Siouxsie & The Banshees - Gold [2CD Set] (2005)

UK two CD collection from the original Goth/Punk rockers fronted by one of the UK's most unique vocalists, Siouxsie Sioux. From their Punk beginnings to their chart success and ultimate dissolution, this double disc set is the perfect introduction to their rich, challenging musical legacy. Includes the hits 'Dear Prudence', 'Peek A Boo', 'Hong Kong Garden', 'Israel', 'Christine', 'Spellbound' and 'Arabian Knights'. Also features rare remixes of 'Cities In Dust', 'The Killing Jar' and 'Song From The Edge Of The World'. NOTE: The tracklisting on this disc is identical to the deleted (and highly sought-after) limited edition two-CD Best Of! Universal. 2005.

Ah well then, the sticker says "definitive." Let's see. The sound is pristine, pretty much as fine as a standard CD can get. There are 15 cuts on disc one with all familiar hits such as "Peek-a-Boo," "Hong Kong Garden," "Dear Prudence," "Spellbound," "Arabian Knights," "Cities in Dust," "Christine," "Israel," "Kiss Them for Me," and "Happy House." But where are "Melt!," "Helter Skelter," "Playground Twist," "Suburban Relapse," "Slowdive," and "Little Johnny Jewel"? Not quite definitive as it turns out. Alas. The second disc of remixes is a nice touch in that includes many of the original 12" B-side remixes and a few others such as the 808 State remix of "Face to Face" in 1992 and the Juno Reactor remix of "Stargazer." But wouldn't it have been a better package to include two discs and make it the authentic and discographical article, with all the singles, and leave the remixes for another day? Fans may want to bite for this, and it's a decent collection, but a better introduction for the beginner to Siouxsie and the Banshees' swirling dark mystic magic is Twice Upon a Time: The Singles.