It’s always a nice feeling spotting that someone has taken the time to offer a comment on whatever has been posted, and in typing those words, I’ll take the opportunity to particularly thank flimflamfan, strangeways, fiktiv, sk, postpunkmonk and Adam from Bagging Area for their very regular contributions.
Every comment is read, and there are times when I wish I had the discipline of someone like Jez over at A History of Dubious Taste who always responds to those who visit his place and offer up some thoughts. But I do always take note of what is said, which is why today’s offering features a 12″ single that I don’t actually own a copy of, but I was able to ‘ahem’ acquire digitally using my villainous ways.
One of last week’s posts looked at Cities In Dust, a 1985 hit single for Siouxsie & The Banshees. One of the responses that came in simply said:-
“You really need to post Dazzle and the 2 b-sides to that, which are a couple of my favourite Banshee songs that aren’t that well known.”
It was an anonymous contribution; it’s really annoying that WordPress make it so awkward for occasional contributors to put their name to comments, but in saying that, the service provided by them for the blog is excellent and that’s probably my only grumble.
Sorry for the brief digression there. Just a quick word of thanks to Anon and I trust today’s post puts a smile on your face.
mp3: Siouxsie & The Banshees – Dazzle (Glamour Mix)
The production is courtesy of Mike Hedges, and there are moments on this seven-minutes plus mix that remind me so much of the work he did with Associates in the early 80s. It’s also worth mentioning that Hedges had worked with The Cure on a number of their early releases, and the Banshees at this particular time in their history had Robert Smith on lead guitar and keyboards, and as such it all made for a great fit.
Dazzle was the second and final single to be lifted from the album Hyæna. It only reached #33 in May 1984 by which time Smith had long announced his departure from the Banshees, citing exhaustion as he couldn’t manage the workload involved in being in two busy and high-profile bands.
The two b-sides on the 12″ don’t have Mike Hedges involved, with the credits being simply given as ‘A Siouxsie & The Banshees Production’
mp3 : Siouxsie & The Banshees – I Promise
mp3 : Siouxsie & The Banshees – Throw Them To The Lions
The former is an excellent listen, albeit it’s title being so similar to a Bunnymen song that I found my mind drifting off to that one, given there is some similarity in the way that Mac and Siouxsie sing the word ‘promise’.
The latter, in places, is very gothic in nature, with Smith’s guitar work recalling some of the Cure’s early non-hit tunes. It’s one that gets the thumb-up from me.
Thanks again to Anon for this fine suggestion. Everyone is welcome to offer things in a similar manner, and I’ll do my best to keep the satisfaction levels at a high rate.
JC
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
Ooooooh! Treat-tastic! Dazzle is – of this period Banshees – an absolute favourite. I’ll repeat that it’s one of the very best first tracks and therefore introduction to an LP, Hyaena. In places the intro of the Glamour Mix reminds me of This Mortal Coil’s 16 Days/Gathering Dust. Although I can see the ‘club’ appeal of the Glamour Mix I do prefer the LP version without embelishment.
As for the b-sides my favourite is Throw Them To The Lions – what a din. Magic.
Flimflamfan
Thank you! I can never have enough Banshees!
I’m with you. “Dazzle” is my favorite SATB song, but in the eloquent LP version that makes me swoon anew with each play over the 40 years it’s been in my world. I can’t really say that for the “Glamour Mix.” But I still immediately bought the single 40 years ago!
Thanks, great to hear them again. I have it all on the Downside Up compilation, but rarely get it out because some of the stuff is just filler b-side stuff.
If you’re Banshee fans & haven’t already listened, can I recommend Budgies Curious Creatures podcast. There are some great stories on there, depending on which episode you pick, such as them sharing Motorhead’s road crew; & having to keep them happy doing Motorhead & other rock classics during soundcheck, to keep them happy.
Regards
Steve Anon
That “Lions” B-side is outstanding! It’s what John and Exene from X would have sounded like if they grew up in Bromley instead of the midwest US.
After revisiting this era of S&TB recently I found the album wasn’t nearly as interesting and engaging as the singles & b-sides
I’ve heard two songs so far this week: Dazzle (like ppm I prefer the LP Version) and Sax and Violins by the Talking Heads. Things can only get worse from here, right?
More than once I hoped that no one would read my comment. You definitely don’t have that chance at A History of Dubious Taste. [sk]
I’m not sure you can describe what I do as being disciplined – it’s fairly easy to respond to comments when you only post 2 or 3 times a week ( as I do) – posting something different and interesting every day for Gawd knows how long you’ve been blogging for – now THAT’S discipline! (also, just realised I hadn’t replied to last week’s comments, so….)