Gotham

Performer: Bauhaus (UK)
Engineer: Fernando Kral; Joe Barresi
Producer: Fernando Kral
Distributor: Alternative Dis. Alliance

Notes: Bauhaus: Daniel Ash (vocals, guitar); David J. (vocals, bass); Peter Murphy (vocals); Peter Haskins (drums). Recorded live at the Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, New York in 1998. Audio Mixer: Joe Barresi. Recording information: Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, NY (1998). 15 years after they broke up to pursue solo careers, the members of Bauhaus reformed for a limited series of live appearances. This two-disc, nearly 100-minute long live album (with one exception) was recorded in New York (hence the title) and is perhaps the best that the band has ever sounded. Kevin Haskin's drums never sounded this, well, massive on the studio albums, and Daniel Ash's guitars are sharper and more focused than ever. Among the best tracks are the super-heavy version of "Double Dare" that opens the set; a dense, bone-grinding, 13-minute version of the band's signature tune, "Bela Lugosi's Dead"; and a shimmering, brittle version of "Spirit." The version of "Ziggy Stardust" that appears here is arguably better than David Bowie's original--Murphy really throws his voice around, and the rhythm section of J and Haskins provides a monumental pedestal for Ash's guitar fireworks. Another standout is "All We Ever Wanted," which gives both the guitars and vocals room to really shine. Also included, in two versions (one live, one studio) is a stately cover of Dead Can Dance's "Severence." If you ever wondered what the whole deal was with the "Goth" thing, look no further.

Q (3/00, p.116) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...the compressed uptempo highlights....sparkle and twitch with energy and camp theatricality, whilst the crowd favorites 'She's In Parties' and a marathon 'Bela Lugosi's Dead' are a testament to the band's moody dry-ice splendor." Uncut (1/00, p.89) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...This sleekly-packaged live double, recorded across the States, suitably conveys their stark sense of frozen drama..." CMJ (11/29/99, p.26) - "...recorded during the band's triumphant 1998 reunion tour, and features nearly every classic Bauhaus song its black-cloaked fans could ask for." Mojo (Publisher) (2/00, p.93) - "...it's a 'best of' live, brilliantly played, stuffed with doomy Sabbathisms, glam Bowieisms...a bit of stolen Doors, and innumerable highlights....it makes you nostalgic for the 80s. Honest."

Ultimately, Bauhaus became known as the godfathers of the goth scene, but their brief, prolific career (1979-1983) showed far more stylistic variation than their progeny might suggest. They mixed Bowie/Eno-influenced postpunk with dub, electronics, and a moody sense of songcraft that was both unnerving and infectious. After the group's breakup, singer Peter Murphy went on to a solo career, while guitarist David J formed the considerably poppier Love And Rockets. From 1998 on, the band would occasionally re-form for concert tours.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25