Secondly to Sereneghost note how this is a SINGLES collection as opposed to your personal favorite collection. While I agree that these songs don't always represent the heart of these albums, singles rarely do but rather represent the more assesible side of a band.

Tracks 1-5 represent Siouxsie's abrasive punks days, being rather more simplistic and straightforward than later efforts. That being said 'Hong Kong Garden' is incredibly catchy (although don't the lyrics come accross as being blatantly racist?)while 'Mirage' and 'Love In A Void' are purely punky and abrasive. 'Staircase' and 'Playground Twist' express a minimalist gothic style and nightmarish in their mood and lyrical content.

The remainder of the album see The Banshees evolve rapidly, displaying sharper songwriting, a more layered and complex sound, and introducing synthesizers. 'Happy House' and 'Christine' are not only infectious singles but display more subtle and mature lyrics. 'Spellbound' and 'Arabian Knights' are typical of Juju's complex rhythms and psychadelic landscapes, the latter song has a breathtaking chorus that I can't get out of my head. 'Israel' my favorite song from this album, has an evocative majesty of its own that shows how far the band had evolved into a complex unit from their punk days.

A good introduction into Siouxsie and The Banshee's early days and an interesting documentation of their quick evolvement. Twice Upon A Time is even better.


Siouxsie&The Banshees-'Once Upon A Time:The Singles'(Geffen)   March 22, 2005
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Essential for any and all Siouxsie&The Banshees fans.Sure,it's an early compilation,with material from 1978-81.Every one of the CD's ten cuts are a winner,like "The Staircase Mystery","Love In A Void",the insanely written "Happy House","Christine","Isreal","Spellbound"(one of my all time favorites)and "Arabian Knights".Top rate goth alternative.It's nearly impossible not to like at least a couple of these tunes.Sounds just SO good,that it almost hurts.Voodoo enthusiasts,fortune tellers and goth queens,rejoice!Highly recommended.


Tight High Energy Punk   May 3, 2003
 5 out of 8 found this review helpful

I actually have never heard any other music by SATB. This album was my first and last taste of their music. I absolutely love this album, and one reason I haven't sought out more of their music is I feel there is no way their other albums will be able to compare to this little masterpiece of a CD. The CD does feel short, but each song is a tight little punk rock masterpiece.

Although the songs are great, I think that special mention must go the production on these tracks. An enormous amount of energy is gleaned from what really amounts to a very simple combination of elements. The relentless drive of the band's rhythm section must also get special mention for propelling this music forward and keeping this music from ever really sounding old or ponderous like so many other 'goth-punk' bands from the 80's.

If you are looking for energetic music with a unique sound, then you should do yourself and get this album ASAP.


Sweet Sioux.   December 3, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

And the futile quest for my irretrievable youth marches on! Lately, I have been buying up some of the favorite music of my youth. Though I loved Siouxsie & The Banshees when they appeared on the scene, I actually never heard a big selection of their music. So, Siouxsie's "The Singles" seemed a good place to start. The thing which surprised me the most upon hearing these songs, most of which are around twenty years old, is how fresh and timeless they sound. Since I am not a "Siouxsie" expert, I cannot tell you the pros & cons of this collection, and what should or should not have been included. I can only say that I have had this c.d. a week now, and, I can't stop listening to it! Her ethereal sound is addictive. For me, there are very few bands who, along with having such a distinct sound, also make music which weaves such a spell. And also, for me, Siouxsie was as definitive a Punk sound as The Sex Pistols. I love all the songs on this collection. I was most familiar with "Christine" and "Spellbound". Upon hearing "Israel" for the first time, I have come to the conclusion that this is one of the most beautiful songs ever. Also, I especially like "Arabian Nights", and "Hong Kong Garden." And, "Love In A Void" reeks of Punk, as much as any Ramones tune. Again, as I am not a Siouxsie expert, I can only say that I thoroughly enjoyed and continue to enjoy this collection. It is a good place to start, and only makes me want to hear more of the efforts of the lovely Miss Sioux and her wailing spirits.


A fine collection of early singles from an influential band   August 18, 2001
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

A (perhaps too) concise overview of the Banshees' first four years of recorded work, back when the band were helping shape what would become known as post-punk (and when they were still being taken seriously by critics)...

Some would argue (me, for one) that their creative high point would begin just after this period ended, but this is certainly their most influential music, and it's hard to argue with the song selection: "Hong Kong Garden" and "Love In a Void" are two of THE great UK pop-punk singles; "Happy House" and "Christine" are early new-wave classics, and "Spellbound" and "Israel" are seminal goth-rock touchtones...

Three of the ten songs here are unavailable on any SATB studio albums, making this collection essential for die-hards as well as first timers, though those looking for the band's best-known US alt-rock hits (Kiss Them For Me, Cities In Dust, Peek-a-Boo) would be better off with their second singles collection (Twice Upon a Time), but as an historical document of how the Banshees found their sound, you can't do better than this.