Siouxsie & Banshees - The Best of Siouxsie & Banshees

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Music reviews of The Best of Siouxsie & Banshees

Music Review: "Best Of"? Hardly.
Rating: 1 Stars

The remixes, while undoubtedly entertaining, would have been better replaced by B-sides or genuine Banshees songs such as "Night Shift" off of the album Juju and the incredible "Switch" from their debut album, The Scream. The dark torment and twisted ecstasy of the band's early compilations is completely absent from this album. Experimental songs from albums like Kaleidoscope and Hyaena also get overlooked although the notoriously happy-sounding "The Killing Jar" can be reexamined in light of its morbid, telling, lyrics. Gone is the wound-up fury of "Blow the House Down" and the tragic statement made in "Swimming Horses" (Siouxsie speaks out against honour killings...). Gone is the gothic heave of "This Unrest" and the uncanny beauty of "Lullaby".

The creative genius that is the base and the source of the band's unique revolution cannot be divined from this poor offering. For a more complete vision of everything Siouxsie has to offer, I would suggest seeking out every album, starting from the debut and moving on through The Rapture. It's the only way to fully embrace the breadth of the work. Of course, there are quite a few throw away songs in the mix - pop chart sellouts and weak attempts at music palatable to the general public - so let me narrow it down to a list of songs/albums well worth the money.

1) The Scream - This debut album is an amazing force of bitter rebellion and gothic sound. The band's layered, dark approach to music is absolutely stellar. Stand-out tracks include "Metal Postcard", "Switch", and "Nicotine Stain". Read the lyrics, they're worth the effort. For a band that came together over a non-serious, unmusical rendition of "The Lord's Prayer"...this is unbelievable.

2)Join Hands - Although I don't own a copy myself, I can't wait to get my hands on one. This is a further exploration of their moody trek down the road of classic goth and the songs can be alienating to new listeners. Lyrics are often undiscernable - hence the necessity of the lyrics booklet. Knowing what she's saying helps in appreciating the band's work that much more. Check out "Placebo Effect".

3)Hyaena and Kaleidoscope - Experimental songs like "Tenant" and "Swimming Horses" are amazing for their innovation and peculiar clarity. Then there are the typical Banshees songs such as "We Hunger" and "Trophy" which bring out the gritty, dark style that is so vital to their music.

4)Juju - This is a dark tour de force that stands on its own as a symbol of everything goth and everything Banshees. Every song is a stand-out and the extended "Voodoo Dolly" has creepy going for it every second of the way.

5)Tinderbox and Peepshow - These two albums dabble in the darker side of pop and the lighter side of goth with introspective songs written by Steven Severin (his lyrics for "Cascade" and "Melt!" are beyond comparison in the way of description and detail, imagery and beauty). Tracks like "Scarecrow" and "Turn to Stone" unveil a more polished side of the Banshees while retaining the sombre fervor of earlier albums. In "Rhapsody" Siouxsie reveals the true strength and operatic quality/potential of her voice to the stunned surprise of the listener.

The Rapture is a strange, disconcerting album in that Siouxsie makes way for a strangled attempt at pop. However, tracks like "Not Forgotten" and "Sick Child" (the latter of which has lyrics by Budgie!) are heartfelt reminders of their old style. In any case, for a real taste of Siouxsie and the Banshees, do yourself a huge favour and look beyond the packaged, polished world that is their "Best of" album. When you've done that, you'll realise (as did I) that your money is better spent elsewhere.

Description of The Best of Siouxsie & Banshees

Alternative Rock CDs

• Music > Styles
• Pop
• Rock