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Album Details

• Artist: Richard Butler
• Album: Richard Butler
• Label: Koch
• Year of Release: 2006
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2006-09-21

Hard to believe, but this is legendary Psychedelic Furs vocalist Richard Butler's first solo record. Strange because his has been one of the most distinctive voices in modern rock for 20 years, and has been a voice that has outlasted almost every 80's band. Even then the Furs had a sincerity and cynicism that set it apart from most bands of the period. On this release, Butler tackles recent personal demons, including the death of his father. Yet as expected, tragedy is not dealt with in maudlin fashion. "Good Days, Bad Days" suggests that pain and loss is just part of the way things are. Jon Carin wrote and performed all the music, and his guitar, keys and ambient mix makes for a more moody, subtle feel than Furs fans might expect, but the feel is rich and warm, and wise. On a record of stunning moments, "Breathe" and "Maybe Someday" are already classics. You can almost blindly pick any track and find another one. The news that Butler was recording and touring again with the Furs (opening for Devo!)was great news at the time. This stunning record makes me hope the tour is over fast and he can get back to his own amazing, maturing work.

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