OTR: The Bolshoi - AWay...Best of The Bolshoi

[illusionofjoy]

Two LPs, one EP and a smattering of singles make up The Bolshoi's discography proper. AWay...Best of The Bolshoi is a worthwhile sampler of this discography, however completists like me will want to get the two proper LPs - Friends (1986) and Lindy's Party (1987) along with the Bigger Giants compilation which merges the Giants EP (1985) with many of the band's non-LP singles. This configuration is ideal for those who wish to acquire everything recorded by The Bolshoi on CD. (Incidentally, one can purchase Giants and Friends repackaged together on one disc, but in doing so one forgoes the non-LP singles that appear on Bigger Giants.)

AWay...Best of The Bolshoi is a fair overview of the songs from the two LPs (though favouring single edits, which is perfect for DJs, not so good for casual fans) and the one EP, throwing in some B-sides and a couple of Trevor Tanner solo tunes (his album Master of the World was released at the same time as this compilation, so I don't doubt that Beggar's Banquet was attempting to do some cross-promotion). Also making this a worthwhile purchase is the essay penned by Tanner in the liner notes along with a printed full discography.

The Bolshoi have been called "the best band no one has ever heard." Truth be told, the world is full of people who know about The Cure, Bauhaus and The Sisters of Mercy, but if you can find someone in your local Goth night aside from the DJ who knows about The Bolshoi, you get a silver star. You get a second star if said individual knows a song other than "Away."

Like so many great bands, it happened too quickly and also too early for me to appreciate it (yet again, more proof that I was born in the wrong decade). Everyone who considers him or herself an old-school Goth should own copies of Friends and Lindy's Party, but AWay...Best of The Bolshoi is a good place to start for the uninitiated and curious.

Comments

[evilkellychan.livejournal.com]

i remember when i first heard the Bolshoi...an old friend who was DJing at this club that i couldn't get into took me for a sound check and to show off his new records.... which included the Sisters of Mercy and... Lindy's Party. he played TV Man for me and i loved it. i got the cassette and wore that sucker out.

and, we should have more crazy nights like Saturday... that was a good time. i looked at the pictures before work this morning and laughed. i will email them to you soon... :)

[illusion-of-joy.livejournal.com]

Yay, peek-tures!

But where should future crazy nights be had?

[evilkellychan.livejournal.com]

i don't know where these nights may take place... but if i happen upon something, i will let you know... :)