Wild Things (EP)

Wild Things is the first release by British duo The Creatures (singer Siouxsie and musician Budgie). It was presented as two 7" single records in a 'double-album' style card cover, and is sometimes referred to as an EP. It peaked in the UK singles charts at number 24 and the pair performed "Mad Eyed Screamer" on Top Of The Pops. The Ep was entirely remastered in 1997 and re-reissued as part of the A Bestiary Of compilation.

History

The initial idea for Wild Things, and indeed, The Creatures, came about during the recording sessions for the Siouxsie and the Banshees album "Juju." While bassist Steven Severin and guitarist John McGeoch took a break, Siouxsie and drummer Budgie created the song "But Not Them." Deciding it was complete as a drum and voice piece, they left it alone, and quickly recorded 4 more minimal drum and voice tracks to go along with it. The result was the Wild Things EP (so named by Severin who upon hearing it said it sounded like something the creatures in the book "Where the Wild Things Are" would have danced to on their island. The Banshees incorporated the songs "But Not Them" and "Thumb" into their concerts for many years afterwards.

"So Unreal" drew inspiration from the novel The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin and "Mad Eyed Screamer" from local characters met in Hyde Park, London.

The erotic sleeve art featuring Siouxsie and Budgie half naked under a shower were inspired by the pictures of Man Ray: the art work caused some controversy. Another shoot, inspired by the John Millais painting Ophelia, featured the singer naked under many flowers and shallow water.

Source

• The Creatures Biography Thecreatures.com. Biography written by drummer Budgie, April 2000.

Reference

• Paytress, Mark. Siouxsie & the Banshees: The Authorised Biography. Sanctuary, 2003. ISBN 1-86074-375-7

Track listing

1. "Mad Eyed Screamer"
2. "So Unreal"
3. "But Not Them"
4. "Wild Thing"
5. "Thumb"