LUDWIG VON 88

LUDWIG VON 88
HOULALA II "LA MISSION" (1987)
320 KBPS

Ludwig von 88 is a French punk rock and alternative rock band mostly active in the 1980’s and the 1990’s and which gained an important success in the underground scene (aka Scène Alternative) of the late 80's along with Les Garçons Bouchers, La Mano Negra, Les Négresses Vertes, Berrurier Noir, etc... The band didn’t release any new material since 2001, but didn’t officially disband and is supposed to be still active though I couldn't find any proof of it. The music is quite similar to influent French punks Bérurier Noir’s by playing two-fingered and distorted guitar chords and using a drum machine as a drummer. The lyrics evolved along its career from nonsensical and often juvenile humour to something more serious and sometimes social and political.They made their reputation through endless and delirious shows performed by disguised musicians. Among most famous stage clothing: cycling jerseys, diving suits, Mexican ponchos and various funny headgears. Some of their songs are satires on stars like Louison Bobet, Nicolae Ceauşescu, Maria Callas, Jacques Chirac, Jodie Foster or deal with more serious topics like war (Libannais raides, Hiroshima), drugs (Le Manège enchanté, Kaliman) or misery (LSD for Ethiopie, In the Ghettos) always with irony.
Houlala II "La Mission" is their second album and their finest in my opinion. The cd edition posted here includes 2 bonus EPs released short after the album. It's a good and fun way to get the zeitgest of the era and, though not technically very skilled, the band managed to deliver sweet punk melodies. Speaking french sure helps understanding their weird sense of humour but every punk lover will be delighted by this entertaining album.

1. Intro Dramatique
2. Houlala 2 La Mission
3. Louison Bobet For Ever
4. William Kramps Le Tueur De Bouchers
5. Le Manège Enchanté
6. Guerriers Balubas
7. Marcel Est Amnésique
8. Le Steak De La Mort
9. Un Cri Inutile Sur Un Disque Inutile
10. Messire Quentin
11. Les Allumés De Krsna
12. Tuez Les Tous
13. Fistfuck Playa Club
14. Si Jamais Les Oiseaux
15. Mr Pif Paf
16. Les Cowboys Et Les Indiens
17. Les Blobs Attaquent La Plage
18. Les Fantastiques Aventures De Monsieur Mac Donald Au Pays Des Merveilles
19. 30 Millions D'Amis
Bonus tracks
20. Crêpe Suzette
21. Abri Atomique
22. William Kramps (remix)
23. Guerrier Balubas (super remix)
24. Vengeur masqué
25. Oui Oui et la voiture jaune
26. Je t'aime
27. Spock Around The Clock
28. Le chant des carpes
29. Outro dramatique