 Press Release: March, 2001
KEVIN BARNES, lead singer, OF MONTREAL: “Coquelicot Asleep in the Poppies: A Variety of Whimsical Verse” is the first true “band” record we have ever made. I say this because it is the first time we have all collaborated together during the writing and recording process. We took our time (a year and a half) and really labored over every detail. Derek has truly blossomed as a recording engineer and his contribution was invaluable.
The songs on Coquelicot aren’t a departure from those on our previous albums but are instead a mix of our favorite elements of the past. We tried to combine the intimacy and sweetness of “A Petite Tragedy” and the kookiness and color of “The Gay Parade”. Although the album is a concept record it isn’t necessary to know the concept to enjoy it.
We avoided turning it into a straight narrative because that sort of concept record always becomes annoying after the fifth time you hear it. There is a story included in the art work that ties everything together for those, like me, who are interested in that sort of thing. David (Barnes) created the illustrations for most of the songs and there is also a fold out poster that illustrates the 18-minute piano epic “The Hopeless Opus”.
There’s something for everyone on Coquelicot. Slow moody numbers, zany tunes with dialogue, up tempo madness pop, a song about a wax museum, the piano piece, a detective story, a story about three legged hyena cicadas, visions into a pure and maniacal love affair and most importantly many songs of escapism.
I think music should offer people an opportunity to escape into a different world. “Coquelicot” is a world without logic or consequences. A world of absurd beauty where even ugliness is made charming by its depth."
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