Suicide originally formed as an art band during the early '70s. Legendary for its anarchic proto-punk rock performances (Vega, along with Iggy Pop, was no doubt an influence on punk scatologist GG Allin), and having imploded several times during the last three decades, Suicide has a substantial, but sadly neglected, body of work. Of all Suicide's releases WHY BE BLUE is probably the least known, which is a shame as, next to its dynamic first album, it may be the band's best, most focused work.

The title track has an almost rap quality, where Vega comes across as a bizarre hybrid of Kurtis Blow and Lou Reed, while "Last Time" is a blend of disco with a Las Vegas-style show tune; here Vega summons up an appealing croon. "Hot Ticket" presages Wall Of Voodoo; after all these years Suicide deserves due recognition. Highly recommended for both newcomers and long-time fans.