Search - Siouxsie & Banshees :: Best of (Bonus CD)

Another kind of Best Of

bonsai chicken | United States | 11/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well, this is something different.



Most "best of" compilations are merely straight down the line singles collections. While all but one of the songs here were singles, the band themselves decided to choose what they felt was their best material. One could argue about which songs were or weren't included, but there's no denying that it's a bit more interesting this way.



The songs are presented out of release sequence, making for variety and unless you've memorized the track listing, a surprise each time you listen to it. No songs from the first two albums appear; "Hong Kong Garden" is the only very early (pre-1980) track that made it on. Since this only appeared on CD as part of a Peel Session, it's nice to have it finally on a full-length. Other non-album tracks include "Israel" and their psychedelically wonderful cover of The Beatles' "Dear Prudence," though all three of these appeared on the two previous singles collections the band has released.



The 'Kaleidoscope,' 'Juju' and 'Peepshow' albums are represented by two singles each, but 1982's 'A Kiss in the Dreamhouse' is completely ignored - surprising considering the band once felt it was their best album until 1988's 'Peepshow.' Also slighted is 1984's "Hyæna." ("Dear Prudence" doesn't count; it was only sequenced into the album on later reissues.) "Face to Face," the collaboration with composer Danny Elfman (written and recorded for the 'Batman Returns' soundtrack) is included. "The Killing Jar" and "This Wheel's On Fire" appear as the slightly remixed single versions, as opposed to the ones that appeared on the albums.



As an incentive to longtime fans that may have all this material already, there is one previously unreleased track called "Dizzy." It's good, but brief, and it's questionable whether it would have made it on a "best of" if it wasn't new.



The disc clocks in at just under an hour, so one wonders why they didn't include some more of their "best" songs.



If you're lucky enough to find the two-disc version of this release, there is an additional CD of remixes, all of which have been previously released. "Spellbound" is your basic extended version. "Dazzle" will make you think your CD player has gotten stuck a few times. The "eruption mix" of "Cities in Dust" is another basic extended version, and is identical to the one that appears at the end of the US release of 'Tinderbox.' "The Killing Jar" is tastefully remixed and extended. "Stargazer" is radically reworked by Juno Reactor; techno fans might like it, but I don't really care for it as a remix. "Peek-a-Boo" has a lot of new electronic sounds added, but is still recognizable. Except for the dubbed vocals, the trancelike remixes of "Kiss Them For Me" (by Youth) and "Face to Face" (by 808 State) bear little resemblance to their original versions.



The big draw on the second disc is the first appearance of "Song from the Edge of the World" on CD in any form. It is an extended remix, but sounds more or less like the original single. This song never appeared on an album, and it was left off 'Twice Upon A Time.' In other words, it was very hard to find.



The package includes a nicely designed booklet, with a cursory overview of the band's history by Mark Paytress, who wrote the most recent Banshees biography. It also contains some video stills, more artfully arranged than they were on previous compilations.



So who should buy this collection? I'd recommend it for new and casual listeners; all the songs you've heard and like are probably here. As for longtime fans, you'll have to decide whether one completely new song and some "upgrades" are worth it. (The tracks are remastered, so they do sound better than they once did.) I have to admit I held out until I saw it for a very low price, because I had everything (except for "Dizzy") in one format or other. While it disappoints as a "best of," it is still a good collection of songs. It's just a bit redundant for most of us."