Album Review: Guy George 1 by Costes
Alright, so here’s the deal—Guy George 1 by Costes is one of those albums that doesn’t really fit into any box. Released in 2001 outta France, this thing is tagged under "Non-Music," which already tells you it's not your typical playlist fodder. It’s more like an audio experiment, full of special effects and monologues that feel like they’re straight outta some surreal art-house flick. The guy behind it all? Jean-Louis Costes, with a little help from Marie-Anne on track 15. Self-released under his own label (props for doing it DIY-style), this album feels raw, unfiltered, and honestly kinda wild.
Now, let me break down two tracks that stuck with me because, trust me, there’s a lot going on here. First up, "Pourquoi Elle?"—this one hits hard right off the bat. It’s got this eerie vibe, almost like someone whispering secrets into your ear while weird soundscapes swirl around. You can tell Costes isn’t just making noise for kicks; he’s trying to mess with your head. Like, what even is that background hum? Is it machinery? A distorted voice? I dunno, but it works. Feels unsettling yet kinda hypnotic, like when you stare at a painting too long and start seeing stuff move.
Then there’s "C’est Guy Ou C’est George?", which might as well be the thesis statement of the whole record. This track is pure chaos—a mix of sharp dialogue, jarring sounds, and moments where you're just like, “Wait…what did I just hear?” The title alone had me chuckling—it’s such a random question, but somehow it fits perfectly within the absurdity of the album. There’s something oddly relatable about its confusion, like life throwing curveballs and leaving you to figure out who or what’s coming at ya.
Honestly, listening to Guy George 1 feels less like enjoying music and more like wandering through someone else’s fever dream. Tracks like "Mon Couteau Dans Ton Vagin" are brutal and graphic, while others like "Baignons Nous Dans La Rivière De Sang" lean into poetic morbidity. Yeah, it’s dark, strange, and maybe not everyone’s cup of tea—but isn’t that the point?
Here’s the kicker though: despite how bizarre everything is, there’s a sense of intention behind it. Costes isn’t just throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. He’s crafting these intense, fragmented narratives that stick with you long after the last track ends. And honestly? That’s pretty damn cool.
So yeah, if you’re looking for easy-listening tunes, skip this one. But if you wanna dive into something completely bonkers and unforgettable, give Guy George 1 a shot. Just don’t blame me if you end up questioning reality afterward. Also, fun fact: apparently Boy George inspired part of this? Go figure.
