Prayers on Fire cover

Prayers on Fire

Released

Forty years ago, an Australian band was firing the template of Touch & Go Records. Singer? Freak the fuck out and yell surrealist one-liners. Bassist? Play really flappy and nasty. Guitarist? Imitate a power tool. Drummer? Be very thumpy. Also be slower than anybody expects. That’s only half of what Nick Cave and his mates did, though. There are horns and keyboards and all kinds of other treats in this actual funhouse. You’re trapped in the Tunnel of Love with a tire iron and an accordion. How will you make the spirits take your side? Tom Waits was too easy on fellas!

Sasha Frere-Jones

Recommended by

Suggestions
The Scream cover

The Scream

Siouxsie & the Banshees
Epic Garden Music cover

Epic Garden Music

Sad Lovers & Giants
Oktubre cover

Oktubre

Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota
Dead Can Dance cover

Dead Can Dance

Dead Can Dance
Dear Science cover

Dear Science

TV on the Radio
Peepshow cover

Peepshow

Siouxsie & the Banshees
George Best cover

George Best

The Wedding Present
A Kiss in the Dreamhouse cover

A Kiss in the Dreamhouse

Siouxsie & the Banshees
Crocodiles cover

Crocodiles

Echo & the Bunnymen
Rip It Up cover

Rip It Up

Orange Juice