Fludd

I read recently of an individual who received a free copy of this album when buying a pair of sneakers at a sporting goods store. I can’t imagine such a promotion does much for a rock and roll band’s commercial fortunes, but any record given away with a pair of running shoes is an immediate candidate for The "I-Own-Every-Record-You’d-Never-Buy" CD Consumer’s Guide. Fludd, first released in 1971 on Warner Bros. Records, is uptempo pop with a shot of glam and a sprinkle of hard rock. The whimsical “Turned 21” was a hit in the band’s native Canada, although “David Copperfield” and “Get Up, Get Out & Move On” (a non-lp single) are better songs, the latter’s catchy sing-along chorus turning it into prototypical stadium rock. The remaining 11 tracks constitute an unusual mix of British-influenced psychedelic pop (“The Egg,” “Birmingham”) and riff-heavy guitar rock (“Mama’s Boy,” “Tuesday Blue”). A bit odd, this one, Fludd’s cut-out status in the shoe department not entirely undeserved. Postscript: Bassist Greg Godovitz formed the band Goddo in 1975, while Fludd continued to record and tour throughout the decade. For more, check out the band’s web site at http://www.fludd.ca/.

Notes: "Get Up, Get Out & Move On" didn't actually appear on Fludd's self-titled debut, but it's arguably the band's best song from this time period. Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qdYLhBY9XA.