Siouxsie Sioux

Finally, after 11 Siouxsie And The Banshees albums and four Creatures albums, the inspirational and influential lead singer of both bands - Siouxsie Sioux, released her first solo album, Mantaray, on September 10th 2007. Mantaray, although received well by critics and fans alike remains Siouxsie's one and only full length solo record to date. The ten track album saw Siouxsie work with a variety of musicians and collaborators as she brought a long held dream to life. Taking impetus and encouragement from the success of her 2004 solo tour that culminated in a live performance with a 16 piece orchestra, and ultimately a DVD titled Dreamshow, Siouxsie used a wide variety of styles but produced a very cohesive and thoroughly entertaining album.

Mantaray was probably more pop than Banshee purists had hoped for but it's blend of theatrical and cinematic soundsacpes coupled with Siouxsie's unmistakable vocals was an irresistible combination. The lead single, and opening track from the album - Into A Swan, released one week ahead of Mantaray, was the perfect introduction to Siouxsie's solo album. The transformative track signaled Siouxsie's intentions and served in some ways to document the changes in her life. Recently divorced from husband and band mate Budgie, moving on from her past and embracing a new era in her life, Siouxsie's swan was her re-awakening as a self-assured solo artist. The semi-industrial opening bars quickly give way to Siouxsie's extraordinary voice and some supercharged guitar riffs. The accompanying, sometimes elaborate, percussion and deft arrangement make for a great introductory track to the album as Siouxsie sings - "I feel a force I've never felt before, I don't want to fight it anymore, Feelings so strong can't be ignored, I burst out, I'm transformed."

Continue reading: Album Of The Week: The 14th Anniversary Of 'Mantaray' By Siouxsie Sioux

Today we celebrate 31 years since the release of Siouxsie Sioux and Budgie's collaborative second album under The Creatures moniker, Boomerang. Another exotica themed record that may sound by the title as though it has Aboriginal influences, but was actually largely recorded in southern Spain.

The Creatures - Boomerang

Following the critical acclaim of their debut album Feast in 1983, there were high expectations for the follow-up. Critics couldn't get enough of this Siouxsie And The Banshees spin-off and their avant-garde, sensual and tropical sound, and Boomerang only brought that aesthetic to a higher level with more blues and flamenco influences.

Continue reading: Album Of The Week: The Return Of The Creatures' Boomerang

Siouxsie Sioux might be well known as an 80s goth icon thanks to her work with Siouxsie and the Banshees, but few remember the work she did afterwards with her side-project The Creatures. Anima Animus is the third album from this project, released exactly 20 years ago today.

The Creatures - Anima Animus

Siouxsie and the Banshees were still going strong by the time Siouxsie formed The Creatures with her drummer (and later husband) Budgie, but Anima Animus was released four years after the iconic goth group disbanded, and ten years after The Creatures' second record Boomerang.

Continue reading: Album Of The Week: The 20th Anniversary Of The Creatures' Anima Animus