you're absolutely right, Great singles, weak albums (

I agree with your assessment about their albums and I'd say "good singles"... except for "Bela", which is a classic.

This was one of those bands I tried to listen to in college but had to chalk up to the "works better on paper than in execution" column. Less distinctive than Joy Division, less catchy than the Cure, maybe placing third among the black-turtlenecks-and-clove-cigarettes crowd. Still, definitely a few great tunes and some inspired covers.

i always did like "she's in parties" quite a bit...

That's why I loved going to the cinema art houses (when they still existed) - sitting in the Nuart theater listening to Bela Lugosi's Dead before the show. The movies were usually fine too. I'd trade for this if interested.

Nice mix. Blows "Crackle" away. Cool to see "Poison Pen" on there. I forget about that track!