The Psychedelic Furs Album: “Beautiful Chaos: Greatest Hits Live”

The Psychedelic furs were introduced to me in the late 90's. I know, a bit late. But hey! Better late than never! I love this disk, I am not crazy about the fact that the CD is shorter than the DVD, but how would you sell the DVD if it there wasn't some additional material?

The DVD and this CD are from the same show, but the mix is much better on the CD. Songs like "Heaven" are much easier to listen to. I love Richard Butler's voice, but there are times, when untamed, it can be a bit much.

The new song "Alive," on the album, is absolutely wonderful, and I am looking forward to a new record from this reformed version of the Furs. It is also nice that they included the studio version of the song. They did recently lose guitarist Richard Fortus to, I wish I was kidding, Guns and Roses. Fortus was a member of Butler's 90's band "Love Spit Love," as is much of the band now, even though the original members are back.

The hits are all here. Pretty in Pink, Love My Way, President Gas, Heaven, Heartbreak Beat, and several other good songs are on the record. I am only sorry to see that "Angels Don't Cry" is never played live. But, I can't have everything. This record is a must have for any Psychedelic Furs fan. The DVD is very nice too, but this is the superior sound.

Another very nice thing is the little bit of evolution the songs have made. . . They songs have taken on a little more "rock n roll" and lost a little of the "new wave." They are true to their roots, but also have better sounding gear today. There is no one playing a "wall of sound." Great record, 5 stars. . .

epc

this disc though short, captures the band at its best...live. exceptional as the furs are on record they are truly an experience to behold in person. richard butler has all the sex appeal and charisma he has always had..and his unmistakeable hoarse growl for lack of better description is as fresh as the first time i'd heard him. time has not had negative effects on them. they defy age. they are ageless in that they were very much ahead of their time back in 1980. its as if they have caught up...but not really. they dont really sound like anyone today, but thats ok cuz they are needed. they are very tight and every bit as capable of producing the wall of sound theyre known for. kudos to fortus for his inspired use of synth-guitar replicating horns, keyboards and viola! you must get this cd and catch them live first chance you get! i miss not hearing 'only you and i, soap commerical, pulse, and imitation of christ.' however the inclusion of a live and studio version of 'alive' helps to makeup for it. this is a hauntingly beautiful song!

...then you'll like this. Of course, I would definitely prefer to have a live album from the Furs' heyday, even from the "overblown" period Richard Butler seems to detest so much. The live tracks that have shown up elsewhere, like the version of "Only You and I" on the end of "Greatest Hits" are excellent. It's nice to hear the full band working together on stage. Don't get me wrong, the new lineup is fine, it's just not the same with Richard Fortus covering all the keyboards, horns, etc. on his guitar-synth in place of the real thing. Still, I think I may be nitpicking a bit too much. It's a great show, and the new song is nice too, both live and in the studio.

The same goes for this disc as I wrote in my review of the Bunnymen live disc. It does not include the full performance from the dvd. First of all, two versions of Alive is a bit redundant and the cd is only about 62 minutes without the studio version, which would be enough time for some of those other live tracks on an 80 minute disc. Or better yet, make it a 2-disc set and include the 3 acoustic songs from the dvd as well as the Pretty in Pink acoustic version on the single of Alive. Well, I guess I can't have my cake and eat it too. These bands just don't have as much of a following as Pink Floyd and Oasis, to get a 2-disc set. Oh well. If you are looking for a good live performance of the Furs, this is definitely a good show. I would just suggest you buy the dvd and make your own cd!

With great excitement, I unwrapped the CD and skipped down the list to play Heaven...only to be, er...shocked. David Butlers voice is fine until he tries to hold a note. The word "heaven" as it comes out of his mouth sounds like he is trying to move a large boulder in his back yard (or perhaps a small stone from his kidney). Having lost my complete music selection twice to theft/stupidity, the P-Furs somehow never made it back onto my "music-to-replace" list. Finding this new release with their greatest hits seemed like a quick fix for getting all the good tunes (you know...Heaven, Pretty in Pink, Love my Way...) on one album. Live, extended versions....even better. What I did not realize was that these recordings were made in 2001. If you are Psychedelic furs fan with nostalgia on your mind when looking at replacing your cassettes of old, plunk down your hard earned money on the original releases. If this album was stolen, I wouldn't replace it.