Tuxedomoon

The Ghost Sonata LP/CD (Les Temps Modernes LTM 2303)

I read something recently that described this record as the industrial equivalent of Smiley Smile, the Beach Boys' infamous 'lost' LP. Certainly, it has taken its time getting released in this complete form; its first public performance was as long ago as 1982. The band themselves split up several years ago, but reunited to produce this final superb record. Styles range from lush chamber orchestra to scratchy electronic atmospherics. It all sounds divinely decadent and quintessentially European (not at all bad for a bunch of decanted San Franciscans). If this record had appeared after Suite En Sous Sol it would have pushed the band to the very forefront of their field; as it is, it stands as a sublime epitaph to one hell of a band. [MG]