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Of course the 1980s was their most fruitful period with UK hits like Happy House, Israel, Christine, Spellbound and Arabian Knights. Most of these are atmospheric numbers with just a hint of The Banshees’ proto-goth dark side shining through. Their debut album The Scream still remains one of the most psychotic statements in rock but is not a piece of music that lends itself to hits compilations. Well, perhaps Helter Skelter should have been considered …
My favourites include their first hit, Hong Kong Garden, a powerful punk number with absolutely blistering guitar work and an exotic touch, Kiss Them For Me, their lilting, swaying 1991 hit about a doomed actress, Peek-A-Boo from the 1988 Peep Show album and Stargazer from their last, under-appreciated album The Rapture. Great songs and an innovative edge lend a timeless quality to the music. Those who want more of this great band are advised to investigate the compilations Once Upon A Time (1981) and Twice Upon A Time (1992).
The first thing that you notice is that those early years that produced great concert favourites, when the original guitarist and drummer were still with the band, like 'Switch', 'The Staircase' is represented by a single song (albeit the best one) - 'Hong Kong Garden'. Also, there is a distinct lack of album tracks; it's true that they made great singles, but they also made great albums.
The period of greatest commercial success seems to be best represented here - 'Happy House', 'Spellbound', 'Arabian Nights', but don't get me wrong - they're great songs, it's just a pity that some of the other periods in their lengthy career is unrepresented.
If this album had been a double album, then it would no doubt have been a fantastic best of album, but it really does suffer from trying to put a couple of quarts into a pint glass.
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