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42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Praise from a non-Goth, April 5, 2002
Okay, the inevitable adjective that comes up when discussing this band is "Gothic," since they practically invented the genre. And for (so called) "serious" music fans, the gothic lable automatically gives most bands a credibility rating somewhere just above Satan/hair metal. I'm convinced this is the reason the Bauhaus are never mentioned on great and/or influential artist lists. Which is too bad, 'cos they most definitely are great and influential. Peter Murphy's imposing baritone is one of the most distinctive voices in rock (really, try to think of someone else that sounds like him!) and Daniel Ash is/was one of the most innovative guitarists. Combine that with the tight and inventive rhythm section, and you've got one great art/punk band, that should be routinely be mentioned in the same breath with groups like Birthday Party and Gang of Four. This is seriously intense music-- early stuff like "Double Dare" and "Dark Entries" is blacker than Black Sabbath -- and at times seriously bizarre. Murphy, like his spiritual forefather Jim Morrison, realized he was treading a dangerous path that could easily lead to ridicule and parody, so he diffused the situation himself by singing intentionally hilarious and silly lyrics. Fans of evil, hard rock, inventive arrangements, superb and innovative musicianship, and just plain weirdness have to check out this group.
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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Place for New Fans to Learn about Epic Band, February 13, 2004
Bauhaus is a band that any music expert or historian has to know. Their dark, vibrant art-rock was crucial to the progression of post-punk, and many credit them with starting Goth; the band cannot be contained in that bucket but some songs definitely were. They spawned legions of followers and their influence can still be felt today. Bauhaus basically made 2 types of songs. 1 set was a charged-up, highly inventive and intelligent form of punk featuring short, direct jams with off-the-wall lyrics delivered in Peter Murphy's frantic style - think Bowie doing Sex Pistols or Stooges covers. "God in an Alcove", "Telegram Sam", "Dancing" and "St. Vitus Dance" fit into this category. The other grouping, and likely the set they are more known for, is comprised of dark, brooding songs of despair and alienation; obviously this is where the Goth rep comes in. "Dark Entries", "Bela Lugosi's Dead", "Spy in the Cab" and "Passion of Lovers" fit in this group. "BLD" was a massive underground club hit in the early 80's - it by itself created an entire subculture.Is this collection the best launching point for a newcomer? Who's to say? There are so many Bauhaus compilations out there that you could make any number of arguments. I think it's a very good place to start, as it is slightly more accessible than Volume 2, which has a generally bleaker feel. Personally I prefer Volume 2 but then again I'm a long-time fan. "Crackle" would be a good alternative starting point, or perhaps the 80's comp "Swing the Heartache" - the track listing is similar to this disc. If you can spend the dough, I'd say just get both V1 & V2 and be done with it. If you like these then you can consider getting the studio albums. It can be hard starting with the studio albums unless you really know the group; they are quite strange and don't always feature many of the singles - they are excellent once you are used to their sound. Bauhaus was odd in that way. The group only made 4 studio albums but the number of singles and comps would make you think there were like 10 of them. Even we big fans often listen to Bauhaus through compilations; it's an easier way to get most of the songs in 1 place. Much of their stuff was released only on now hard-to-find vinyl singles and old 7" releases. The studio albums are great and they complete the collection but may not be the best starting point.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
gods of dark rock, August 16, 2004
lots of people say this band started goth but don't buy into all that without hearing this band for yourself. i remember as a kid seeing reading Thrasher magazine and seeing skaters wearing Bauhaus t-shirts. well, that was enough for me to go check them out. i bought "Bela Legosi's Dead" on cassette and played it endlessly. i played it endlessly not because i liked it; but because i couldn't understand it and i had to keep listening again and again. eventually, it all started to sink in...the rhythms, the mood, the strange numbness of it all.
and on this Singles collection, sure...there are elments of goth within these songs. but personally, i think peter murphy and company were channeling more of the spirit of glam rock of the 70's and giving it their own dark spin (especially later in their career). lots of these songs seem very punk to me also...just look at the intensity of "Passion of Lovers" or the screaming mad psychosis of "Double Dare." just listen to the way the bass just drives everything home and the guitar just sort of splashes and dances around the skeletal frame of it all. truly great stuff...but not for everyone.i would compare them to a more sinister Joy Division. so if that sounds up your alley, by all means, get this album.
Bauhaus stands out as a truly interesting and massively inspirational band that carved out an outstanding legacy and a back catalog worth seeking out.
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