David J 'V for Vendetta' album

Bauhaus’ David J teamed with V for Vendetta creator and fellow Northampton, UK hipster Alan Moore in 1983 to write a “soundtrack” to Moore’s graphic novel V for Vendetta. At turns dark and atmospheric, then edgy and thrilling, this EP is the perfect sonic partner to Moore’s futuristic tale. From David J’s notes:“In 1983 my friend Alan Moore approached me with the intriguing idea of composing some music to go with a set of his lyrics which would comprise the entire text to an episode of his serialized graphic novel, V for Vendetta.

The story was an Orwellian vision of a dystopian near future set in a tyrannized England – the hero V being a mysterious vigilante with a certain vaudevillian bent.When the lyrics dropped in my letterbox, I immediately opened them up, sat down at the piano and played the song through. It was a magical moment; the music came to me in a flow.The original demo is included here and was recorded a couple of days following the song’s composition. Later on, I made a more fully-realized recording incorporating strings expertly arranged by Bill Thorpe.

This track, ‘V’s Theme,’ and ‘Incidental’ were released as a 12” EP on Glass Records in 1984. The ‘Overture’ was realized by Ego Plum in 2005, the same year that he and I collaborated on ‘Song from the Kitty Kat Keller.’ Also included in this package are Alan Moore’s original typed lyrics (with my notation) and his letter of instruction, as well as a letter from David Lloyd, the artist who drew the strip.”

Band

David J – vocals, piano, organ, bass guitar, bowed guitar
Bill Thorp – violin, viola, string arrangement
Josie Abbot – cello
Kevin Haskins – drums
Ego Plum – guitars, bass, drums, percussion

Quotes

“On his solo albums, David J (of Bauhaus and Love and Rockets fame) gets back to his art school roots. His haunting sound collages make use of film noir jazz, snippets of Rubber Soul acoustic pop, the disorienting synth textures of early Pink Floyd and, of course, chiaroscuro Goth shadings.” – Rolling Stone

“Warm & meandering, each track stamping its own identity on the mind, the music’s structure is pared down to basics … David J has secured an individual, if confusing, talent.” – Melody Maker

“Not actually a David J solo album but a fascinating collaborative effort … the prose for the entire piece comes from past collaborator and longtime Bauhaus/David J supporter and friend Alan Moore. Known predominantly for his inventive, striking comic book work in such classics of the form as V for Vendetta and Watchmen, here he creates an extended, mysterious narrative, half rumination and half invocation … a striking artistic achievement.” – All Music Guide

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Tracklisting

David J - V for Vendetta