Few bands spark as much controversy among rabidly devoted fans as the Sisters of Mercy. One of the biggest points of contention has got to be the rift between Old Sisters and New Sisters, of which "Some Girls Wander By Mistake" is *definitely* the former. The album collects singles and Eps from the days of the band's original lineup including Wayne Hussey, Gary Marx and Andrew Eldritch (who apart from the drum machine dubbed "Docktor Avalanche", is the group's only remaining member). Included are all the tracks from the breakthrough "Reptile House" Ep which are worth the price of the album alone, though the tracks "Temple of Love" and a cover of The Stones "Gimme Shelter" are immediate standouts.

Lyrically, Andrew Eldritch has yet to blossom into the full scope of his later ambition. Still, there is a bizarre trash/poetic appeal to his oblique imagery and creative abuse of grammer. Literary references crop up here and there, though often liberally re-interpreted. Wayne and Gary churn out catchy, hollow riffing and the good Docktor neatly underscores the cold, driving feel of the Sisters.

Some Girls Wander By Mistake is both a lengthy and dense record, with nary a weak cut on it. Chances are if you've enjoyed one of their songs at a dance club, it was probably from this album or Floodland. Between the two however, this album is the more often overlooked and underrated. No one with even a passing interest in post-punk music should be without it. At times the limitations of the drum machine and thinness of the guitar may date the sound somewhat, but the effect is more charming than anything else.

Recommended: Yes