevid Allen   Composer
Submarine Captain Christian Tritsch   Composer
Constantin Simonovitch   Phasing
Rob Caiger   Reissue Producer
Sam Szczepanski   Project Assistant
Cliff Dane   Project Assistant
Phil Rogers   Reissue Art,Reissue Design
Mark Paytress   Liner Notes,Reissue Liner Notes
John O'Toole   Project Manager
Matt Colton   Project Assistant
Pierre Lattes   Engineer,Producer,Executive Producer
Phil Franks   Photography
Chris Woodman   Project Assistant
Richard Beeching   Project Assistant
Eric Van Oort   Project Assistant
Francis Lindon   Mixing
Gilles Salle   Engineer
Johnny Wilkes   Project Assistant
Dingo Virgin   Design,Artwork,Cover Art
Christian Tritsch   Composer
Jean-Luc Young   Producer,Executive Producer
Jean Georgakarakos   Producer
Nick Robbins   Remastering
Gilli Smyth   Composer