Montage

I Loved the album when it was being made... I was there. I was lead singer Vance Chapman's girlfriend and I am now his wife. I was with Vance when he sang the lead on 7 of the 10 vocals and the off-key song is not his, although one thing I need to explain is that Mike Brown's intention in the song "Men are Building Sand" was to have that NOTE painfully out of tune since it was the writer's intent to demonstrate his displeasure of urban sprawl. But Vance and I agree, it does sound bad and the reason for doing it that way was never known by listeners. However, Mike Brown never let the band use the simple technology of echo on the vocals, which is why the vocals sound drier than those of the richly styled Left Banke. The talent and voices were always there and still are. Vance went on successfully making music with the VANCE CHAPMAN BAND for years after the Montage went their separate ways. He still sings and is still capable of producing the same dulcit tones with more fullness and maturity. I may seem prejudiced and of course, I am. Vance and I hope you all will continue to enjoy this labor of love.

Do not be fooled by the other reviews on this page. This is not Michael Brown of the Left Banke's music. Rather it's some Finnish group with the same name as Michael Brown's band. I'm not sure who is responsible for this diversion, whether it's intentional or just an honest mistake. However if you buy this album thinking it's Michael Brown's music, don't blame me. You're hereby forewarned. Caveat emptor!

Replacing my two scratched Left Banke albums with "There's Gonna be A Storm" was one of the wisest moves I've ever made. Great band. Great sound. Timeless, but not enough. The band dissolved too soon. Recently, Montage caught my eye while surfing the web. That was how I came upon this lost gem. Montage? Who are these guys? Let me tell you. They are Michael Brown's post-Banke pet project, but that shouldn't dissuade anyone from listening. There are some wonderful tunes here and even a couple raided from Banke's own catalog to flesh it out. The sound is pure Left Banke. Or perhaps, pure Brown would be a better way to put it. So why the three star rating. No offense, but these Jersey boys don't match up to the stellar vocals of Steve Martin and crew. "Tinsel and Ivory" is a great tune, slightly marred by some off key vocals. The aforementioned off note in "Men Are Building Sand," not only happens once, but twice more and not only is it off, it is actually painful to listen to. It will make you wince! It's that bad. "Wake Up Jimmy" has, perhaps, the worst ending of any song recorded. It appears a free ride in artistic control to Mike Brown is, perhap, not too good an idea. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad buy, but I suggest you get it used and save some cash. Get the extended version because the three instrumentals will leave you wondering why there are no lyrics. Very catchy melodies. As a whole, Montage delivers. Sadly, it just makes me think what this album could have been if Left Banke had recorded these songs.

Very good album post Left Bank,underestimated, but in the same vein with already leading Bob Stereur of this Band.Just one thing,the packaging and présentation of this Cd is HORRIBLE in a very cheap jewel case...Pinckle.

This CD recording is one that grows on you from the beginning. I enjoy it more with every re-listen as I become more aware of the lyrics. The music is played well, very well. Remember, this group was working FOR Michael so they had to do what HE wanted, and how HE wanted it played. But I feel that he gave them enough ‘wiggle room’ to express themselves. I especially like their bassman, his tone and timing was perfect. My only wish is that someone, someday will play Michael’s tunes on a grand piano. They would be someone with a classical background and a flair for improvisation. That may give Michael the recognition he so rightly deserves! JMO RichieC

You do realize, that the music being shown here is NOT the Montage tunes that are being reviewed don't you? Bogus listings and bogus tunes Beware.

I can't help but laugh at how most of the complaints about this album seem to revolve around the "painful" off-note in "Men are building sand". It's a deliberate dissonance which in my opinion perfectly complements the otherwise pitch-perfect harmonies and gives the song a slightly ominous, atmospheric edge. It's a minor experimental flourish, and whilst it is obviously not to everyone's taste, the kind of musical conservatives who are genuinely upset by it probably should get back to something more soothing, ie Coldplay. To the album itself: it is an absolute joy from start to finish. Stylistically it is very similar to the Left Banke, but I would go as far as to suggest that this is even better. The sound is more coherent, the production is crisper, the lyrics are slightly more off-beat and interesting. Any fan of The Zombies' "Odessey and Oracle" or The Association's "Birthday" is going to love this. In terms of that whole 60s-pop-with-strings-and harmonies sound frequently termed "baroque pop", this is up there with the best of them.

Despite several notes posted to Amazon, they still have not fixed the mp3 link for this album. The CD is Montage, the band that grew from Michael Brown's Left Banke. However, the mp3 is a Finnish heavy metal band with the same name. Amazon continues to ignore this incorrect link.