TINDERBOX ERA SINGLES

Includes scans of 7", 10", 12" singles, cassettes, CDs, promos, imports, limited editions and adverts.  Also includes track listings, catalogue numbers, release dates, chart positions, credits, liner notes and reviews.


 

CITIES IN DUST

 

SINGLE

 
 
  UK 7" Single Track Listing  
 
 
  Cities In Dust 7" Single - Click Here For Full Scan 
Cat:  SHE 9
Click on cover for full scan

 

Cities In Dust
An Execution
 
  UK 12" Single Track Listing  
 
 
  Cities In Dust 12" Single Front Cover - Click Here For Full Scan 
Cat:  SHEX 9 
Click on cover for full scan

 

Cities In Dust (Extended Eruption Mix)
An Execution
Quarterdrawing Of The Dog
 
  Notes: Initial copies with banned label

 

 
  Released: 18/10/85  
  UK Chart: No. 21  
  US Chart: Didn't Chart  
  Sleeve Design: Billy Houlston  
  Producer: A Side: Banshees  
  Producer: B Sides: Banshees  
       

 

IMPORTS/PROMOS

 
 
  UK 7" Single Posterbag Sleeve Track Listing  
 
 
  Cities In Dust 7" Single Posterbag Sleeve Front Cover - Click Here For Full Scan 
Cat:  SHEG 9 
Click on cover for full scan

 

Cities In Dust
An Execution
 
  Notes: Available in limited edition posterbag sleeve

 

 
  US Import Promo 12" Single Track Listing  
 
 
  Cities In Dust 12" Single US Import Promo Front Cover - Click Here For Full Scan 
Cat:  PRO-A-2478
Click on cover for full scan

 

Cities In Dust (Bob Rocks Mix)
Cities In Dust (LP Version)
 
  US Import Cassingle Track Listing  
 
 
  Cities In Dust Cassingle Front Cover - Courtesy Of Nesta & Bad Shape
Cities In Dust (Extended Eruption Mix)
An Execution
Quarterdrawing Of The Dog
Cities In Dust
 
       

 

PRESS

 
 
  Unknown source 1985  
 
 
  Cities In Dust Advert - Click Here For Bigger ScanJust when you thought the Banshees were past it, feeding off their own fat, they hit back with a stunning new single.  Inspired by a visit to the slopes of Pompeii, "Cities In Dust" skillfully uses an image from the past, a society petrified at the moment of it's own destruction, to inform the present of it's own fate.  A nuclear holocaust perhaps?  It's never stated.  Rather it's left to the rising turbulence of the dense production and the rising panic of Sioux's voice to evoke the sense of a culture whose time has run out.  A savage burst of pop energy, whose raging course signals a confident and convincing return to form.  
 


More press...

 
     

 

VIDEO

 
 
 

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  Description:  
  The Band:  Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin, Budgie, John Carruthers.  Shot 27/09/85 in Fulham Studios.  Opens with bubbling red hot lava, followed by dancing skeletons in front of an opening stage curtain.  Cut to Siouxsie lying sideways at the base of an erupting volcano before she turns to stone.  The main action is on Siouxsie's face, lit in an amber glow.  Clever use of lighting means you only see sections of her face at any given time.  In the background the rest of the band, lit in a stark, blueish-gray, act out scenes from the last days of Pompeii.  Stand out moment is where Siouxsie dances behind a wall of flames in full 'Bond Girl' mode.  First video with new guitarist John Carruthers and the last with director Tim Pope.  
     
  Director:  
  Tim Pope  
     
  Availability:  
  The Best Of (Sound & Vision) DVD
'Twice Upon A Time Video
 
     

 

CREDITS

     
  Cities In Dust Lyrics  
 
 
 

Water was running, children were running
You were running out of time
Under the mountain, a golden fountain
Were you praying at the Lare's shrine?

