Reviews (3)

Worthwhile for "Arabian Knights"
Despite being a completist where anything Siouxsie is concerned, I was hesitant about buying this, since I already had the CDs and most of the videos (on the Once Upon a Time and Twice Upon a Time VHS compilations).

I finally had to get it when I heard that "Arabian Knights" was the rarely seen original version, before it was re-edited for the official video. It's horribly/wonderfully kitsch, and I can see why the band kept it buried for two decades, but I'm glad to have it. Grab it now, it probably won't be on subsequent DVD releases.

The videos look and sound great after years of watching worn-out tapes. The CDs are unnecessary, and the "best of" title on a lazy selection of singles is still infuriating, but it's a nice little package for collectors.

surround?!
I am curious about this release.I am not much for music videos, but would be interested in this release if the videos are remixed in surround.Does anyone know if they are?

This is the way it is done!
Having just seen Siouxsie in concert in NY just a few days ago (a fabulous concert where both "Banshees" and "the Creatures" material was played), I was itching to get my hands on this collection. And so, like clockwork, I picked up my copy of this release as soon as it hit the streets yesterday (Sept 07, 2004).

Most of you may already know that a Siouxsie and the Banshees "best of" collection was released earlier this year (there is a single CD and a double CD version to choose from). The second CD is primarily extended versions of the original tracks. I think most of the remixes are from the same time as the original tracks (in other words, most - if not all - of these are not new remixes). And, thankfully, the remixes are very good (some die-hard purists may disagree).

This deluxe edition contains the very same two CDs from the "best of" release so, I will not go in to reviewing the songs most of you are already familiar with. For those who are not, I would suggest you read the reviews of the best of 2 CD set.

What is different here is the inclusion of a DVD disc that contains a career spanning 14 Siouxsie and the Banshees videos. The video and sound quality are great. This is a piece of music history and I strongly recommend you buy this release. ***A WORD OF CAUTION - THIS IS AN IMPORT VERSION FROM ENGLAND AND THE DVD IS REGION 0/PAL*** For those of us in the USA this means we either need to own a "multi-region" DVD player with a PAL/NTSC converter or be content with seeing it on our computer screens (if you have a DVD player installed in your computer).

I am not sure if a US version of this deluxe edition is in the works. As far as I was concerned, since I can play the DVD on my player I did not want to risk there not being a US version and also losing the chance of buying what could end up being a limited release. ... Read more

Album Description

Very cool 2 x VCD set (Viewable on all DVD players) of their amazing set filmed over two nights at the Roman Amphitheatre in Orange, France on August 9th and 10th, 1986. Deleted on VHS domestically and doubtful to ever be released on DVD. Includes many amazing songs the Cure no longer played after their 'Head On The Door' Worldwide tour. Tracks, 'Shake Dog Shake', 'Piggy In The Mirror', 'Play For Today', 'A Strange Day', 'Primary', 'Kyoto Song', 'Charlotte Sometimes', 'In-Between Days', 'The Walk', 'A Night Like This', 'Push', 'One Hundred Years', 'A Forest', 'Sinking', 'Close To Me', 'Let's Go To Bed', 'Six Different Ways', 'Three Imaginary Boys', 'Boys Don't Cry', 'Faith', 'Give Me It', '10:15 Saturday Night', 'Killing An Arab' & 'Sweet Talkin Guy'. One hour and 53 minutes. 2000 release. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A must own for cure fans
I've had this on vhs for over 10 years. If you are a cure fan and dont own this you should be ashamed of yourself. The music is outstanding. However I noticed in the listing that killing a arab isnt on it. Hope the track listing is wrong. I cant recomend this video enough for any fan of the cure.

The best Cure performance on screen. VCD format sux
I love this performance, as they play all their best old songs over the course of almost two hours! I had the tape for years but wanted something more permanent, so I got the VCD which, as advertised, is supposed to play on dvd players. Wrong! It doesnt play on new or old ones. I can only watch it on my computer with a movie player program. Thats fine, but now I have to park my ass in front of the computer instead of relaxing in front of my Tele. For that reason alone I give the VCD only 4 stars. The Cure's performance in Orange to this day is simply, Amazing, Haunting, and Stellar. Forever immortalized on screen.

