

An Introduction To… is a series of compilation albums from Mute Records in which artists summarize their contributions to the label. Further titled A History of Crime—Berlin 1987-1991, this album features handpicked tracks by Crime leader Simon Bonney from the group's three Berlin-era albums (1988's Shine, 1989's The Bride Ship, and 1990's Paradise Discotheque), as well as "The Adversary," which appeared in the 1991 Wim Wenders film Until the End of the World. Bonney has been the band's only constant, but he's had impeccable taste in choosing musical associates. The sound captures a darkness and terror similar to Nick Cave's best early solo work (perhaps not coincidental, considering Bonney has worked with Cave bandmates Mick Harvey and Rowland S. Howard). By the time of these recordings, Harvey and Howard had departed, but their influence can be felt in the dramatic chime of "Home Is Far from Here," "The Bride Ship," and the masterful epic "The Last Dictator": a four-movement composition inspired by the downfall of Romania's final Communist leader, Nicolae Ceaușescu.