But oh your city lies in dust, my friend

We found you hiding we found you lying
Choking on the dirt and sand
Your former glories and all the stories
Dragged and washed with eager hands

But oh your city lies in dust, my friend

Hot and burning in your nostrils
Pouring down your gaping mouth
Your molten bodies blanket of cinders
Caught in the throes

But oh your city lies in dust, my friend

 
     
  Cities In Dust Credits  
     
 

Sioux - Lyrics
Sioux - Voice
Severin - Bass & Keyboards
Budgie - Drums & Percussion
John Carruthers - Guitar & Keyboards

 
     
  Inspiration/Influence/Band Comment  
     
  SIOUXSIE: "Cities in Dust happened because it, (Pompeii), had a strong effect on me, seeing the remains of the petrified bodies still caught in time as a huge body print in the lava. The age was almost timeless, it’s such a vast amount of years but timeless as well." Source:  Villa Tempo Interview 19/04/86.
SIOUXSIE: "This was our first trip to Pompeii, another amazing experience. Seeing a whole civilisation petrified in lava was like putting yourself in the place at the time, and imagining how it must have been to be there when it happened. I find it really easy to do that, to get ghost images of life continuing as it was. I often wonder if that’s what real hauntings are - your imagination and your senses bringing things back to life. That’s why you’d never be able to capture it on film." Source:  Melody Maker 17/10/92.
SIOUXSIE: "It was whilst on tour in Italy and we were going south through to Toronto and the opportunity whilst travelling arose that we could go visit Pompeii so of course we went and I dunno, the impression was so powerful and like culminating in seeing the petrified bodies that had been left there 2000 years ago."  Source:  Villa Tempo Interview 19/04/86.
 
     

 


     
  An Execution Lyrics  
 
 
 

This is what she saw
The unsuspecting horse was held fast to the ground
Whilst some soldiers split open it's belly
The guilty gypsy was shoved inside the horses belly
With only his head protruding from the dying beast
Another soldier then sewed up the wound
With the culprit inside, condemned to die
Along with the putrefying animal, screaming

 
     
  An Execution Credits  
     
 

Sioux - Lyrics
Sioux - Voice & Piano
Severin - Piano, Bass & Drumbox
Budgie - Drums

 
     
  Inspiration/Influence/Band Comment  
     
  Based on the 'myth' of Countess Bathory"She (Siouxsie) was reading this book about Countess Bathory, called 'Was Dracula A Woman?' or something.  She used to bath in the blood of virgins in the vain hope it would keep you young.  (Carruthers)  Source:  Zigzag 12/85.  
     

 


     
  Quarterdrawing Of The Dog  
 
 
 

Instrumental

 
     
  Quarterdrawing Of The Dog Credits  
     
  Sioux - Piano & Whistle
Severin - Bass
Carruthers  - Guitar
Budgie - Drums & Waterphone
 
     

 

CANDYMAN

 

SINGLE

 
 
  UK 7" Single  Track Listing  
 
 
  Candyman 7" Single Front Cover - Click Here For Full Scan 
Cat:  SHE 10 
Click on cover for full scan

 

Candyman
Lullaby
 
  UK 12" Single  Track Listing  
 
 
  Candyman 12" Single Front Cover - Click Here For Full Scan 
Cat:  SHEX 10 
Click on cover for full scan

 

Candyman
Lullaby
Umbrella
 
  Released: 28/02/86  
  UK Chart: No. 34  
  US Chart: Not Released  
  Sleeve Design: Billy Houlston  
  Producer: A Side: Banshees  
  Producer: B Sides: Banshees  
       

 

IMPORTS/PROMOS

 
 
  UK Double 7" Single Track Listing  
 
 
  Candyman Limited Edition Double 7" Single Front Cover - Click Here For Full Scan 
Cat:  SHEDP 10
Click on cover for full scan

 

Candyman
Lullaby
Umbrella
 
  Notes: Available as a limited edition double 7" single.  This scan No. 0933  
       

 

PRESS

 
 
  Melody Maker 01/03/86  
 
 
  Candyman Advert - Click Here For Bigger ScanIf I had a penny for every would-be Siouxsie I've seen on a stage, I'd have enough money to write to you all personally and tell you to buy this record.  Not that I've ever been much of a Banshees fan: a lot of their wailings have driven me to drink, and I never once fancied that I heard through their albums the veritable Voice Of God.  This single, however, is thrilling, my favourite since 'Playground Twist'.  Big and brash and clashing, it's many parts combine to form one spirited, unpredictable yet wholly co-ordinated outburst while Siouxsie's voice, in confident control, bounces up and down and around the repeating motifs, and unexpected twist of arrangements. 

