Teen Gothic

We often talk about what bands we like, but how did you discover them? Back when music meant knowing someone who knew or special ordering something from overseas (and crossing your fingers), compilations were a quick way to discover bands and learn more. What compilations do you remember that opened your eyes to new artists, music, or even scene history hidden in the liner notes? The ones that stand out to me the most are:

Batcave – Young Limbs and Numb Hymns (1983) – *the* compilation of the Batcave club. Really, nothing more needs to be said.

Lonely Is An Eyesore (4AD, 1987) – A fantastic snapshot of 4AD records at the time. Dead Can Dance, Clan of Xymox, and Cocteau Twins. There's so much to love on this comp that it's no wonder it's a perpetual record collector's favorite.

Goth Rock, vol. 1 (Cleopatra Records, Jungle Records 1992) – Released in support of Mick Mercer's "Gothic Rock" book, this comp was the formal introduction to the goth scene for so many Americans. "Gothic Rock" wasn't even Mick's first book on Goth (little known fact: this wasn't even his first compilation!), but Goth Rock vol.1-3 was so popular that I knew people who even defined "what type of goth" they liked based on which compilation they liked the most!

Goth Box (Cleopatra Records, 1996) – Perhaps the best articulation of Cleopatra record's vision of goth ever created. 4 discs of music and full liner notes made this compilation a must-have at the time.

Beneath the Icy Floe, vol. 4 (Projekt Records, 1996) – Projekt's vision of Ethereal and related music at the time. Why volume 4? In 1996, Projekt Records held their first "Projektfest" and distribution for this compilation was far and wide. To me, other "Beneath the Icy Floe" comps feel like they're leading up to this one, or are updates to Projekt's existing catalog.

Bored..?? (Strobelight Records, 2005) – It is *really* hard to pick which Strobelight comp had the largest impact on the Deathrock Revival scene. I picked "Bored..??" because it was everywhere. This was a promo and they were literally giving it away, which is how I got my copy. The "New Dark Age" series had more artists and more volumes, but to me the "Bored..??" promo captures where Deathrock Revival was in 2005 most succinctly.

What compilations are memorable to everyone here? Any memories about the compilations above? Do you have a compilation that you listened to over and over again, or introduced you to a band you love?

I hear people talking about finding your local scene and stuff but I know there isn't one where I am. I live in a very country area with a very non-diverse population. I was just wondering how I could find other goth people, honestly just in the same state as me. What are some tips (that I as a minor) could use to get other goth or alternative friends somewhere near me?

This has been one of my favorite albums since its release to just chill to at home or while gaming.

I've recently started looking for more music in this vein (I recall there being a ton back in the 90s) but I cannot for the life of my find anything now that sounds like this album, so here I am, consulting the spiders of the interwebs.

Link if you are not familiar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4bG3jOjefk&list=PLzxSe_21lryXnZMRpiCBlwUr0W9_w9NLz