Finally--a classic post-punk album on CD!!
Dean Dirge | 11/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Many people that enjoy raw and raucous post-punk recordings are familiar with versions of the songs on this first Sex Gang Children album. In some cases, only remixes and alternate recordings of these songs have been available on the many Sex Gang Children compilations on the market. A few examples: I had never heard the album versions of Draconian Dream, Shout and Scream or Killer K before. It is great to hear the cohesive statement that this album makes when heard as a whole.
At the same time, I must admit that I prefer a few remixes to the album versions. I find the remix of Draconian Dream on Dieche (entitled Mongolia) infinitely more interesting than the album version (although the reprise at the end of this album blows both versions away). The version that was released as a single also seems to have more going on than the ablum version. Additionally, I prefer the version of Shout and Scream that appears on Dark Archives (I think this version might have originated on Re-Enter the Abyss/Empyre and Fall, but I can't remember). All things considered, it's nice to have the various versions of SGC's material back on the market, even if my favorite versions aren't all on the same CD.
Now, the music--SGC share certain features in common with other post-punk bands: so-called "tribal" drumming, frequent time signiature changes, wild vocals, shrieking guitar lines, complex and allusive lyrics and solid, melodic basslines. If you like Bauhaus, Public Image Limited, Christian Death or virtually any other Batcave, Deathrock or generic postpunk band, give Sex Gang Children a shot. And don't stop with Song and Legend! Check out (at least) Blind, Last of England and Bastard Art!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1