Carol Clerk 

 
 
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VIDEO

 
 
 

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  Description:  
  The band:  Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin, Budgie, John Carruthers.  Shot 11/02/86.  A deliberate return to straight performance and video director Clive Richardson.  Swathes of material are draped from the ceiling and the studio is bathed in different pastel shades of lighting, purples, blues, greens and pinks, in reference to the 'candy' of the title.  The set was designed by Joe Lyons, who had previously worked on the videos for 'Christine' and 'Red Light'.  The only other dressing for the set are various pillars placed at regular intervals.  Siouxsie herself is draped in material/dress, designed by Colin Swift, which conveniently disguises the fact that her leg is in plaster, and she is supported by two full height flag poles.  Siouxsie is superimposed a number of times over the background footage creating a ghostly atmosphere which is supported by the use of a wind machine.  
     
  Director:  
  Clive Richardson  
     
  Availability:  
  Twice Upon A Time Video  
     

 

CREDITS

     
  Candyman Lyrics  
 
 
 

Sickly sweet, his poison seeks
For the young ones who don't understand
The danger in his hands
With a jaundiced wink see his cunning slink
Oh trust in me my pretty one
Come walk with me my helpless one

Candyman

Syrup lies upon your tongue
Gelatine saliva spills
The flash of a guillotine a smile

Candyman - oh candyman

No pity for him, their misery screams
Unspeakable things

A cool missile, yes it's in his smile
With open arms to welcome you
Beware the masked pretender

He always lies, this candyman
Those lips conspire in treachery
To strike in cloak and dagger, see!

Candyman - oh candyman

And all the children, he warns ``don't tell,''
Those threats are sold
With their guilt and shame they think they're to blame
For candyman oh candyman

 
     
  Candyman Credits  
     
 

Sioux - Lyrics
Sioux - Voice
Severin - Bass & Keyboards
Budgie - Drums & Percussion
John Carruthers - Guitar & Keyboards

 
     
  Inspiration/Influence/Band Comment  
     
  SIOUXSIE: " 'Candyman’ was trying to put across the unspeakability of child abuse, and again, trying not to sensationalise it, just coming up with a very strong picture of a character that was sickly sweet and oozing repulsiveness.  The amount of people who’ve been abused is incredible, and it’s only lately that the subject’s been brought out into the open. The whole thing’s such a power trip, and you realise the victims must have been so in fear of saying anything - cos they’ve been told by the perpetrator that they’ll go to hell or something. " Source:  Melody Maker 17/10/92.
CARRUTHERS: "Well, this is about child abusers. Certain people have suggested that it's also about drugs and drug-pushers, but it isn't really. Or at least it could be - Sioux's lyrics are always ambiguous. Even in Berlin where we were recording, we heard about the shocking rise in child abuse. If there's one thing Sioux really hates it's children being used against their will. It's a prime concern of hers." Source:  Melody Maker 1986.
SIOUXSIE: "It's really to do with grown ups' abuse of children's trust, whether it's sexual or not, the innocence and dependency as well. I just find anything to do with that is repulsive. Pornography or people showing their boobs, that's another thing. I'm not going to be puritanical about any of that because that's all grown ups." Source:  Record Mirror 15/05/86.
 
     

 


     
  Lullaby Lyrics  
 
 
 

The lunacy will leave the day
Luminous in flight
As the moon spits out
In jagged beams
Another night

Wrap around this brilliant veil
Tranquil and unbroken
As you spiral down
A world of clay
And taut convulsion

The dream swan spins
And cartwheel turns
Down deep within your violet slide
The sun begins to rise

Shaking down its morning swords
To thaw your frozen eyes
The dream swan spins
And so conceals
A heart that aches and yearns

O hush awhile
Sleepless child

I'll be watching over you

 
     
  Lullaby Credits  
     
 

Severin - Lyrics
Sioux - Voice & Piano
Severin - Bass & Emulator
Carruthers  - Guitar
Budgie - Drums

 
     
  Inspiration/Influence/Band Comment  
     
  King Ludwig II, the 'mad king' of Bavaria.  Source:  Downside Up liner notes.  
     

 


     
  Umbrella Lyrics  
 
 
 

Away from the dying rain, far away
From the pain washed drains
Under the darkening skies
Now under protecting lines
Beneath this unloved crimes
Relief is a gentle sigh
Dissolve these eyes so I may cry

 
     
  Umbrella Credits  
     
 

Sioux - Lyrics
Sioux - Voice
Carruthers  - Guitar
Budgie - Drums