Tag Archives: Peter Murphy

Rad CD of The Week: Chris Connelly’s Artificial Madness

In contrast to the ethereal, romantic, midnight cabaret vibe of Blonde Exodus, my favorite album by Scottish expat Chris Connelly, Artificial Madness, the latest from the ex-Ministry/RevCo vocalist is fierce, briskly paced and vibrant with frenetic energy. Oh Chris, why did you stay away so long?

While the undeniable bombast of Connelly’s impressive musical pedigree is in full evidence over the course of these eleven tracks, he’s also imbued these tunes with the essence of eighties-era bands that, in effect, carried the torch for all that came along in the nineties. “Wait for Amateur” would sound right at home book-ended by “Terror Couple Kill Colonel” and “Dark Entries” on a Best-of Bauhaus album and “The Modern Swine” resembles an aural bow to Howard Devoto’s Magazine, whether intentional or otherwise. As always, Connelly’s sublime Bowie-esque croon takes even Peter Murphy’s embodiment of the Thin White Duke past the realm of homage and into the arena of a vocalist whose imprint is arguable matched only by Bryan Ferry among those currently recording. If you enjoy music with a serious pulse, there is no reason not to add Artificial Madness to your collection.

Chicago-area fans can catch the Artificial Madness record release show on Friday November 18, 2011 at The Hideout. For this show, Chris will be joined by the those who backed him on the album including producer Sanford Parker (Minsk, Nachtmystium), Noah Leger (The Karl Hendricks Trio, The(e) Speaking Canaries, Head of Skulls), Will Lindsay (Indian, Nachtmystium, Wolves in Throne Room), and Dallas Thomas (The Swan King, Circle of Animals, Asschapel).

Malevolent, beautiful, creepy and compelling all at once, Artificial Madness, out on Relapse Records on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, is one of my favorite releases of the year.

Grade: A

Happy Birthday, Peter Murphy!

Peter Murphy

Peter Murphy of Bauhaus was born on this day, July 11th in 1957. And Bela Lugosi is still dead.

Classic Post-Punk Single of the Day: Bauhaus’ “Spirit”

Bauhaus Spirit

“We Love Our Audience”

On this date, June 7th in 1982: Bauhaus released their eighth single, “Spirit.” It was backed by a live version of “Terror Couple Kill Colonel” (released as a studio single in 1980). The A side appeared on their third album, The Sky’s Gone Out. The B-side wound up as a bonus track on their live album, Press The Eject And Give Me The Tape, when it was released on CD. It’s interesting to note that the single version of “Spirit’ has a pop, almost calypso feel, while the live version is arranged as a heavy, rolling dirge. Which version you prefer is, I suppose, a matter of taste. I like them both.

Thanks to The P 5 Blogspot: This Day in Eighties Music for the tip!

Marc Slutsky, Drummer (Peter Murphy, Alexa Ray Joel, Ben Jelen, Splender, etc.)

Wow, what can I say? Gail is the best! She did my bio a while back and it came out great. Since then Gail and I have become good friends. I recommend Gail’s writing services to my colleagues and friends often. They always come back to me saying how great things turned out, 100% of the time! She loves music and it shows in her work.