Coil- Horse rotorvator

Coil- Horse Rotorvator

Good for heavy drugs

Hosting "Horse Rotorvator Parties" at midnight about once or twice a year. Obviously, the station was not known at the time for spinning New Kids on the Block or Poison or Paula Abdul or whatever.

Anyhow, this CD became a much sought-after collectible in the local record stores and I remember paying upwards to $30 back then for my copy. From the opening track to the bitter end, this CD had me enthralled---rather "spellbound" if you don't mind the cliche.

I certainly wouldn't call this music "GOTH" by the standards as they were at the time, but it definitely has a dark and menacing quality to it. In fact, I really don't think Bauhaus, the Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim, or Joy Division ever came this close to the pleasing cacaphony found here. Those who relish electronics will certainly find nirvana here, but its not electronics in the fashion of Depeche Mode or New Order. The electronics herein are used to create a complete soundscape, as opposed to providing an upfront rhythm. This is not to suggest that "Horse Rotorvator" is completely driven by synths, however. In fact, some rather unique flamenco-style guitar is featured on this album, which is comprised mostly of originals and a fantastic cover of Leonard Cohen's "Who by Fire." While this disc contains no recognizable singles, "The Anal Staircase" was released as a 12-inch back in the day.

Few of Coil's releases measure up to this one, and the ones that come close usually aren't as dark as this one. While I do possess a rather large Coil collection, I easily consider this to be their swan song. If you buy it and like it, be sure to also check out Click Click's "Bent Massive" and Tangerine Dream's "The Sorcerer."