ARACHNOID s/t LP dark French Prog Rock stunner RARE

$

100

Writing for the Giant Progweed site, Greg Northrup perfectly describes what’s great about the Arachnoid record: “Arachnoid's only album is an amazing opus from 1978 that combined the strengths of other French symphonic groups like Shylock and Ange into a darkly futuristic and aggressive blend.  Another frequent comparison made to Arachnoid is King Crimson, and the band is definitely influenced by that group's mid-period albums.  Digital synths seem to be abound, in tandem with traditional "prog" instruments like Mellotron and organ, though their presence does not detract at all, but are used appropriately to create a distinct nightmarish technological atmosphere.  Vocals are carried out in a style that is rather similar to that of Christian DeCamps from Ange, often harsh but ultimately very effective.  Layers of keyboard melodies are backed by towering Mellotron and distorted, churning guitar rhythms.  The band drifts into angular dissonant territories occasionally, but for the most part keeps things darkly haunting and beautiful, yet with an omnipresent aggressive edge. The first song is without a doubt one of the most incredible dark progressive songs ever, completely epic and chock full of pounding rhythm and soaring synthesizer passages.  "Toutes Ces Images" is another highlight, and possibly the best track on the album.  Equal parts Pulsar and Shylock, the band begins sedate and symphonic before completely ripping things apart here.  Floating mellotron passages gradually build into and explosive, guitar/keyboard led finale that sounds like a hole being torn in the side of the universe.  "La Guêpe" leans more towards the Crimson side of things, with angular polyrhythmic textures that builds into a grooving dark carnival like vibe reminiscent of Ange.  Overall, this could be the finest symphonic album I've heard out of France yet.  Visionary and perfectly executed.  A classic slice of dark progressive for sure.  If you love Pulsar (as I do), prime Ange, or the first track on Shylock's Il De Fievre, definitely grab this puppy.”

Originally released in 1979, this reissue was released in France on Musea in 1988, comes with an insert, and is itself hard to find.  Plus, this includes a missing track that was dropped from the original release.  The cover is in Mint condition and the record is in Ex++ condition.  (For more info on my grading system, click on the “me” icon above.)

Up for auction this week is part of a very special collection—including many rarities—compiled over many years.  I will be listing many more items from this huge collection in the coming months.  This week I am mainly listing progressive rock, art rock, and related albums.   This includes symphonic prog, classical rock, neo, RIO, Zeuhl, Canterbury, fusion, progressive folk, progressive electronic etc.  To see more rare and collectable items, click on “See other items” above.

Payment and Shipping Information

In the U.S., postage would be about $4.77 for one LP sent by Media Mail.  Package insured upon request.  Winners outside of the U.S. will be notified of postal fees, but an approximate cost for one LP to many countries is $16.20 by airmail (but Canada and Mexico will be less than this for most single LP packages).  If you bid on and win more than one item, you WILL save on postage!  Note: I do not gouge on postage and packaging costs.  Record will be carefully packaged in a strong, oversized LP mailer.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  E-mail: david.o@jjldj.com.  

International Customers: Please DO NOT use the Checkout (Pay Now) option, or you may end up paying more for postage than is necessary, as eBay tends to calculate shipping and handling on the high side.  Instead, wait for me to contact you with an invoice and the correct total amount due.  I will do my best to contact you within a day of the auction’s end.  Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges (typically collected upon delivery or pickup) are the buyer’s responsibility and are not included in the item price or shipping charges.  Please check with your country’s customs office prior to bidding/buying to determine what these additional costs will be.