God's Own Medicine - The Mission / Choice of Weapon - The Cult

Of you only buy one Mission album make it this one. If you're thinking about getting a second then buy this again. Although their illustrious career has created songs such as 'Tower of Strength' and 'Butterfly On A Wheel', they have never come close to beating the majesty of this, their debut.

With their classic singles 'Wasteland', 'Serverina' and the poptastic 'Stay With Me' you couldn't ask for much more from this classic goth album. This is old school goth music, when goth music was proper goth music and not this silly kiddy rubbish that passes for the dark side of rock these days. Don't get me started.

Although I never went as far as buying a trench coat or rimmed hat, or for that matter dying my hair black (I would've looked ridiculous!) I had a soft spot for the leading lights of the dark arts.

'Choice of Weapon' proves that there is life in The Cult yet. In style standing somewhere between their two career peaks of 'Love' and 'Electric' Ian Astbury's voice has never sounded better wheras Billy Duffy's guitar work still drives the music forward as much as ever. This is old skool rock done new. 'Honey from a Knife' is a great opener and leads on to nine other tracks that whilst won't change the face of rock they'll certainly keep it ticking over nicely.

Which is why, on a blustery day in 2012 I'm off to see these bands play in Newcastle. It'll be like old times with The Mission supporting The Cult. Like the 90s and 00s never happened. Hopefully!