Bauhaus Album: “1979-1983 Volume 1”

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.

For those who recently discovered the often-overlooked and amazing music of Bauhaus, this is the place to strat, definitely. It's a retrospective of the band's greates songs, basically from 1978-1981. The opening distorted bass notes of Double Dare is an electrifying start to this collection of music, and from there you're attention is captured.

Peter Murphy's vocals were unique, from a low-register monotone in the group's signature song "Bela Lugosi's Dead" (from a live album which is far superior to the original 1978 version), to frantic in "Stigmata Martyr," to melodic in "Spy In The Cab." Daniel Ash's guitar work was also uniquye and rather visionary. They also had one of the greates rhythm sections ever, conmprised of David J on bass and Daniel Haskins on percussion.

It may be classified as gothic, but that's irrelevant. I actually go against the gothic stereotype, especially fake goths, but the music on this collection are enriching and I feel somewhat complete with it blarining its sinister, dark and visceral tones throughout my stereo speakers. Most "best of" collections are awful in representing an artist, especially those that are commercialized, but this one gives the listener a perfect view of the spectrum of Bauhaus' rather brief career.

Being an acquired taste, Bauhaus is best introduced to the newcomer through a Best Of collection. And this is the superior compilation by far from this pioneering goth band as it contains all of their early classics, including rare singles and a great choice of tracks from the first two albums In The Flat Field and Mask.

My personal favorites are the deranged Stigmata Martyr with its scary Latin recitation, St. Vitus Danse, A God In An Alcove and The Passion Of Lovers plus the early singles Telegram Sam, (their tribute to Marc Bolan of T. Rex) and this live version of the legendary Bela Lugosi's Dead. Other great moments are Spy In The Cab, Terror Couple Kill Colonel and Hair Of The Dog.

Inspired by The Cure and The Banshees, Bauhaus were brave pioneers who chisseled out their own very distinctive sound and never compromised with commerciality. Their music remains inspiring albeit sometimes inaccessible, but always innovative. I would also like to recommend Peter Murphy's solo albums where he took the Bauhaus vision further, in a generally more melodic and accessible style.

quite simply (in my opinion) a seminal "Goth" collection of tunes that laid the groundwork for what would come later through the unparalleled work of the incredible founding members of this band.

When these guys took the stage it became much more than rock, goth, punk, metal - though tangible elements of all of these pervade the work. Bauhaus broke new ground and took us to mysterious dimensions that cleared the doors of perception and left us transformed.

Go see Daniel Ash and Peter Murphy (as well as their cohorts) whenever you have the chance. It is as close as you will get to the magic.

I'm a new Bauhaus fan and I love this cd! I knew about Bauhaus and their 'gothic' music but I've never heard their music before (shame on me) so I decided to give this 'best of' CD a chance. At first I didn't "get" their music. It was dark (duh), noisy, and lyrics were nonsense, but as I listen more and more, I started to get their music and now I have much respect for their musicianship. The same respect I give to people like John Lennon and David Bowie. I can't believe they were making this kind of music in the early 80's, it still sounds forward-looking. Underneath their dark make-ups and custumes, they are really talented musicians! Especially the way they arranged music, oh man, it's genius!

if you are new to Bauhaus like me, I defintely recommend this cd as your first stop. I'm gonna by Vol. 2 next.