Siouxsie & the Banshees were one of the premier and seminal groups to emerge out of London’s thriving underground punk movement in the late ’70s. Led by fiery chanteuse Siouxsie Sioux, the Banshees—bassist Steve Severin and drummer Budgie—evolved into a successful pioneering collective that balanced haunting and sinister provocative imagery with adventurous, sumptuous, and contagious pop-inflected song craftsmanship throughout their illustrious, nearly 20-year tenure (1978-1995). On the heels of the band’s recent sold-out 7 Year Itch reunion tour, Polydor/Universal releases this essential collection, which spans the group’s 11-album career. The 15-track, digitally remastered set highlights some of the Banshees most definitive, influential, and treasured moments, including “Peek-a-Boo,” “Dear Prudence,” “Christine,” “Kiss Them for Me,” and “Cities in Dust.” Also included is the previously unreleased track “Dizzy,” taken from the act’s final recording sessions in 1997. Fans take note: A limited edition set, containing a bonus disc of 12-inch club remixes, is also available. Ultimately, this best-of reveals an act that has, over the years, influenced many.—CR
