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.


gods of dark rock   August 16, 2004
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

lots of people say this band started goth but don't buy into all that without hearing this band for yourself. i remember as a kid seeing reading Thrasher magazine and seeing skaters wearing Bauhaus t-shirts. well, that was enough for me to go check them out. i bought "Bela Legosi's Dead" on cassette and played it endlessly. i played it endlessly not because i liked it; but because i couldn't understand it and i had to keep listening again and again. eventually, it all started to sink in...the rhythms, the mood, the strange numbness of it all.
and on this Singles collection, sure...there are elments of goth within these songs. but personally, i think peter murphy and company were channeling more of the spirit of glam rock of the 70's and giving it their own dark spin (especially later in their career). lots of these songs seem very punk to me also...just look at the intensity of "Passion of Lovers" or the screaming mad psychosis of "Double Dare." just listen to the way the bass just drives everything home and the guitar just sort of splashes and dances around the skeletal frame of it all. truly great stuff...but not for everyone.i would compare them to a more sinister Joy Division. so if that sounds up your alley, by all means, get this album.
Bauhaus stands out as a truly interesting and massively inspirational band that carved out an outstanding legacy and a back catalog worth seeking out.


If only more compilations were like this...   September 30, 2002
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

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.


Best of Bauhaus   November 4, 2003
 6 out of 7 found this review helpful

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.