This album, originally released in 1982, was finally released on CD in 1989, and is, in my humble opinion, Siouxsie at her very best.
As a whole, this CD is a thing of exquisite beauty, and the lyrics are sublimely poetic throughout. Siouxsie has a powerful, compelling vocal style that grabs your attention and keeps you interested. The musical style of the Banshees is sweeping and dramatic. They are usually termed Gothic, but with their melodious guitars and pounding, almost tribal rythms, I think that this CD will appeal to almost anyone that appreciates the darker side of the alternative music scene.
Each of the nine songs here are absolute winners, and there isn't a single one that I don't like. The track list is as follows:
Cascade-The opening track is a dreamy, swirling musical trip, slow and deliciously languid.
Green Fingers-A pounding beat and a chorus that plays like a chant makes this a great sing along.
Obsession-This is simply bewitching. It is slow, and Sioux's vocals prevail over the music, creating an oppressive and dark atmosphere that is most theatrical.
She's A Carnival-A quirky little song-great tune that spins and twirls like a merry-go-round.
Circle-This is one of my favourites from this album, and is a powerful story about the endless circle of life, and perhaps there is a warning in the tale that once you are stuck in that viscious circle, it's hard to get off the ride.
Melt-The lyrics here are wonderful, and enticingly erotic, lines such as "Handcuffed in lace, blood and sperm, Swimming in poison, Gasping in the fragrance, Sweat carves a screenplay of discipline and devotion". Siouxsie purrs the words out over a smooth keyboard based backing track-it sounds about as near to perfection as it gets.
Painted Bird-Another dramatic piece, quite up-beat and jaunty.
Cocoon-This song is another one that is led by Siouxsie's commanding vocal style. She belts this one out breathily. There is really very little to it apart from her and a blues style bass, but it works well in a lazy sort of way.
Slowdive-For me, this is a great song, with bleak and sensual lyrics like "When your backbone slips, Taking honeysuckle sips from your rolling hips". Not overtly sexual, but the undertone is definatly there.
Unfortunately, there are only nine tracks, and when the last track has ended, it leaves you wanting more. This is not a bad thing-Siouxsie and the Banshees are a superb outfit, and have many other high quality albums on offer-I would recommend Peep Show in particular, but for me, this is as good as any band could get.
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