Deserted Palace 1972

Deserted Palace

Deserted Palace is Jean-Michel Jarre’s debut album, released in 1972. Composed during the experimental phase of his career, the album is entirely instrumental. It primarily features electronic sounds created using synthesizers and other early electronic instruments, which would later become a hallmark of his music. The album is heavily influenced by avant-garde and experimental music, with a unique, atmospheric style.

Film Music

Originally, Deserted Palace was released as background music for films, television, and commercials. It has an abstract, sometimes ethereal feel, with tracks that range from mysterious to futuristic. While it wasn’t a commercial success and remained relatively obscure, this album marked the beginning of Jarre’s journey into electronic music, a genre he would later achieve global fame in.

– Deserted Palace –

Released

Released by Sam Fox Publishing, Deserted Palace is now considered a collector’s item for fans of his early work. The album’s sound is significantly different from his later, more melodic and structured works like Oxygene and Equinoxe, but it provides a fascinating glimpse into Jarre’s early experiments with electronic music.

Deserted Palace Tracklist

Here is the tracklist and playing time for the album Deserted Palace:

1. Poltergeist Party – 2:15
2. Music Box Concerto – 1:45
3. Rain Forest Rap Session – 1:45
4. A Love Theme for Gargoyles – 1:20
5. Bridge of Promises – 3:10
6. Exasperated Frog – 1:20
7. Take Me to Your Leader – 6:15
8. Deserted Palace – 2:25
9. Pogo Rock – 1:10
10. Wind Swept Canyon – 1:25
11. The Abominable Snowman – 1:10
12. Iraqi Hitch-Hiker – 2:25
13. Free Floating Anxiety – 2:20
14. Synthetic Jungle – 3:10
15. Bee Factory – 3:10

Total length: 34:01

The album was released in 1972 as background music for films. Unfortunately, the album is not available on YouTube or Spotify.

Used Instruments

For the Deserted Palace album, Jean-Michel Jarre used a range of early electronic instruments, which were essential in shaping the experimental and avant-garde sound of the album. Some of the key instruments he used include:

• ARP 2600 – A semi-modular analog synthesizer that was one of Jarre’s primary tools for creating complex electronic sounds.
• EMS VCS 3 – A portable, analog synthesizer known for its unique sound modulation capabilities, frequently used in experimental music.
• RMI Harmonic Synthesizer – A rare and unique instrument known for producing distinctive, harmonic-rich tones.
• Rhythmic Drum Machines – Used for creating simple, repetitive beats and adding a mechanical feel to the music.
• Tape Loops and Effects – Jarre also utilized tape loops and other sound effects to create layered textures and abstract soundscapes.

These instruments allowed Jarre to explore the boundaries of electronic sound, resulting in the atmospheric and experimental nature of Deserted Palace. The use of synthesizers was particularly innovative for the time, helping to lay the groundwork for his later, more structured and melodic albums.

Curious about the iconic instruments Jarre has used?
Visit the Instruments page now!

– Studio Setting –

Early Experimentation

Deserted Palace showcases Jean-Michel Jarre’s early experimentation with electronic music, using groundbreaking instruments like the ARP 2600 and EMS VCS 3 synthesizers. Though not commercially successful, the album provides a fascinating glimpse into his avant-garde approach, setting the stage for his later iconic works in electronic music.

Want to explore all of Jean-Michel Jarre’s albums?
Visit the discography page now!

– Deserted Palace –