Listen Up With Cabaret Voltaire

Given the band's constant outpouring of work in its late-'70s/early-'80s days via both singles and albums, it's no surprise that enough unreleased or compilation-only material could be brought together to form a two-CD collection. What's a bit more surprising is the quality throughout Listen Up, but then again, given the Cabs' abilities in general, it's not too unexpected. The sources for the previously released numbers range from fanzine flexidiscs to John Giorno's Clean, But It Just Looks Dirty video compilation, neatly situating the band's wide appeal among any number of undergrounds. The two initial tracks, from a very early Factory Records sampler EP, both rank high as masterpieces of ominous threat. "Baader Meinhof" begins with a German speaker, presumably discussing the terrorist group in question, before Mallinder's heavily distorted voice talks over a combination of ambient drift and unnerving noises. "Sex in Secret" introduces a low rhythm box rumble and slightly more clear lyrics, but the heavy echo throughout, combined with another combination of gentle and grating sonics, marks it once again as Cabaret Voltaire material. Other strong rarities include the lengthy "Loosen the Clamp," with one of the band's most industrial rhythm attacks, and "Trust in the Lord," with one of Mallinder's strongest and clearest vocals over brusque music. When it comes to the numerous unreleased tracks, amid more tentative or less focused material some gems come forth, many showcasing the band's increasing focus on in-your-face electro-funk. "This Is Our Religion" is notable for its Latin/funk rhythm touches, however treated or given a traditional CV touch, while "Why" perfectly captures the incipient EBM sound that early Front 242 would use as the basis for their own work. Mallinder's almost passionate vocals are an interesting touch, at least when not fed through the Vocoder. The packaging contains more examples of the band's early cut-up art.