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Product Description
Album Review
As the follow up album to Oxygene, Equinoxe offers the same mesmerising affect, with rapid spinning sequencer washes and bubbling synthesizer portions all lilting back and forth to stardust scatterings of electronic pastiches. Using more than 13 different types of synthesizers, Jarre combines whirling soundscapes of multi-textured effects, passages, and sometimes suites to culminate interesting electronic atmospheres. Never repeating the same sounds twice, it is obvious that the science fiction hype of the late 70's played a large part in the making of this album. Computerised rhythms and keyboard-soaked transitions scurry by, replaced by even quicker, more illustrious ones soon after. There is always a pulsating beat or a fluttering tempo happening somewhere in each of the tracks, which are titled as a numbered sequence one to eight. Each track harbours its own energy and electronic fleetness, but none are identical in sound or pace. So much electronic colour is added to every track that it is impossible to concentrate on any particular segment, resulting in waves of synth drowning the ears at high tide. --Mike DeGagne, All Music Guide
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I heard Equinoxe part 5 as a child. I did not know the musician, or even the name of the tune at the time. But I was captivated.
When I bought the album I expected one or two good tunes. Few albums promise complete satisfaction. Yet this is akin to a Greatest Hits compliation, with many of his finest pieces in a single collection. And this was only his second album.
While I am a fan, I do not believe Jarre has been consistent. His last two studio albums were quite awful. Even his recent concerts could never hope to emulate his spectacular Paris La Defense show (1990).
Equinoxe is, however, his greatest album and one of the greatest instrumental albums of all time.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I loved this when it first appeared, my favourite of JMJ's early output, but was disappointed by the original "Polydor UK" Cd release, Somewhere, JMJ either used better masters for the Disques Dreyfus release, or did some very subtle remix work, as the result is so much more vivid and colourful (the same thing happened with "Zoolook").
There's something for everyone here, my favourites being pt's 5-7, which must be played on a pair of decent, BIG, speakers (or top notch headphones at a pinch) to really show the scale and movement of these pieces.
If you don't already have this, WHY NOT?
Enjoy...
There's something for everyone here, my favourites being pt's 5-7, which must be played on a pair of decent, BIG, speakers (or top notch headphones at a pinch) to really show the scale and movement of these pieces.
If you don't already have this, WHY NOT?
Enjoy...
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I first heard this album when I was fifteen and it still sends shivers down my spine even now when I hear it. The introduction (equinoxe part 1) is beutiful with it's rapid arpegios and deep portamento pitch sweeps, it's realy an inspiring start to the album but maybee a little short. Part 3 continues with more arpegios and a realy beautiful melody backed in places by mellotron choir, and finishes with a collage of interesting sound effects including an early but authentic synthesised bell chime. Parts 4 and 5 must be two of Jarre's famous pieces, great tunes with his sequncers on overdrive and his passion for Bontempi Organ drum machines. Part 6 carries on from 5 but with more sequences thrown into the exotic mix. The first part of Equinoxe 8 will be more familiar under the name 'Band in the rain' to younger Jarre fans, and still reminds me of french onion sellers on bicycles with it's galic accordian melody. The second part of equinoxe 8 I feel lets the album down a little because it's just a very slow solo of part 5 (jean michel just trying to fill a little more space on the album I feel).
I can't stress what effect this album had on me especialy equinoxe 1. I think after hearing this album I totaly gave up on the chart music of the time and started collecting electronic music and being an avid synth player and composer myself now and at the time this album had a great influence on me. Ta Jean-Michel.
I can't stress what effect this album had on me especialy equinoxe 1. I think after hearing this album I totaly gave up on the chart music of the time and started collecting electronic music and being an avid synth player and composer myself now and at the time this album had a great influence on me. Ta Jean-Michel.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
If Carlsberg did synth then ...
Definitely his best album. A previous reviewer commented on being disappointed with the original Polydor UK cd release. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Jim
exuinoxe jarre at his best
excellent electronic masterpiece in the vein of oxygene.tracks 4 & 5 are truly inspired.so pleased to finally own this in digital form.
Published 20 months ago by Keith Randall
1978 - You fools!
I had the original vinyl, which wore down to molecules. Then I had the tapes, which wore down to ether and electron bonds. Then the CD's which are good for coasters for my tea. Read more
Published 20 months ago by J. Harrison
What a joy
I have long been a fan of Jean Michel Jarre and for some reason I had not yet bought this CD.
The CD is like many of his other works: You are engulfed in a room of... Read more
The CD is like many of his other works: You are engulfed in a room of... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Mandix
Jean-Michel Jarre Equinoxe CD
Another old favourite of mine from long ago. Delighted with the condition of it and it arrived very swiftly. Satisfied customer!!
Published 22 months ago by Lilias Chalker
Another classic from Jarre
Proving that his hugely successful debut album Oxygene (1976) was no fluke, Jean Michel Jarre followed it up in 1978 with the brilliant 'Equinoxe'. Read more
Published on 3 Feb 2010 by PRTM
simply the best JMJ album
Having listened many times to this album it never seems to age,it is simply his best work and is the one Jean michel jarre album you should all own.Brilliant.
Published on 11 Sep 2009 by Pete B
from out the sky's came the sound
Its a close run thing, but for me Equinoxe just squeaks ahead of Chronologie as Jarre's best album.
Released in 1978, Jarre had really gotten into his stride by this,... Read more
Released in 1978, Jarre had really gotten into his stride by this,... Read more
Published on 14 Jan 2009 by RM Anno Domini
Stands up very well to the test of time
This album is Jarre at his best, Oxygene hinted at what was to come but still contained many of the "Krautrock" tangerine dream type pieces that to the modern ear are frankly... Read more
Published on 13 Nov 2008 by Noel O'riordan
Equinox: Excellent
I haven't heard this album since I was at school some 30 years ago! I was absolutely blown away by this CD. Read more
Published on 13 May 2008 by David R. Cross
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