| Michel Rivard Maudit Bonheur |
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| Artist Index |
Michel Rivard is a crucial figure in Québécois music. Rivard is both a founding member
of the successful group Beau Dommage and a solo artist whose records earn him critical
acclaim and a constantly growing fan base. His songs have an earnest and graceful appeal,
and stylistically he could be considered the Francis Cabrel of Canada.
For the uninitiated, "Maudit Bonheur" is a wonderful introduction to his music. The gentle "Pleurer Pour Rien", the first song, is a folk ballad about weeping: «Pleurer le vide, La lune pleine/ Le sang fluide dedans nos veines/ Pleurer tout doux l’enorme amour/ La p’tite planète qui tourne autour... Pleurer pour rien». The upbeat "Toute Personelle Fin du Monde" follows, a wry look at the ups and downs of relationships. «Parfois sur terre à chaque seconde... Une toute personelle fin du monde», observes Rivard. Rivard is a well-rounded and masterful songwriter, capable of blending poetry, melody, and deft chord changes into fascinating reflections on life and love. The guitar work and unexpected melodic turns of "Par un Hublot d’Avion" are very reminiscent of fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell. Yet Rivard has his own distinct sound, with obvious folk and country influences and perhaps a classical sensibility. He and producer Rick Haworth use violins, mandolins, and exotic percussion to construct richly textured arrangements. "La Maison Froide" is a testament to the perfection they can create. The album is full of great songs, including a folk interpretation of the Jacques Brel classic "Madeleine" and the starkly elegant closing track "Ca Reste en Famille". Built with detail and care, "Maudit Bonheur" is eloquent and lush, and worthy of multiple listenings. |
To hear a sample
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