| "Tattoo" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Siouxsie and the Banshees | |
| from the album Downside Up (compilation) | |
| Released | 23 September 1983 |
| Recorded | 1983 |
| Genre | Post-punk, proto-trip hop[1] |
| Label | Polydor |
| Songwriter(s) | Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin, Budgie |
| Producer(s) | Mike Hedges, Siouxsie and the Banshees |
"Tattoo" is a song written by Siouxsie and the Banshees that was first released as the B-side of the "Dear Prudence" single in 1983.[2] It was included on two compilations: 2004's Downside Up and 2015's Spellbound : The Collection.
"Tattoo" was composed and performed as a three-piece by singer Siouxsie Sioux, bassist Steven Severin and drummer Budgie.[2] During this era, the band experimented other ways of recording and orchestration when they were in the studio to record extra-tracks for their singles.[2] For "Tattoo", producer Mike Hedges made them use the mixing desk as an instrument.[2] With his assistance, they recorded a track with whispered voices, droning basslines and slow drum beats. The result was spooky and atmospheric.
"Tattoo" is considered to be a proto trip hop track which helped Tricky when he shaped his style.[1] This track is often cited as inspirational in the development of the trip hop genre.[3] "Tattoo" was covered by Tricky in 1996 as the opening number of his second album, Nearly God.[4] It was also covered by Jay Jay Johanson in 2022.[5]
NME retrospectively reviewed it as "spellbinding" in 2009 while praising the four-cd box set Downside Up.[6]
In 2024, "Tattoo" was included in the double vinyl compilation FIP Trip Hop - made by FIP and Radio France - about the trip hop musical genre and its history.[7]