Ludus (band)  

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Ludus was a British post-punk band formed in 1978 in Manchester by guitarist Arthur Kadmon, drummer Philip Toby Tolman, bassist Willie Trotter, and singer Linder Sterling (Linda Mulvey). Kadmon quit the band in 1979 after a short UK tour supporting Buzzcocks. Ian Devine replaced him, and the band later disbanded in 1983. Morrissey remains one of the group's biggest fans.

History

In January 1979, Paul Morley, writing for the NME, remarked: "Ludus are anything but ordinary. A rich, bewitching quartet, led by the enigmatic Linder, whose maturing, enchanting voice adds layers of mystery, fragility and haunting strength to the esoteric music... Arthur supplies the solids, Linder the shadows; Arthur the rain, Linder the wind. It's a classic combination... The overall mixture is of a precious dance music: Gothic, but not glossily so, like Magazine; impressionistic and expressionistic; compact and exuberant. It's music that chills and warms, with images that scare and comfort... Still young, still unsure onstage, their music is already alone and knowing. And they're getting better all the time. Take good care of them."

Morrissey wrote the unused sleevenotes for the Crepuscule compilation that were composed in October 1985, and he offers this closing eulogy: "Ludus lay on us the decorative impulses of their music, and nowhere more significantly than on the volume which now lies before you. People who know real genius will love this record... Her singing leaves me out of breath... Linder went to Brussels and I remained stuck in Manchester, battling with the tides of fortune. Our shrill spirits still slide through the ugly streets of Manchester, always wet through, always caught out, always spectating, our hearts damaged by too many air-raids."

Discography

Albums

• Pickpocket (1981)
• The Seduction (1982)
• Danger Came Smiling (1982)

Singles and EPs

• The Visit (1980)
• "My Cherry Is In Sherry" (1980)
• "Mother's Hour" (1981)
• Completement Nue Au Soleil (1982)
• "Breaking the Rules" (1983)

Compilations and reissues

• Riding The Rag (1982)
• Nue Au Soleil (Completement) (1987)
• The Damage (2002)
• The Visit/The Seduction (2002)
• Pickpocket/Danger Came Smiling (2002)