classic live cure...and a crewcut
I've only seen the original '80's video release of this live "film" directed by perenial Cure video director, Tim Pope. The setting is dramatic, shot in an ancient Roman amphitheatre in the town of Orange, France. Hence the title. When the band make their entrance a trippy soundtrack is playing and leader Robert Smith shuffles onto the stage with his trademark manic hair still intact. Seconds later he is seen throwing a wig into the audience and reveals a surprising crewcut.
The songs are all vintage early and middle years Cure, the opener, "Shake Dog Shake" howls and rocks with sleazy urgency. The live sound is big and anthemic, recalling Pink Floyd drama and spectacle. It's a rare live document of the band in their prime and when "A Forest" winds down after an extended and inspired hypnotic jam, it shows that the Cure were a trully capable live group. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Unlocking the Mystery of the Whisper
The Crüxshadows, originating from Florida, most likely had a great challenge creating a follow-up as bright and as original as their official debut album, "Telemetry of a Fallen Angel," but "Mystery of the Whisper" stands very well on its own. The album is consistently wonderful all the way through, and requires a lot of repeated listenings to fully appreciate the complex array of sounds, imagery and thoughts. You hear something new each time. Stand-out tracks include the edgy "Cruelty," the emotional depth of "Breathe," and the bitter-sweet melancholy of "Sympathy (for Tomorrow.) I highly recommend this album and look forward to seeing how one of my favorite bands continues to develop.

A fine follow-up to 'Telemetries of a Fallen Angel'.
The liner notes point out that this is "the second album in the Angels cycle", and it is hard to review this without some reference to the previous album, 'Telemetries of a Fallen Angel.' Both feature excellent yet straightforward songwriting, a well-defined but not heavy-handed theme, and outstanding, emotional vocal performances by lead singer Rogue. Unlike the previous album, it's a little more cohesive musically, and a little more obviously "gothic" in influence.

The music itself is fairly simple, with Rogue's Peter-Murphy-esque vocals high in the mix. Programmed drums figure heavily, and competent (yet sometimes underutilized) guitars, keyboards, and violins fill out the sound. The sound of "gothic" acts like Rosetta Stone, Bauhaus, and Alien Sex Fiend are there, but with more emphasis on emotions and balladry than punky rock tunes. (Although there are a few driving numbers that will surely fill the floors of underground dance clubs!)

I wish the theme was as unique as the previous album, and I think the cover & insert art is not as interesting as that of the previous album. But the music has grown and improved without radically changing, and I've enjoyed repeated listens. This band has earned its underground reputation and I highly recommend both albums to date.

An Acquired Taste
I purchased this cd after first downloading several tracks by the cruxshadows on Kazaa... This is one of my favorite cd's in an eccentric way. It is a bit of an acquired taste for me, compared to the bland high-budgit popular mainstream music on the radio, this band has more personality. Their lyrics are nice and the singing, I love, if a bit different from the adopted bland styles of more popular groups. I believe this is one of their earlier albums and probably still a bit rough around the edges but I do enjoy it when I'm in the mood for something really different.

What can I say?
What can I say? Cruxshadows has injected a new life into "Goth" music. Incredible song writing and Rogues haunting vocals make this disc a must have.

One of my all-time favorite cd's!
I love this band with all my heart. Their music inspires me, comforts me, and lifts me. This is one of my favorite cd's of theirs and I really can't say enough good things about it. Every song on here is unique and wonderful! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Killer Stuff
I have to say that when I got my hands on this album I was pretty impressed. I had already been addicted to the song "Bodycound Proceed" off the Metropolis 2001 sampler disc, and all the songs on here are great. As another review mentioned, the minimalist approach taken to producing this CD really works in favor of its sound, although honestly some of the repeating samples get REALLY old by the end of the song. However, songs like "Bodycound Proceed" and "Raise Your God" make this disc an unbelievable bass thumper and adrenaline rush. I also agree that this is a great disc for fans of Velvet Acid Christ. The various samples on this disc taken from the Hellraiser movies are also interesting...

"This is my blood.. This is my body.. Happy are those who come to MY supper."

A happy camper indeed.

This cd is in my top 10 list. a must buy item!
Ok guys Im brazilian so i don't want to spent my poor english here!
Everything i must say about this cd and Suicide Commando is that it rocks!
I like it since my first cd Critical Stage.
Thrust me!
A good choice!

