kiko_cat's Full Review: 1979-1983 Volume 1 by Bauhaus
Bauhaus formed in the late 1970's and later went on to be known as the founders of a dark post punk movement known as
goth (or gothic music and even sometimes referred to as dark rock music although this term never caught on with most people). The band members went on after their careers in Bauhaus to form many successful bands and for Peter Murphy and David J. also very successful solo careers. Among bands that they formed are Love and Rockets (Daniel Ash, Kevin Haskins and David J.), Tones on Tail (Daniel Ash and Kevin Haskins) and many others.
Back to Bauhaus now, this is one of many collections that have been released, others are 1979 - 1983 Volume 2, 1981 - 1983, and Swing the Heartache (which also includes many b-sides and unreleased tracks - very good for the collector). This collection portrays many aspects of their career and is a great CD for the newer fan to start enjoying the band.
Their music is dark and mysterious and at times there is a creepy morbid aspect to the guitar and bass lines. They guitars are always innovative and new (and I still have not heard another guitarist that has been able to copy Daniel although many have tried). The bass lines are always pounding and haunting and creative a dark atmosphere within the songs. In many songs the drums take over and envelop the song such as the case in Bela Lugosi's Dead (look below for more details on this one).
These songs show a diversity that will draw new listeners into the music and create new fans of the band, so if you have ever wanted to hear them here is where you should begin:
Double Dare
Pounding drums and screaming vocals. This song kicks the CD off with a vengeance and gets you started with the rest of the CD. The drums on this song are pounding and make your heart beat in time with the song. This song has been and will be played at many goth clubs - don't worry it gets everyone moving and ready for the rest of the night. Especially the vocals, which urge you "I dare you..." and makes you feel compelled to get moving and pay attention.
In The Flat Field
This song has always created an isolated feeling in me when I listen to the lyrics within this song. The music is a little more downbeat than other songs but very worth while. This song displays the isolation the many teenagers feel and may be why it is a very appealing song and was to me at some very dark periods. The guitars in this song are innovative as always and create a dark atmosphere.
Dark Entries
Another very upbeat song that will get you moving. The guitars and bass within this song are driving and pull you through the song. The vocals display many of the principles that are inherent within many goth songs. The song creates a moody and haunting atmosphere that discusses the darkness of the time.
Stigmata Martyr
This song is very mysterious and haunting. The song has some very innovative and driving guitar lines that will compel you to listen to the song. The song is very dark and the lyrics are at times not audible which creates and even more haunted feeling within the song. This song is probably one of their darker songs that has many many meanings to different fans. Listen to this song and you will become engulfed within it and in time make your own meanings from the lyrics (even if they won't fit into your
own which they probably won't).
Bela Lugosi's Dead
What a classic song. This song is the opening song of the movie "The Hunger" for obvious reasons. The drums within the song are the best of any song (not bad at all for their first single), the drums will feel like your own heartbeat as the song starts and that will immediately pull you into the song. This song was written for Bela Lugosi (if your not sure who he is then I guess you don't watch many old vampire movies but he stared in Dracula and Plan 9 From Outer Space). This song is an ode to classic
vampire movies and was a great start to their careers.
God In An Alcove
Now I have heard many interpretations of this song including that it was written about Adam Ant (yes that was stated by the band in an old interview). This is a slower song that is very haunting and shows isolation. Because of the slow nature of the song the isolation can be felt through the song.
Telegram Sam
Great upbeat song that will compel you to dance. Very fast paced guitar and bass lines create a great atmosphere that you want to listen to. Telegram Sam will make you and all your friends move. The vocals are astonishing and dynamic and are also very dark.
St. Vitus Dance
Not about the disease although there is a disease with this name also. This is a very danceable song and will compel you to move your feet. Often played in goth night clubs today and when it starts many people get off the benches and move to the dance floor. I have even seen this played in video rooms and people still start moving to the song.
A Spy In The Cab
Very innovative noises within this song that seem to draw out Peter Murphy's vocals and lyrics. This is a story that will compel you to listen to the lyrics. Won't get you moving but will get you thinking.
Terror Couple Kill Colonel
Another great story song. Very upbeat song that will not only make you think but will make you move. The song was written after band members had read a newspaper article about an Ambassador in Germany had been kidnapped by a terrorist couple and killed (that explains the song title doesn't it). The song tells the story of the kidnapping and the murder and how the Ambassador had felt "safe in his West German home." So not only does this song educate the listener out foreign affairs but also is very entertaining and haunting.
Dancing Hair Of The Dog
A little more of an obscure song but just as good. This song is very innovative and will make you wonder about the musicians. You will also get to see that that are very talented. This is another very dark and haunting song.
The Passion Of Lovers
A great song. Very upbeat bass and guitar on this song. The guitar work on this song is very new and innovative. There are some very mysterious sounds throughout the song that make you wonder how they did that, although honestly the song makes you dance and not worry about how they did it. It makes you love the song even more.
Mask
Great song. A little hard to explain the whole song but it is very imaginative and hard to explain. The lyrics are very haunting and creepy. This song will make you want to dance but you won't be able to because you will be still listening to the guitars and bass line within this song.
This is a wonderful CD that will introduce you to the great music that Bauhaus created throughout their career. If you want a more detailed description of their career and where they are headed go to their official site at www.bauhausmusik.com and you will find out what the members are doing right now. You can also buy Bauhaus merchandise on this site so if you have a hard time finding their material where you are this is a good place to start.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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