Album Review

Pere Ubu – Long Live Pere Ubu

• 15th Sep 2009

Long Live Pere Ubu is the soundtrack of David Thomas’ (that’s Mr Pere Ubu to you and I) ‘Bring me the head of Ubu roi’. The album is based on the theatrical adaptation of Alfred Jarry’s ‘Ubu Roi’ which on its release in the 19th century was socially rejected and provoked riots on its premier in Paris. Pere and his wife Mere (soundtracked here by Sarah Jane Morris). The whole album is based on Pere’s slaying of the king of Poland which then sees him betrayed and results in a war in which Pere’s army is defeated and eventually jumps a ship and sails back to France. A concept album is most definitely is.

This audio version of the play is somewhat haunting, it’s a low key affair and the rather ubiquitous belching throughout is really rather eerie. Thomas’ voice is reminiscent of what Yoda might of sounded like if he’d transformed into a human but forgot to change his voice box. Sarah Jane Morris’ almost hideous drawl is at times snakes belly low. The album generally needs a lot of listens as its focus is its story telling rather than its music. Not one for the faint hearted but if it’s a story you want then this somewhat caustic parchment is the right avenue for you.