face to face

[Catwoman]

that song is f***ing awesome.

[phantom stranger]

It is, but I think it sounds better without lyrics. I don't think a purely instrumental version has ever been released.

[The Dark Knight]

It is an awesome song. A damn sight better than all of Prince's stuff put together, IMO.

The lyrics relate to the film and the instrumentation is perfect for Returns' vibe. The two go hand in hand.

[gordonblu]

It is the only non-score piece from any Batman film that I'll listen to.

[The Dark Knight]

"I hate to stay, but then I hate to leave."

Stand out lyric for me. Sums up the conflict perfectly.

But it's not just the lyric either. It's how it's sung. We understand how this person is feeling. Listen to sound made just before launching into the "but then I hate to leave." There is a moment of thoughtful dread.

The "leave" segment draws out like a blade and flows into the dramatic conclusion - which is representing the soul being laid bare. This is her pain and she is destined to face it alone, because "you'll never know."

The deep breaths used in the song, much like the chous of "Girl", help push this idea along too. It makes the subject appear more intense and worn out.

[Bobthegoon89]

As a kid I really didn't like that song  Yes I know, shame on me!

I was disappointed I guess because the Prince music was almost a musical character in the original and linked with The Joker. The museum scene still brings a smile to my face. Prince really went to town making 9 songs for the movie whereas the Banshees only contributed a single song that was never really given as much attention on screen.

Now however I love it. It's probably the best of the Batman soundtracks. I think it's cool they used the actual Elfman themes to tie the song truly to the film. The only other band I know who did that was ZZ Top when their incorporated music from Back to the Future III into their soundtrack theme. Furthermore I've even just begun getting into the Banshees's other stuff. Only took me 20 years lol Their music is not always as easy to get into as Prince's (it's dark) but now have 3 of their albums (Through the looking glass, Peepshow and A kiss in the Dreamhouse). I even had the pleasure of chatting with bassist Steven Severin once and I'll always regret I forgot to ask him about the bloody Batman soundtrack! lol I know from reading an interview online "Face to Face" was actually inspired by the sound of a Disney fave: the siamese cat song from "Lady and the Tramp". Siouxsie Sioux wanted it to have that kind of feel.

Even though the songs and artists in Batman films are often criticised I feel on Burton's the choices were excellent. I mean Prince not only has songs that sounded Joker-esque, he even looked more like him in those music videos. Reminded me of Brian Bollands drawing of the character! He even likes and advocates the colour purple. And Siouxsie Sioux speaks for herself. I think her iconic eyeline makeup was even influenced by the look of Catwoman. Whenever I hear any songs from either of these artists they instantly sound right for either of these Batman foes.

[thecolorsblend]

I've noticed that if someone REALLY likes BR, the lyrics of the song really hit home for them. If not... eh, nothing you can say will make them see the awesome sauceness of this song.

If nothing else, the video has Siouxsie lounging around in tight black leather. If you're not into that... wtf is your problem?

[The Dark Knight]

Everything associated with Batman Returns lined up, how shall I put it, purrfectly. As said, 'Face to Face' fits the sound and vibe of the film to a T. I mean, another instrumental that features in the movie is 'Super Freak'. How fitting given the themes of the movie, the fact its played at a masquerade ball and later this quote is uttered by The Penguin: "You're just jealous, because I'm a genuine freak and you have to wear a mask."

[Bobthegoon89]

I have the Maxi CD single of this which has a cool gatefold cover featuring all 3 main characters.

There are several additional songs too, "I could be again", "Hothead" and a "Catatonic mix of Face to Face". The last one is probably the closest you'll get to an instrumental version but it's slightly different given it's remix status.

I was hoping La la land would put different versions of the song on their Batman Returns release (which is such a pain to buy now). Cos has anybody heard it in the end credits? It's a different sounding version. No backing vocals and a little faster. Some effects are missing too. I wish I could hear that one. Maybe it's the original demo.

When the band perform this live they do actually use the Elfman music. No updating it to a new sound.

[Bobthegoon89]

Thought some might like to check this out. A live Face to Face from 2004 I think. Has a tad of instrumental here too (at the begining).

http://www.nme.com/musicvideos/siouxsie-sioux-face-to-face/642948 (Hope the link works)

Kinda like the backing vocalists at the end here. They sing "Burton", "Batman" and "dark/bleakness" LOL

I have a friend who was at this show. I haven't the heart to steal that valuable Catwoman one sheet poster from 92 I know she has on her door in her room. Even though she's seen many of the Batman films and loves em she would never check out the comics and other stuff. She told me she went nuts and started singing along when Siouxsie started performing this lol To her she knows it as "The Catwoman song". I think many Banshees fans refer to it as that too. She said the Banshees played this after their memorable cover of "The Jungle Book" song "Trust in me". Great one-two for her since we both know and love these movies!