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Cities in Dust

"Cities in Dust"
Siouxsie Cities.jpg
Single by Siouxsie and the Banshees
from the album Tinderbox
B-side "An Execution", "Quarterdrawing of the Dog"
Released 18 October 1985
Format 7" single, 12" single
Recorded 1985
Genre Dance-rock, alternative rock
Length 4:06
Label

Polydor (UK)

Geffen Records (U.S.)
Songwriter(s) Susan Ballion, Peter Edward Clarke and Steven Severin
Producer(s) Siouxsie and the Banshees
Siouxsie and the Banshees singles chronology
"Overground"
(1984)
"Cities in Dust"
(1985)
"Candyman"
(1985)
"Overground"
(1984)
"Cities in Dust"
(1985)
"Candyman"
(1985)

Polydor (UK)

"Cities in Dust" is a song written and produced by British rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees. It was released in 1985 as the first single from their seventh studio album, Tinderbox. The "Cities in Dust" 12" was the first Banshees' single release in the United States, on Geffen Records.

The song describes the city of Pompeii, destroyed in a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Imagery describing the volcano and its magma chamber, the condition of the victims of the eruption, and the subsequent discovery and excavation of the city comprises the bulk of the lyrics.

"Cities in Dust" was a more post-punk affair than singles released by the Banshees in the previous several years. It also had more of a pop music melody than past releases from the band, although its lyrics were still dark, mentioning a shrine to Lares Familiares. Its upbeat 4/4 rhythm also made it a hit in dance clubs. "Cities in Dust" peaked at number 21 in the UK singles chart. Although not Siouxsie and the Banshees' first song to hit the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart, it was their first significant hit, climbing to number 17.

Singer Brett Anderson of Suede cited "Cities in Dust" as one of his favourite songs.

A cover by Brazilian band Pato Fu was included on their album Daqui Pro Futuro (2007).

"Cities in Dust" was covered live by theStart during numerous concerts in 2007 and 2008.

A cover by electronic artist Junkie XL with Lauren Rocket was released as a single in 2008, and included on the Booming Back at You album; later in 2008, that cover appeared on the soundtrack for the racing video game Burnout Paradise and on the compilation album OMFGG – Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl No. 1, released by the CW after the first season of Gossip Girl.


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Wikipedia

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