Wild Things (EP)

Wild Things
EP by The Creatures
Released	25 September 1981
Recorded	25–27 May 1981
Studio	London
Genre	Post-punk
Producer	Mike Hedges The Creatures
The Creatures chronology
Wild Things (1981) Feast (1983)
Siouxsie Sioux chronology
Juju Siouxsie and the Banshees (1981) Wild Things (1981) A Kiss in the Dreamhouse Siouxsie and the Banshees (1982)

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Wild Things is the first release by British duo the Creatures (singer Siouxsie and musician Budgie). It was issued as two 7" single records in a "double-album" style card cover, and is usually referred to as an EP. It peaked in the UK Singles Chart at No. 24,^[1] and the pair performed "Mad Eyed Screamer" on Top of the Pops. The EP was entirely remastered in 1997 and reissued as part of the A Bestiary Of compilation.

History

The initial idea for Wild Things, and the Creatures, came about during the recording sessions for the Siouxsie and the Banshees album Juju. While bassist Steven Severin and guitarist John McGeoch took a break, Siouxsie and drummer Budgie created the song "But Not Them." Deciding that it was complete as a drum-and-voice piece, they left it alone, and quickly recorded four more minimal tracks to accompany it. The result was the Wild Things EP (so named by Severin, who upon hearing it, said it sounded like something the creatures in the book Where the Wild Things Are would have danced to on their island). The Banshees incorporated the songs "But Not Them" and "Thumb" into their concerts for many years afterwards.

"So Unreal" drew inspiration from the novel The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin and "Mad Eyed Screamer" from local characters met in Hyde Park, London.

The erotic sleeve art featuring Siouxsie and Budgie half-naked under a shower were inspired by the pictures of Man Ray; the artwork caused some controversy. Another shoot, inspired by the John Millais painting Ophelia, featured the singer naked under many flowers and shallow water.

Legacy

Singer Kate Jackson of the Long Blondes rated "So Unreal" as one of her favourite tracks, saying: "Siouxsie [has got] sharp lyrics and staccato vocals. Budgie is one of the most interesting drummers in the world. He uses drum sounds melodically as well as rhythmically which makes this drum/vocal duo work. You can hear their passion for each other in these recordings, they are so alive, despite being so minimal".^[2]

Sources

• The Creatures Biography Thecreatures.com. Biography written by drummer Budgie, April 2000.
• Paytress, Mark. Siouxsie & the Banshees: The Authorised Biography. Sanctuary, 2003. ISBN 1-86074-375-7

References

Track listing

1. "Mad Eyed Screamer"
2. "So Unreal"
3. "But Not Them"
4. "Wild Thing"
5. "Thumb"