The Killing Jar
"The Killing Jar" is a song written, produced and recorded by English rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees. It was released in 1988 as the second single from the band's ninth studio album, Peepshow.
"The Killing Jar" | ||||
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Single by Siouxsie and the Banshees | ||||
from the album Peepshow | ||||
B-side | "Something Wicked (This Way Comes)", "Are You Still Dying Darling?" | |||
Released | 30 September 1988 | |||
Recorded | 1988 | |||
Genre | Alternative rock | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | Susan Ballion, Peter Edward Clarke and Steven Severin | |||
Producer(s) | Siouxsie and the Banshees / Mike Hedges | |||
Siouxsie and the Banshees singles chronology | ||||
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Music and reception
The song is an uptempo number which reflects the pop music direction Siouxsie and the Banshees were taking at the time. Still, the track contained alternative rock elements and the band's trademark cryptic lyrical content. According to Siouxsie, the song was inspired by a technique used by butterfly collectors to retain the beauty of the animals. "The Killing Jar" was remixed slightly for its radio version, most notably in the song's introduction and percussion throughout. The single version of "The Killing Jar" was featured on the Banshees' 1992 compilation Twice Upon a Time: The Singles.
Following the American success of their previous single, "Peek-a-Boo", which hit No 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, "The Killing Jar" nearly matched the feat, peaking at No. 2. The single hit No. 41 on the UK Singles Chart.[1]
In other media
"The Killing Jar" was also included in the soundtrack for the 2013 Canadian movie Haunter.
Charts
Chart (1988) | Peak position |
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UK Singles Chart | 41 |
US Modern Rock Tracks | 2 |
US Hot Dance/Disco | 37[2] |
References
- Johns, Brian. Entranced : the Siouxsie and the Banshees story. Omnibus Press, 1989. Page 94. ISBN 0-7119-1773-6
- "Siouxsie and the Banshees Billboard Singles". allmusic. Retrieved 8 February 2012.