However, given that an entire book could be written on the biblical references and metaphors of Nick Cave’s lyrics alone, this is not intended to be an in-depth analysis or extensive critical reappraisal of the group and its history – more a rough guide for those wishing to dive a little deeper into the beautiful darkness. People may adore Cave to votary-like levels but the Bad Seeds require equal devotion and adoration, their input to the group over the years is far from secondary and should be considered just as crucial. Another one is perhaps overlooking the crucial importance of Cave’s ability to align himself with supreme talent and collaborators – i.e the Bad Seeds. There are a great number of misconceptions and false attributes to the music and lyrics of Nick Cave, him being some humourless, blood-thirsty, sex-crazed goth overlord being the primary one (there are certainly narrative and character explorations of these aplenty but the opposite side of those areas are explored just as frequently). With that in mind, ahead of the new album release, here is an album-by-album guide to the studio output of the Bad Seeds – a primarily Australian group who formed in the ashes of Nick Cave’s previous band The Birthday Party and released their debut album in 1984. As with many revered and acclaimed groups with an extensive back catalogue – especially someone as canonized and mythologised as Nick Cave – it can be a daunting proposition to dive into those records and know where to start or what to expect. On Friday 9 September Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds will release their 16th studio album, ‘Skeleton Tree’.

Nick cave discography