Tattoo (Siouxsie and the Banshees song)

"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.[3] This film noir track is often cited as inspirational in the development of the trip hop genre.[4] "Tattoo" was covered by Tricky in 1996 as the opening number of his second album, Nearly God.[5]

NME retrospectively reviewed it as "spellbinding" in 2009 while praising the four-cd box set Downside Up.[6]