It can be a little humbling as a music lover when you realize that a band you have never heard of has been around for 25 years. Such is the case with Group du Jour, a self described "techno-ethnic" trio who have been almost completely ignored in their home country. The cd in question is a surprisingly high quality compilation that traces their evolution from the jazzy folk of 1983's Sometimes to their modern marriage of synthetic and natural music. The disc focuses on their work as a pop band-ignoring their considerable amount of instrumentals in favor of a potpourri of styles, including a bunch of rarities and a cover of Jethro Tull's "Teacher". "Still Standing" sounds like an amalgam of what was going on in early 80's England-a little bit of The Cure in the guitars, a little bit of Soft Cell in the gritty rhythm synths. "Roses in the Rain" is driven almost entirely by keyboards and after two brief verses courtesy of Bo Parker has a soothing instrumental outro with delicate melody lines. Suggested for anyone looking for a little home-grown electro-pop or for anyone who'd like some melody in their ambient music.
Track Listing
1. Listening In
2. The Ascent of Heavenly Bodies
3. Still Standing
4. Heaven is the Real World
5. Wonderful Vision
6. Roses in the Rain
7. Even the Score
8. Watching the Flames Die Down
9. Ride to the Top
10. Great Big Soul
11. We Built the Machines
12. Our Secret Life
13. Mojo Sleeping
14. Teacher
15. Stick Dance
16. Sometimes
17. Romance Demystified
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