Cabaret Voltaire
A band I just keep on going back to. So many albums and so many different phases. they should be loved way more than they are.
The following Top 10 does change round quite a bit, but all these ten albums are brilliant (and I have omitted live albums and compilations) |
| 1 |  | Cabaret Voltaire
2x45
A fantastic release. More two 12' than a full album (2 x 45 is an apt title). The first disc is the final recording with Watson, whose found tape sounds were so essential to their earlier releases. He doesn't disappoint on his final outing - Yashar has most probably Cabaret Voltaire's most famous found tape "There's 70 Billion people out there. Where are they hiding?" The second 12" is just as good. Could be Cabaret Voltaire's most "rock" album. |
| 2 |  | Cabaret Voltaire
The Voice of America
Even better than their debut. Found tapes dominate the opening tracks. More structured than "Mix-up" but still very experimental. The stand out track is "Obsession" |
| 3 |  | Cabaret Voltaire
The Conversation
A mind blowing release! A quadruple LP release. The track "Project" is almost one hour long. A great electronic album that ranks with other 1994 electronic albums like Autechre "Amber" and Aphex Twin Ambient II. If you like those two artists, give this album a go |
| 4 |  | Cabaret Voltaire
Red Mecca
Often regarded as their best release. Not my very favourite, but in my top three for four Cab albums. A very well structured and cohesive album which has obviously had a lot of time and care put into the recording. Best played as a whole album. |
| 5 |  | Cabaret Voltaire
Three Mantras
A very schizophrenic release. Western Mantra is one of the best tracks the Cabs every released: a 20 minute classic - a mix of Faust and punk. Simply awesome! However, the other side, Eastern Mantra is almost unlistenable - one of their worst tracks, with a backward tape loop repeating for 20 minutes and some noodling and random percussion thrown in. Still worth owning for the stunning Western side (I might have the Western/ eastern sides mixed up - the LP doesn't say which side is which) |
| 6 |  | Cabaret Voltaire
Mix-Up
What a debut! A collage of tape loops, keyboards, guitars, bass, vocals and percussion. Very experimental and has aged so well. Not an easy listen, but enjoyable all the same. |
| 7 |  | Cabaret Voltaire
The Crackdown
Initial LP releases came with a bonus 12". This is the release to own. The 12" is an electronic masterpiece - two of the tracks are very ambient. The main LP is also very good. Much more commercial and 80s sounding compared to their previous release (12 x 45). A dark electronic album |
| 8 |  | Cabaret Voltaire
Body and Soul
An underrated Cabaret Voltaire release. A massive improvement from their previous "Nasty" release. "Is this Real?" is a classic single! |
| 9 |  | Cabaret Voltaire
Micro-Phonies
More commercial than Crackdown, but some great songs such as "Sensoria" and "James Brown". Overall a very solid and enjoyable release with a great cover. |
| 10 |  | Cabaret Voltaire
The Covenant, The Sword and The Arm of The Lord
Very underrated. It hasn't dated as well as Microphonies or Crackdown. Some of the keyboards sound very "Art of Noise". But the songs are strong - "I Want You" is a cracker of a single. The Cabs have also gone back to the found tapes, which is always a good thing |
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