The Best Of 1985: #6

Back to 1985 we go... with my 6th favorite video from that year. It's "She Sells Sanctuary" from The Cult. Surprised? I'm not all Glam, all the time. You know that.

Comments

[Him]

Another solid pick, Allyson. The Cult have always been a favorite of mine, esp. once they got the trippy-dippy stuff out of the way (most of _Dreamtime_ and parts of _Love_).

While _Electric_, in hindsight, was a bit too hard a push into the mainstream trends, it was a reliably rocking affair. And they certainly had things set up nicely . . . until the musical climate and Astbury's worst Morrisonesque excesses derailed things.

Their latest albums, _Born Into This_ and _Choice of Weapon_, suggest the band is back to firing on most cylinders. Astbury is still a bit too cantankerous for his own good on occasion. But he is balanced by Duffy's easy guitar hero presence and, as of late, Tempesta beastly drums.

[Metalboy!]

Yes, Allyson! I actually contend they're Glam. However, they sort of morphed into it. They're like 3/4 of the way there here but fully realize the mantle with "Sonic Temple". But, unfortunately, they lost the plot quickly with the mediocre and wandering "Ceremony" album.

p.s. I've told the story numerous times on here but I partied with these guys poolside on the roof of Le Parc Hotel off Sunset while they were making "Sonic Temple". Astbury even invited me to go with them to see Kingdom Come with them, telling me they're even better than Guns n' Roses, hahaha!!! Unfortunately, I couldn't attend as I had a client dinner that night. The next day I went up to Tower Records on Sunset to buy Kingdom Come on cassette but it was sold out. Of course, that's a problem that really isn't a problem now, thanks to the internet. I have all The Cult stuff, including the trail (albums and CD singles) of their decline.

[Shawn]

Never get tired of that story MB! You summed up it perfectly Party, Sunset, Tower Records (RiP), and Cassette. I always though Duffy was an exceptional guitarist. It fits good choice.

[Rita]

Sweet Soul Sister is my favorite Cult song. It is so awesome. Have their greatest hits but that's about it.

[Jeff]

Great driving song....

[Metalboy!]

Sweet Soul Sister Rita, my Heavy Metal Love, I highly recommend "Sonic Temple". All killer, no filler (IMHO)! Not only does it contain the amazing "Sweet Soul Sister", but also my favorite track, "Edie (Ciao Baby)", Astbury's ode to Warhol muse, fashion model Edie Sedgwick.

Do you have the compilation, "The Best of Rare Cult"? That has an acoustic version that is beautifully haunting.

p.s. Everybody check out The Darkness' new album they just released last , "Last of Our Kind". Not only do they swipe and twist (just enough) The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary", they put it on AC/DC steroids on the blistering second track, "Open Fire". Check the video for that as well as album opener, "Barbarian" here:

thedarkness.co.uk

This SH*T is 110% ROCK!!! One reviewer comments, "It sounds like a battle between Queen and AC/DC with Monty Python as the referee." Get ready to ROCK!!! AND LAUGH your a*s off! No lie, these guys make Steel Panther the bellhops for their bellhops! Check out the "Barbarian" video! Unf*cking believably killarious! Make sure you watch 'til the very end. Priceless!

[Dj]

I'm honestly not a big fan of The Cult. Nothing against em, just not my cup of tea. But I didn't know The Darkness had a new album out, I gotta check it out, their first album is fantastic, and their third one Hot Cakes ain't bad either.

[Rita]

Metalboy! My internet soulmate. I used to have Sonic Temple on cassette but never replaced on CD. I only have Pure Cult: for Rockers, Lovers,... And your favourite Cult song is my 2nd favourite Cult song.

And I will definitely check out the new Darkness release as I havent gotten around to that one yet. Next on my list though, based on your description alone.

[Metalboy!]

Haha!!, Rita! ; ) Yes, guys! Check out The Darkness' latest album. IMHO, not only does it blow away the middling "One Way Ticket To Hell And Back" and their 3rd album, the redeeming comeback, "Hot Cakes", it even blows away "Permission To Land", their first album that put them on the map to begin with. It's that AMAZING!