Bauhaus - Go Away White

Has it really been twenty-five years? Yes, it has, and during that down time a lot of things of changed and a lot of things have stayed the same for Peter Murphy, Daniel Ash, David J and Kevin Haskins. What has changed? Well, Peter Murphy, through his solo career, refined his diabolical vocals into a more subtle and beckoning musical instrument, while Daniel, David and Kevin, through Love & Rockets, streamlined their maverick gothic vanguard compositions into a more radio-friendly dance groove musical ideas. What has stayed the same? Like me, their loyal fan base, who will definitely embrace this new recording with a fervor unmatched by any other reunited band from our late seventies/early eighties heyday.

Even though they disbanded, once again, before the release of Go Away White, Bauhaus managed to create a breathless last gasp of sonic wind. Yes, this is Bauhaus, but this is Bauhaus twenty-five years later—a more mature version of their caustic selves that flirts with their past accomplishments as the pioneers of post-punk rock, but blazing new trials within the renaissance of minimalism that now dominates the popular airwaves. These new songs pay homage to their nocturnally visceral heritage, yet there is a fresh approach to their signature style of confrontational and aggressive musical theatrics that sets this reunited release apart from other reunion-type releases. Unfortunately, Bauhaus promises that this recording is their final cut. For me, Go Away White  is the perfect exit for the band that gave birth to so many fabulous followers.

The B-52s - Funplex

Yet another blast from the past, The B-52s, just like Bauhaus, prove that they still have what it takes to make a great record, even after their fifteen year hiatus from the recording studio. Funplex is such an ideal title, for it absolutely describes the fantastic voyage you will take while listening to this album. Yes, this fantastic voyage may be a trip down memory lane for us die-hard fans, but that is the beauty of this release. Outside of the new technology used by producer Steve Osborne, Fred Schneider’s quirky vocal campiness is still pulsating stronger than ever and the Brill Building female harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson are playfully illuminating—it makes you wonder why they waited so long to put out another album.

Funplex proves once again that The B-52s are the quintessential party band. This album oozes nothing but pure and unadulterated fun, yet another addition to their fine catalog of good time music. The energy and humor on the eleven songs are still as lively and rambunctious as their past. Throughout this recording you can hear salutations to such classics as “Rock Lobster,” “Private Idaho” and “Roam,” yet this new material still sounds as fresh as their first recordings. The B-52s have given us yet another reason to have faith in the music business. Invigoratingly cheerful, this is a fine outing by one of the most adorable bands to resurface to the top.