If you like "Dance-Floor-Industrial", you'll like this guy
Mindstrip, it seems, is another of those bands that are merging classical industrial themes and sounds with the subpop dance culture. Thats not a bad thing, but differant. If you like your industrial a little on the dancy side you'll love it. Musically, it is quite good, the composition is harmonious and smooth, the rythem enticing, and the use of samples sets for a dark and disturbing mood. I would say, for those of you looking for a comparision, that mindstrip's newest CD has a similar feel to some of the more modern Velvet Acid Christ stuff, but not quite so dancey. Pick it up, check it out; it's a good disc to have in the ol' collection.

Must have cd if you like VAC
I dont write log reviews so here it it. I listened to this cd couple of times and it came to me that it sounds just like Velvet Acid Christ [VAC] so I recommend this cd to [VAC] fans. Its also simmilar to wumpscut and a little to fron 242. 5stars, must have for [VAC] fans.

Buy this now!
Well, what could i say about Suicide Commando?, our favourite forklift driver Johan Van Roy has been making music and running his own label for well over 10 years now, with 'Mindstrip' being his latest and best release to date. Not follwing any of the current trends but further perfecting his own sound 'Mindstrip' is pure Suicide Commando: a distorted voice, brutal addictive percussion, haunting synths and extremely skilled minimalist composition that only a handfull of bands can do successfully. Prior to 'Mindstrip being released we were given a earlier taste with 'Comatose Delusion' and 'Hellraiser', these singles being really good club hits and the most dancable tracks on 'Mindstrip'. Other potential dancefloor smashers included in 'Mindstrip' are 'Raise your god' and 'Love breeds suicide'(the new e.p.is soon to be released!). The remaining six tracks are slower mid-paced saturated with chilling samples, intense powerfull rhythms and those straight-from-the torture-room vocals reminiscent of his early influences like the Klinik and Skinny Puppy. A really good album, and there is also a special limited edition boxset released for the fans containing the cd, 3 postcards, 2 stickers and a poster. For those looking to discover one of the leading dark ebm/electro bands of today, Suicide Commando offers the perfect dose. Buy this cd and experience the aggressive electronic power! ...... ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Dark Visions
An enjoyable package from archetypical Goth band Sisters Of Mercy. It contains Under The Gun, their 1993 hit, and the superb 1993 remix of Temple Of Love with its hypnotic dance beat. From the hugely successful album Floodland come Dominion, Lucretia My Reflection and This Corrosion. Other great tracks include Vision Thing and More from the Vision Thing album. These are tales from the dark side with a twist. You could dance to most of the Sisters' music, which made them club favourites around the world.

Solo exitos , pero no las mejores.......
El titulo del album lo dice solo sus "grandes exitos" , no es una buena recopilacion si conoces la discografia de Sisters. Tal vez hubiera sido bueno incluir algunos temas del "Some girls Wander by Mistake" como bonus tracks. Me parece que este (SGWBM) y el "First and Last ..." son los mejores discos de Sisters. Sin embargo este disco vale la pena tenerlo solo por escuchar "Body and Soul" y "Under the Gun". ... Read more

Reviews (5)

1 Great song & several bad remixes
The new re-mastered "Oh My Goth!" is a great song and a must have for djing. My main complaint about the song is the actual quality of the recording (I see this very problem on a lot of RIB releases), you get a lot of high end. I find it really noticeable on the dance floor and I am always having to be ready to tweak the sound levels when playing this song. Recording quality aside, if you are a goth/industrial dj you really can't be without this song! Its great for the dance floor and highly requested.

The remixes I could have lived without, not one of the various remixes is worth any club play (unless your a house/techno dj maybe).

Almost...
Well, I'm not sure what to say about this one, really. Of course, the best song ever written, "Oh My Goth!," is here, remastered (though I really can't tell the difference). The remixes are good if you're a trance/dance fan, but they really don't fit the mood of the original song. Other than the original song, I would say the best thing about this cd is the cover of "Everything's Gone Green" by New Order. That seriously rocks! Overall, not something to buy unless you're an extremely hardcore fan.

DECENT
This was an ok Razed black album. But i think it could have much better. There are six remixes of the same song so thats a negative, if want 2 get into some unusal techno this is for you. By no means is this a bad album but i dont think the people who are really into RIB's earlier work will like it.

