Some Soft Black Stars Seen Over London

Durtro 058CD, 2001, Running time: 26:35

Some Soft Black Stars Seen Over London
  1. Larkspur and Lazarus - 05:23
  2. Mockingbird - 04:02
  3. Antichrist and Barcodes - 02:03
  4. The Signs in the Stars - 03:27
  5. Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still - 03:57
  6. A Gothic Love Song - 04:11
  7. The Signs in the Stars - 03:31

In April of 2001, Current 93 played a pair of shows at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London. This album comprises the material from their Soft Black Stars album which was performed during these concerts. There are 1000 copies of this CD, 500 of which are signed by David Tibet and pianist Maja Elliott. No printed lyrics or track listing.

Although Current 93 played a variety of material from a variety of albums during those two concerts, this release contains only songs which appeared on Soft Black Stars, and is in fact the first time any of them have been released on a live album. While none of the pieces differ significantly from their studio-recorded counterparts, it’s really a treat to hear Tibet sing, with such passion and intensity, these amazingly intimate pieces. The sound quality is superb, and, aside from clapping at the beginning and ending of the pieces, audience noise is completely absent.

Regular visitors to this site know that I generally don’t care for live albums. However, this one is really an exception. Tibet’s emotion is extremely evident in these recordings, and it’s impossible not to be caught up in the power and sincerity of his vocals. Although short, I’ve been listening to this one a lot. I highly recommend this release, as it feels like Tibet is allowing the listener an intense and personal glimpse into a piece of his life.

No epilogue.