Just two albums into their career,
Bauhaus' repertoire consisted of plenty of standards and fan favorites. Despite the punk world's disdain for live albums (because of their association with arena rock), the group issued an 11-track collection recorded in London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Paris. Though
Peter Murphy's stage theatrics and the dark atmosphere of a
Bauhaus live date are obviously lost on the translation to record, the band are electrifying on standards such as "In the Flat Field," "Bela Lugosi Is Dead," "Kick in the Eye," "Stigmata Martyr," and "Dark Entries." The more obscure songs, including "Rose Garden Funeral of Sores" and "The Man with X-Ray Eyes," also come off well. Though these tracks aren't quite subsitutes for their studio versions, fans of the band will love to hear them playing in their prime. [A Beggars Banquet CD reissue added six additional live tracks.] ~ John Bush