Wild - Wild 1 (1988)

Wild's history is vague at best, though it is known that the band came to life in Los Angeles in 1985. Known then as "The Wild", the band featured multi-instrumentalist, Dizzy Reed, of Guns 'n Roses fame. The band were a fixture on the club circuit for several years before being offered a one-off deal from Columbia Records. Essentially a duo in the studio, Reed and vocalist Todd Barrone handled all of the chores (along with producer Andy Wallace) in creating their self-titled debut, which hit stores in early 1988. The album failed to ignite the charts, due mostly to non-existent promotion and corporate shakeups happening at the label that year. As a result, Dizzy Reed jumped ship to join GNR, leaving the band effectively dead in the water. Barrone's whereabouts are unknown, though he is rumored to be a born again minister in Nevada.

So what of this album anyway? Well, folks, I rarely gush over albums released during the hair metal craze of the late 80's, but this is one rare exception. Sporting a futuristic musical viewpoint, "Wild 1" is nothing short of amazing. Taking elements of techno and industrial music (before either term had ever been commercially recognized) blended with hard rock, Wild crafted a sound that in retrospect can be called visionary. Predating the indsutrial metal movement by several years, the band along with Zodiac Mindwarp can be easily credited as forerunners of the genre. With sinewy keyboards, bleeps, triggered drums, guitar synths and sleazy charismatic vocals, "Wild 1" is a fantastic batch of hook driven electronic hard rock. Missing all of the excesses of bands who came along years later, the album sports a sleek and minimalistic approach that allows the arrangements to breathe and the hooks to stand uncluttered. It is really amazing this album failed to reach a wider audience.

Obviously the lack of response then has never inspired Columbia to reissue the album now, so it languishes in the vaults indefinitely. In the meantime, I've included this sweet CD rip for all to enjoy. Check out this highly unique effort from Wild. You will be glad you did :)

192kbps @ http://sharebee.com/2d0e0faf