Press the Eject and Give Me the Tape cover

Press the Eject and Give Me the Tape

Bauhaus · 1982

72 min · 17 tracks · punk rock

A haunting blend of gothic rock and punk energy, drenched in atmospheric tension and surreal imagery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bela Lugosi’s Dead — As Bauhaus's signature song, it showcases their eerie sound and theatricality, capturing the essence of their artistic vision while influencing a generation of goth musicians.
  • →
    In the Flat Field — 'In the Flat Field' exemplifies Bauhaus's ability to blend punk intensity with gothic atmosphere, making it a pivotal moment in their live set.
  • →
    Kick in the Eye — This track stands out for its driving rhythm and sharp guitar work, reflecting the band's punk roots while hinting at their darker aesthetic.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album captures Bauhaus's live energy but lacks some cohesion due to its extensive tracklist and variations.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks are extended versions of studio songs, allowing for improvisation and audience interaction that enhances the live experience.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • atmospheric journey through darkness
  • haunting vocals for introspection
  • dynamic shifts in energy
  • reflective moments of unease

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat, instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1982, 'Press the Eject and Give Me the Tape' is Bauhaus's first live album, following their influential debut studio album 'In the Flat Field' from 1980. At this point in their career, Bauhaus had already established themselves as pioneers of the gothic rock genre, gaining a dedicated following with their theatrical performances and dark soundscapes.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 In the Flat Field 4:27
  • 2 Rosegarden Funeral of Sores 5:14
  • 3 Dancing 2:32
  • 4 The Man With X‐Ray Eyes 3:41
  • 5 Bela Lugosi’s Dead 9:35
  • 6 The Spy in the Cab 4:06
  • 7 Kick in the Eye 3:37
  • 8 In Fear of Fear 2:51
  • 9 Hollow Hills 4:11
  • 10 Stigmata Martyr 3:34
  • 11 Dark Entries 4:28
  • 12 Terror Couple Kill Colonel 3:41
  • 13 Double Dare 5:47
  • 14 In the Flat Field 4:13
  • 15 Hair of the Dog 2:47
  • 16 Of Lillies and Remains 3:28
  • 17 Waiting for the Man 4:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata