Proto-goth. That's about the best description I can think of for this boxed-set.

This collection runs the gamut from Batcave (Alien Sex Fiend) to Deathrock (Lords of the New Church) to the "wave with no name" (Echo and the Bunnymen) to Lydia Lunch (try categorizing her music, I dare you).

This comp predates and in many ways far surpasses all three 2-CD sets in Mick Mercer's Gothic Rock collections despite having only half as many discs. Going from Bolshoi's soft almost-pop of "Lyndi's Party" to Lydia Lunch's industrial/noise opus "Stinkfist" to Faithful Dawn's oh-so-goth "Enchant Me" and Scarehead's downright fun ode to insanity, "Ha Ha" and Ghost Dance's cover of "Radar Love" this comp proves that yes, there *was* Gothic rock before London After Midnight and no, it didn't all sound like Siouxsie Sioux or Bauhaus.

While the biggest "monsters" of Goth on this comp are Alien Sex Fiend and Valor's incarnation of Christian Death, like the hair metal comp of similar moniker most of these guys are titans by association (Ghost Dance is compiled of former members of the Sisters of Mercy) and influence to the modern bands.

An excellent choice for those disoriented with modern Goth music and have heard all sorts of rumors about what it was like before Projekt Records.

This CD is a great introduction to the true genres of early Electro such as "Gothic Rock" and "Darkwave" that are unfortunately misplaced so often on bands that don't meet the very particular criteria.
From Alien Sex Fiend (think goth's "Frank Zappa"), The Mission UK, Christian Death, to a hard-to-find song by Rosetta Stone ("An Eye For The Main Chance") - this is a must for anyone that is looking for some authentic 12" mixes of early electronic rock and a pretty good compilation for under $15 - well worth it.