WLUD ~ France

Second (1979)

Wad / Thud continue on with their second album, very creatively titled. And we pretty much hear the same style as the debut - six creative instrumental melodic progressive tracks that are pleasant, though not earthshaking. This is Instrumental Prog Rock 101, and you get an easy "A" just for showing up to class. Not everything has to be Master's class hard to be good. Sit back, enjoy your favorite beverage, and immerse yourself into the music of WLUD.

Bonus tracks on the Musea CD add French vocals and demonstrate the band was up to no good at the end of their career, desperately trying to find a larger audience. And it didn't work obviously. Besides who wants to hear a band called Thud?

Ownership: CD: 1997 Musea. With history and five bonus tracks. I originally owned the LP but swapped it out when the CD arrived.

1992 (first acquired); 1997; 9/20/15 (review)

Carrycroch' (1978)

Apparently the band's moniker of WLUD was inspired by the French jazz rock ensemble CCPP (which to American eyes looks similar to the USSR), and thus they too went forward with their last names. A classic lost in translation scenario, as it comes across as either Thud, Wad, or WTFuh. Had they been christened with a name like Église Fou Avec Perles, perhaps the band would be more highly sought after today. Who knows, but the music here more than makes up for the shortsighted naming convention. Instrumental progressive rock with an emphasis on melody is the name of the game here. Those looking for conservatory styled compositions will need to look elsewhere, but if enjoyable put-a-smile-on-your-face instrumentals are your bag, then welcome Carrycroch' to your home (oh my, yet another problematic title - one pictures Roseanne Barr at a San Diego Padres game). No matter, because once the platter (silver or black - choose your weapon) hits the turntable / laser all will be forgotten. If only such music was the norm in 1978. Obvious candidates of Camel and Yes get thrown around, but one could just as easily toss out Carpe Diem, Neo, and Terpendre just to show off to the only person who might know what you're talking about.

The CD adds one similar bonus track that is excellent, perhaps even a bit more melodic. Incidentally I don't think the guy on the bottom left got the desired result for his photo effect.

Ownership: CD: 1996 Musea. With history and one bonus track. I originally owned the LP and switched to the CD a couple of years after its release.

1992 (first acquired); 1998; 9/19/15 (review); 6/25/25 (update)

9/19/15 (new entry)