Customer Reviews

Radiation

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This collection of recordings are a snapshot of Cabaret Voltaire during the slightly more accessible period of the mid eighties (84-86). Having signed a recording contract with Some Bizzare/Virgin Records, after the more experimental years with Rough Trade, saw the material become more vocal based and dance oriented. The recordings are unique in so much as they were made in the BBCs studios with in-house producers and engineers, rather than the usual self-produced material out of Western Works studios. Almost Cabaret Voltaire unplugged, with a minimum of overdubs or studio trickery. Augmented by Mark Tattersal on drums and percussion. Those who enjoyed the digital funk of "Microphonies" and the dub electronics of "Code" will not be disappointed.

"BBC Recording 84-86", "Radiation Pilot 39" and "Sex, Money, Freaks" all refer to the same release.

Like the previous reviewer states this CD was recorded with less emphasis on studio effects and more on the primal edge of recording. Some of the tracks have a live sort of feel to it while others just give you a solid studio sound. I wouldn't call it minimalist versions of their music, but it does get back to the basics. While writing this review I was listening to versions of Sex Money Freaks from both Code and this CD. While the version from Code plays with vocal samples the BBC version goes straight to the music itself.

Think of this album as re-recordings of select Cabaret Voltaire songs. If you see songs on this album you like it's going to be a given that you are going to like these versions too. Depending on what you liked about certain songs will depend on which version you like better, but for me there are quite a few songs I like the BBC recordings better. Sex Money Freak, I Want You, Digital Rasta and Sensoria are particular favorites. If you are a fan of Cabaret Voltaire you owe it to yourself to get this album.