Goth/ post-punk
Surely this has to be an essential score for anybody with an interest in this style of music, perhaps yes, however given how different it is to the likes of "First and Last and Always" or "Floodland" I would be tempted to label it "for hardcore fans only" despite the fact this was the first album of theirs I actually bought and listened to. This is for those of us who like our Sisters with a bit of old skool grit on the side, very punky material and not exactly "Goth" as you may know it from the overblown pomposity of "Floodland".
"Some Girls..." presents a history of TSOM in their formative, indie label years between 1980 and 1983. The very first single is included, alongside the very second and arguably first "proper" single. The original 12" version of "Temple of Love", the first thing that got them any real attention, is present alongside the entirety of "The Reptile House EP" (a defining statement of the original goth rock movement). "Alice", another well known (and hideously overplayed by now) early track is present with its four B-sides including a riotous cover of "1969" by The Stooges. Also featured is a brilliant cover of The Stones' "Gimme Shelter", not the only time this band would knock out a cover that well and truly demolishes the original, in this writer's opinion (one word: "Emma"). However the defining feature of this album is the inclusion of "The Reptile House", an EP which contrasts starkly with a lot of the other amphetamine fueled songs on the disc, offering six doomy atmospheric tracks which make it unique among this era of the band.
As a compilation this works excellently, despite not being chronological. The tinny production and equally tinny drum machine beats give the songs an added edge which the more polished production of the later albums is missing. I have some of the original 12" vinyl of these tracks, and you could argue that is the better format to have them in, but to have them all on one disc (alongside Eldritch's endlessly readable sleeve notes) makes it essential not to mention the absurd prices original copies of "Body Electric" and "The Damage Done" are going for currently.
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