Kaleidoscope | ||||
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Studio album by Siouxsie and the Banshees | ||||
Released | 1 August 1980 | |||
Recorded | 1980 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 40:44 | |||
Label |
Polydor PVC (original US release) Geffen (1984 US reissue) |
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Producer |
Nigel Gray Siouxsie and the Banshees |
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Siouxsie and the Banshees chronology | ||||
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Singles from Kaleidoscope | ||||
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Kaleidoscope is the third studio album by British alternative rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees, released in 1980 by record label Polydor. With the departure of John McKay and Kenny Morris and their replacement by two new musicians, Budgie on drums and John McGeoch on guitars, the band changed their musical direction and offered an album containing a wide variety of colours. "It was almost a different band", said Siouxsie.
The album was preceded by the hit singles "Happy House" and "Christine". In the UK, Kaleidoscope quickly became their most successful album to date, climbing to No. 5 in the albums chart.
Following the departure of McKay and Morris, the band regrouped and redirected their sound for their third record. Departing from their previous work, the Banshees incorporated synthesizers and drum machines for the first time. They particularly experimented in electronic music on a couple of tracks: the electro-dance minimalism of "Red Light" and the atmospheric, synth-based piece "Lunar Camel". The album also contained what could be described as a ballad, "Desert Kisses". Kaleidoscope marked the debut of guitarist John McGeoch and new drummer Budgie. Siouxsie saw it "like a new lease of life". The songs had been demoed at Warner Chappell studios with only a bass and a synthesizer played by Siouxsie and Steven Severin. After the 1979 tour, Siouxsie had been ordered to take one month of rest by doctors; she used this time to learn to play guitar and compose music for the first time.
Kaleidoscope was released on 1 August 1980 by record label Polydor. The album peaked at No. 5 in the UK Albums Chart, the highest position the band has achieved to date.