Wapassou ~ France

Ludwig (1979)

In many ways, this is Wapassou's most artistically accomplished work. The classically influenced 34 minute title track is dense and complex, with Wapassou demonstrating their musical maturity over the course of both sides of the LP. And yet, I found myself missing the haunting atmospheres, and mysterious sounds of the previous three albums. Perhaps had they broken this composition into smaller tracks, where they could be dissected individually, it may have worked more smoothly as a whole. As it stands though, the sprawling piece can be impenetrable at times. For fans of the classic Wapassou sound, there is no doubt it is an essential purchase, but it does seem to be a bit too formal I'm afraid.

The CD features a six minute bonus track, which is a separate sound from the album proper. It uses real drums but sounds like a later effort. 

Ownership: 1979 Crypto (LP). Acquired in 2015

First copy: 198? Omega Studio (LP). Acquired in 1990

1990; 1995; 9/22/15 (review)

Messe en re Mineur (1976)

My notes on the debut state: "Wapassou are certainly one of France's most innovative bands of the 1970s. And that's saying something given the competition. Basically Wapassou are a drummer less trio, with Crumar organ, piano, synthesizers, violin, guitar, bass and female vocals. Haunting, atmospheric music."

Welp - that's about it! They've just stretched the concept to one 40 minute composition. The female wordless vocals are an acquired taste, but they are memorable nonetheless. And very melodic. There's really no other group like Wapassou during their prime. The fact they managed a three album run (and maintaining distribution from RCA) while playing music such as this - is rather remarkable. Even for France, a country known for avant-garde artistry, that's not typical. 

Ownership: 1976 Crypto (LP). Acquired in 2014

First copy: 198? Omega Studio (LP). Acquired in 1990.

1990; 10/10/11 (review); 2/8/23

Wapassou (1973)

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.

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. 

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.

Ownership:

1987 Omega Studio (LP). Acquired in 1990.

2015 Lion Productions (CD). 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. Acquired in 2023.

1990; 1997; 1/27/10 (review); 8/12/12; 8/23/23

Also own: Salammbo; Genuine

1/27/10 (new entry)