The Psychedelic Furs Album: “Forever Now [Remaster]”

Description :

The Psychedelic Furs: Richard Butler (vocals); John Ashton (guitar); Tim Butler (bass); Vince Ely (drums). Additional personnel: Ann Sheldon (cello); Todd Rundgren (saxophone, keyboards); Gary Windo, Donn Adams (horns); Mark Volman, Howard Kaylan (background vocals). Producer: Todd Rundgren. Reissue producer: Bruce Dickinson. Recorded at Utopia Studios, Bearsville, New York. Includes liner notes by Tony Fletcher. Digitally remastered by Mark Wilder (Sony Music Studios, New York, New York). FOREVER NOW was the last great moment in the Furs' early career. If you think the presence of Todd Rundgren behind the board means an increased focus on the band's already developing pop sensibilities, you're right on the money. The Furs had yet to descend to the radio-ready depths that would find them indistinguishable from other '80s Britpoppers. Instead, the pop sheen of FOREVER NOW is a breath of fresh air--a sign of growth, not decline. The slinky keyboards of "Love My Way" and the strings of "Sleep Comes Down" are welcome additions to the band's sonic palette, and for the first time, the Psychedelic Furs live up to their name, with a pronounced Beatles influence. The glories of TALK TALK TALK are given a new coat of paint, and the change is a positive one.

I still own the vinyl import version of this record, but no working turntable. So I was thrilled to see this remastered on CD, until I got it and listened to it. The mastering engineer had to have been nearly deaf or amateur - compared to any other CD I own, recent or older, the sound of this CD is unbearably harsh, peaky in the upper midrange, and completely lacking any bass. Not only that, but it isn't even consistent from song to song. The bonus live tracks in particular are unlistenable without breaking out a graphic EQ.

Now, perhaps the original master shared some of these characteristics, but here was the label's chance to fix everything and bring this classic recording up to modern standards, and they failed. I absolutely recommend the music on this CD, but not this pressing. I just wish I could compare it to the vinyl, and to other CD pressings.

Just about a perfect record from Richard Butler and company. The chaotic sound of the early Psychedelic Furs records is finally distilled into a punk/pop fusion that really works well for mass listening enjoyment. This was the first Furs record I owned (actually, I had the cassette version first), and I was thrilled to see a remastered CD with so many prime bonus tracks from the era added. There are many great tunes here, but the whole thing needs to be listened to as a whole to truly appreciate the genius of this album. Standout tracks include: "Run and Run", "Forever Now", "Goodbye", and the ubiquitous "Love My Way". Classic!

The only negative thing I can say about this Remastered version is that it does not contain the "Yes I Do" from the original US release. Other than that, it is stacked. Ever since the E.P. came out on vinyl that had "Aeroplane", I wanted it on cd. Now I have it, and it's remastered to boot. This is an awesome cd. You will not be disappointed.

Still a decent album. It just does not match their first two. UK version (green cover with band in lake or some other puddle) has a slightly more "atmospheric" rendering of Yes I Do (Merry Go Round). Even so Forever Now, Prez Gas and Run & Run stack up with the best the Furs ever did. I just find the slower tracks (esp. Sleep Comes Down) veering towards their overproduced and too slick '80s sound. Never should have axed the sax player as this band was headed to greatness along Velvets' line.

I own the original LP vinyl record, but I wanted the CD as well. When this album was released it was right on time for the atmosphere within the U.S. during Ronald Reagon's administration. Actually, the tune "President Gas" is equally relevant today. In terms of the lyric in reference to the "Banker". All tunes on the album are enjoyable. "Run, Run, Run" is a very hip tune. Richard Butler's cynical voice is perfect for the presentaion of every tune on the CD.