Wapassou was certainly one of France's most innovative bands of the 1970s. And that's saying something given the competition. Basically Wapassou were a drummer less trio, with Crumar organ, piano, synthesizers, violin, guitar, bass, and female vocals. Haunting, atmospheric music. 'Rien' is chilling with Karen Nickerl's disturbed child-like vocals sung over a pervasive and doomy climate, and is arguably the album's highlight. 'Musillusion' is essentially Wapassou's anthem, and contrary to the prior song, is uplifting yet still manages to be melancholic. Side 2 of the album has more of a traditional rock band aesthetic with the inclusion of drums, something they were to eschew after this. For a band such as Wapassou, the additional rhythm and percussion is unnecessary for what the band is attempting to convey. Over the years, Wapassou's debut has entered into the absolute top tier of my album collection. A hidden treasure as it were. It sneaks up on you. One I think will get its ultimate recognition long after we're all dead.
Ownership: LP: 1987 Omega Studio. Single sleeve. Acquired brand new from England's Ultima Thule mail order (1990) and was my introduction to the album. The cover is a personal favorite and is a centerpiece of my "wall of albums". One of the last LPs I would ever sell. A true original LP is very rare. Omega Studio is a re-branding of Prodisc, so it's in effect a second pressing.
CD: 2015 Lion Productions (USA). Digipak with complete liner notes in English, which I believe is the only release that isn't in French. This is the 3rd CD reissue for me to obtain (the others were the Si-Wan jewel box release and the Belle Antique Japanese papersleeve). This appears to be the definitive reissue. All the CD reissues feature two bonus tracks which is a 45 from 1974 that is similar to side 2 of the album proper, with a more obvious rock context.
1990; 1997; 1/27/10 (new entry); 8/12/12; 8/23/23
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