A Nice Attempt
This was in my disc player for 3 months. It is a good Industrial attempt, beautiful lyrics and overall good music.

great song but bad remixes
This is the worse Razed in Black release. I was terribly disappointed. The original track, Oh My Goth!, is a good RiB song but, except the nu-break version and the master remix, all the remixes are unispired. If boring trance is your favorite music style, you will love this disc; but if you want a good RB disc, just check out the Sacrificed album. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

"The Second Coming of Voltaire..."
It's a shame that more people don't know about this guy...however, as a follower of the underground goth/darkwave movement, I (obviously) do, and was eagerly anticipating this second album from the wit that is Voltaire after hearing his first album, The Devil's Bris, which I....loved. (Think 18th-century-esque songs with mournful violins, cellos, Voltaire's rich voice, and his lyrics--both lamenting and hysterically tongue-in-cheek funny...and so on, if you haven't heard it). Then came Almost Human...and I like it. Now, to be completely honest...it's a bit too catchy and upbeat for my tastes (I know that sounds ridiculous, but wait). It's a good album. Very catchy. But it's more...pop (NO! Not pop in the sense of Backstreet Boys, pop in the sense of pop/rock, as in Bauhaus-who I like--but anyway), than the last.

Voltaire himself says that he's bridging the gap between the time period that the music on Bris was set in, and the modern music (I mean the legitimate one--) scene. And he is, and he does it wonderfully. The musicians are in top form, and Voltaire's voice and lyrics are wonderful as well. But it's a different direction for him. I'm still partial to Bris myself (Five stars, friends)--but this album is still great, and the new direction (that sounds incredibly stupid) that the music has taken on this album is enjoyable as well.

Hey, wait. I'm the first person to review this...I can feel my ego inflating already. Maybe Voltaire (who is excellent with his fans) will send me something. Heh, heh, just kidding.

All hail the king of goth! (not dunces)
It seems like Voltaire can't make a bad CD. Every song of his is filled with beatiful melodies and poignantly humorous lyrics that fill even the hungriest of gothic appetites. He skillfully manages to bridge many opposite worlds in his music, classical and pop, child's and adult's. While songs n the Devil's Bris sound more like European folk songs, Almost Human is more like modern pop set to folk instruments. He displays a fondness for childish play on songs like El Barquito while singing graphic tunes like the Headless Waltz and The Last Word. Voltaire is a truly unique and gifted songwriter unlike any other (Even though some people think he sounds like Weird Al or *ick* the Dave Matthews Band!)

Almost Inhuman...
...how Voltaire manages to capture your attention on this CD. Most of it is probably not for happy shiny people, but then I've never exactly been nominated for any Susie Sunshine awards. These songs hang around in your head and they won't go away. Voltaire is a versatile musician, able to flow from one style to another with ease. Of his three CDs that I have, this is my favorite. Buy it. If you think and you have a dark sense of humor, you will love it...

So goths DO have a sense of humor
I'm glad to see I'm not the only goth out there with a sense of humor. All of this man's albums range from silly to sincere with wit and well orchestrated melodies. Songs like God Thinks and Feathery Wings show a more provocative side of Voltaire, while tunes like Headless Waltz prove that he is still hilarious and fun to dance to. This is my favorite of his three and a half albums (Banned On Vulcan maxi-EP also available) and I'm lucky enough to boast a signed copy.

A change from his original work
Voltaire's second album contains gothic yet amusing themes. This album has more upbeat songs than the first one. The songs are easy to get into and contain a wild collection of themes. Some of them are quite serious and moving, while some of them are meant to be funny. ... Read more

Album Description

UK 'Best Of' compilation for the goth-rockers. 19 tracks,including all seven of their singles, 'Just A Friend', 'The Night', 'Promised Land', 'So Sure', 'She Cries Alone','Just A Minute' & 'Restless', along with album tracks from'Burning Oil' (1984) & 'Futile Combat' (1985). ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Female Death Cult?
This CD features some truely great music and is perfect for an introduction to The Skeletal Family. If you are new to them, the songs that you want to hear are So Sure, Promised Land, and Wind Blows. I would give this 5 stars because the band is so good, but it is one of those CDs where I only find my self listening to a few of the tracks. Sound wise, the band are early 80's UK post punk, which is the music that the gothic genre originated from. By today's standards, many people don't think of this as gothic. The drums are really tribal, the guitars are similiar to First and Last and Always era Sisters of Mercy. The singer has a really unique voice that can do some weird stuff.

