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Rating: Late '80s. Is the New Wave now a thing of the past?
With "Disintegration," The Cure brought a niche genre into the charts, delivering a gloomy lullaby to the top of the charts worldwide, but... what about all the other bands? Are they destined to fade into oblivion because the trend has passed?
The answer, of course, is NO! Absolutely not!
In 2015, we all know that our favorite genre hasn't gone out of style; in fact, it's more alive than ever. However, not everyone may know that, hidden among the historic releases that contributed to its longevity, there exists a certain album by a London band called "The Psychedelic Furs." It flew under the radar at the time, was mistreated by the band's early fans because it was too different, too subdued compared to the first two albums. It almost seemed as if the band wanted to recreate a feeling with its followers, to find the harmony that had been interrupted due to the commercial success of that splendid fourth album, "Mirror Moves," led by the spectacular single "Heaven" in the 1984 Tim Pope video. A "disastrous" year (?) for the genre, which became mainstream thanks also to other albums like "The Head On The Door" by The Cure, captured on MTV, again by Tim Pope.
26 years later, I can't support the critics— and I would have dissociated myself even back then—because everything evolves and never stays the same when it desires to be and remain genuine.
And so do great bands, and this is a great band! One of the best experiences in the history of music.
"Shine" raises the curtain with an antithetical play between languid guitar and menacing bass. All supported by a dry drum rhythm. Then comes the voice of Richard Butler, with his deep and almost off-key tone that makes it unique, and it's a masterpiece. One of the best openings in all alternative discography, rivaling "Plainsong" by The Cure.
The psychedelia of a sick "Entertain Me" introduces the title track of the album: "Book Of Days." One of the most decadent gems of the entire New Wave.
The energy of "Should God Forget" crashes on the romantic viola of "Torch," whose rhythm is dictated by the acoustic guitar and underscored by Richard Butler's gripping narration, which surpasses himself in this track, then explodes into the final distortions that make it unique and indispensable. But it's with "House" that The Psychedelic Furs remind everyone, critics included, who they are, teaching a big lesson: you don't have to repeat yourself to be great.
It was thanks to this album, bought second-hand, that I discovered the Furs in 2000! Heartfelt thanks for your art.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 Entertain Me (05:04)
speak, talk to me
show what i am
and cannot be, talk
entertain me
why the want for all that i can't touch
and all that i can't see?
why the want for all that i can't speak?
and what is mine?
and all i see
speak to me
and what is yours?
entertain me
sing, read to me
sell what i am
sell what i feel
sleep, walk to me
why the want for all that i can't touch
and all that i can't see?
why the need for all that i can't speak?
and what is mine?
and all i see
talk to me
and what is yours?
entertain me
and what is mine?
and what i see
speak to me
and what is you?
entertain me
entertain me
speak, entertain me
talk to me
don't talk to me
spell, pay for me
spell, spell lie for me
spell, spell want for me
sing, read to me
walkie talk and tambourine
stop, here it comes again
here it comes again
04 Should God Forget (04:23)
and voices louder now
not loud enough
the world around you crawls
and sleeps in other beds
and never mind
i see no time
and there's not time enough
to burn it all away
i see no hands to hold
no faith to praise
no celebration no parade
should god forget you
and all their faces say
there's nothing owed
there's nothing owed you
it gets too dark
it gets much darker now
your lies around you fall
on all your plans
on all your wasted time
you watching second hands
make second hand
and faith's for those who pray
but all your tears are gone
and thrown away
and there's no cause to take his place
should god forget you
and all their faces say
there's nothing owed
there's nothing owed you
i see no time
and there's not time enough
to burn it all away
i see no hands to hold
no faith to praise
and voices louder now
not loud enough
the world around you crawls
and sleeps in other beds
and never mind
no celebration no parade
should god forget you
and all their faces say
there's nothing owed
there's nothing owed you
and there's no cause to take his place
should god forget you
and all their faces say
there's nothing owed
there's nothing owed you
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