Product Description

If you're searching for a concise, straight to the point overview of the early singles by goth rock innovators Siouxse & the Banshees, then their ten track compilation from 1981 (released right around the same time as their classic fourth studio album, JUJU), ONCE UPON A TIME: THE SINGLES, is highly recommended. Although they were never considered a singlesband in the U.S. (they barely ever got beyond cult status in the U.S.), Siouxse & the Banshees were one of the top alternative/new wave bands of the early 80's back in their homeland of England, where they racked up a decent amount of hit singles early in their career, all of which are included here. Included are such goth classics as the album opening "Hong Kong Garden", "Happy House", "Christine", and "Spellbound", to name but a few. Along with its follow up collection, 1992's TWICE UPON A TIME: THE SINGLES, the earlier ONCE UPON ATIME: THE SINGLES are two indispensable Siouxse overviews.

Track Listing

1. Hong Kong Garden
2. Mirage
3. Staircase (Mystery)
4. Playground Twist
5. Happy House
6. Christine
7. Israel
8. Spellbound
9. Arabian Knights
10. Fire Works

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11342 in Music
• Released on: 1997-03-24
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Preposterous as it might seem in retrospect, Siouxsie & The Banshees were the last of the UK's first generation punk bands to secure a record deal; the hippie-bloated record industry was, frankly, terrified of them. Their stark, minimalist collision of ice-pick guitar and pounding drums, allied to Siouxsie's macabre, murder-in-the-nursery lyrics and untameable demeanour of brooding impenetrable cool were regarded as nothing more than commercial poison. But when Polydor finally took the plunge in 1978 they were amply rewarded when the band's debut single "Hong Kong Garden" immediately gravitated to the UK top ten. More hits followed and Once Upon A Time is a captivating compilation of the very best of them. From the clanging majesty of "The Staircase (Mystery)", the towering menace of "Playground Twist" and the measured schizophrenics of "Christine" to the glorious sensuality of "Arabian Nights", the distilled exhilaration of Once Upon A Time remains utterly essential. --Ian Fortnam

Customer Reviews

Gothic..Punk..The Different Act..All Once Upon A Time
This is a collection of ten songs from Siouxise And The Banshees. Who's career was with the rest of the punk bands, and were one of the last be signed with them movement. They fit the time perfectly, and are a great act. Songs like 'Hong Kong Garden' 'Playground Twist' and my personal favorite 'Israel'. If you have never heard any of there material i think there worth checking out. There quite the different act, i believe. And if you like the 80's gothic sound of Joy Division, Sisters Of Mercy, Bauhaus i think these are worth checking out. Also to fans of any music. I know i mentioned Punk and Gothic sound which might sound bizarre but it actually is true i think.

Sweet, happy, melanchlic old style punk, female vocalist
The album is the ten most memorable Siousxie Sioux and the Banshees tracks. Here goes; The music features Sioux's dominant voice, a slightly amatuer wail and whine, melancholic and humorous, with emotion and punk rebellion. The music is simplistic and cathcy... very catchy... some of the catchiest punk music you can buy. Happy House is my favorite track... the slowest one, very melancholic, moody and ironic as she sings "happy house". "Christine" and "The Staircase" are the next best tracks... fun, poppy punk... Sioux's voice is strong and highly interesting and unique.