Bauhaus: Telegram Sam (1980/AD 17)

        Released in December 1980, Bauhaus's 4th and best single on 4ad consists of two covers and one original. Their cover to Telegram Sam is fairly different from the T. Rex original, being faster in pace, more punky, and overall full of energy and catchy as hell. It's fantastic and I prefer it to the original. The second track, Crowds. is the odd one out here, I can't say I love it, with the piano being too clink-clanky, and Murphy's vocals to melodramatic. This is also too dry for my tastes, I would say a little reverb would have been better.
      The final track, their cover of John Cale's Rosegarden Funeral of Sores, might just be my favorite Bauhaus track throughout their discography. The bass line is just so dark and provactive, the guitar tones by Ash are fantastic and totally suit the atmosphere, and Murphy's melodrama perfectly fitting the disturbed nature of the lyrics. Also the "chorus", with the two chord guitar chug, is fucking fantastic. It's really a testament to both Cale's songwriting skills and Bauhaus ability to make that their own. Aside from Crowds, an Amazing single and the best single by the label so far.

Rating: 4.5/5