A long lost Gothic gem!
My warmest regards to Cherry Red Records for seeing that music of this quality stays in print and is re-released on CD format. This is another FINE collection in the 'Goth Rock Collectors Series' from the English Punk and Indie label. Skeletal Family is a definitive Death Rock band and this is a spectacular collection of their best material. Most of these songs are available on CD for the first time. Shrill bewitching female vocals, eerie guitar discord, tribalesque drumming, and thundering bass lines. The atmosphere is foreboding at times, as on the plodding dirge "Trees" and on the manic frenzy of "The Wind Blows." But though the majority of the band's material is moody and dark, another side of the band can be heard on the playful Banshees-esque "So Sure" and more dramatically on the earnest single "Promised Land," for which this collection is named. The latter track is a charging, full-throttle call to arms. An uplifting, breathtaking, and energetic song that is a perfect example that illustrates the Goth genre's punk rock roots.

The conveniance of this disc makes it a very efficient purchase, but for completists, Cherry Red has re-issued Skeletal Family's full album "Burning Oil" and a comprehensive singles collection. But for those that are interested in discovering Death Rock, or just wish to compile a more thorough and classy Goth Rock collection, this is a must. Additionally, this is a perfect collection for DJs who still carry the torch of the old school at their local clubs. All in all, if you are reading this review, you must be curious about the band. This is a risk free and highly recommended purchase. ... Read more

Album Description

The first album by Siouxsie & her percussion-loving bandmateBudgie since Siouxsie broke up the Banshees in 1996. This isthe third album overall by Siouxsie & Budgie as The Creatures. 10 tracks, including the single '2nd Floor'. The first 5,000 copies ONLY come in a limited edition his/ hers die-cut slipcase cover. 1999 release. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Look who`s crawling from the underground : THE CREATURES
Siouxsie Sioux, Queen of the jigsawed weeping willows, and her pal Budgie, Master of Percussion, are back with the most long awaited album of history (three years I guess): ANIMA ANIMUS. Like the title says the album will move the inner beast (or beasts ?). The Songs "2nd Floor" and an exclusive fan-release of "Exterminating Angel" are already available and let Marilyn Manson look like a simple gospel singer.

It's not Tinderbox, but it is still great
I am a Siouxsie Sioux fan of long standing; when The Banshees broke up I was sad, but given "The Rapture" they HAD to go. I then heard that Siouxsie & Budgie would continue with The Creatures.

Wow.

Okay, this is not Siouxsie's best album (I'll reserve that for Tinderbox), but this is exciting, interesting, and heavily textured music. Still following along the not-quite-Goth,not-quite- Punk, not-quite-Pop line, this album rolls off the presses strong and just keeps moving.

Anything involving Budgie directly is going to have interesting percussion work and this album proves the tale. But above all else it is Siouxsie Sioux's voice that captures. After a quarter century (think about it) of singing, her voice is still strong, haunting, dramatic, and, well, sexy.

If you have not tried them yet, give The Creatures a run with this album.

Rising Up Taste Of Rusty Can
I've listened to this cd for years and years, and as I sit at my desk and listen to it once more, I'm still shocked that I love it this much. There's not a flawed song on the album, and it would be incomplete were a single tune missing. My absolute favorite song is "Exterminating Angel," a little ditty nothing short of the end of the world and an absolute lesson in humility. "I Was Me!" is my other favorite song, an acoustic mystery involving duel personalities. This is a fantastic Creatures cd and I'd recommend it to any SATB fan.

It's the prettiest thing.........
I must say I had little knowledge that Siouxsie & Budgie had formed a side project (from Siouxsie & the Banshees, SATB) prior to buying this ablum. I wish I had known. I remember walking into the store the day it was released and it was on the listening station. I thought, "didn't they break up?" I had a listen to just the first track and bought it. This is an amazing album. I have since bought every album from The Creatures to compliment my SATB collection and been very pleased. I have had to buy this 3 times because of ruining it in transportation, loaning it, or just misplacing it. I will keep buying it (until I get a CD burner!) It is alive everytime I listen to it. Even 4 years after it's release it couldn't get much better.

deep exploration
an electrifying, thoroughly entertaining exploration of sound by true innovators. These songs are hypnotic and energizing. ... Read more