Customer Reviews

All of This & Nothing

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Psychedelic Furs were undoubtedly one of the best and most overlooked bands of the 1980s, apart from their misused, misinterpreted and overplayed "Pretty in Pink" which lent its name to a film of the same name. The Furs' real brilliance shone elsewhere. This is a collection of some of that brilliance. My favourite here being "All that Money Wants" with its cynical lyrics and gorgeous music, "Painted lies on painted lips, that promise heaven tastes like this... I don't believe that I believed in you...". Butler's unique vocals coupled with the sharp, intelligent, and caustic lyrics make for extremely satisfying music... I can listen to it over and over and the music still sounds fresh and undated. Another gem here is the pleasantly monotone drone of "Sister Europe", "Lonely in a crowded room, the radio plays out of tune so silently... radio upon the floor, oh stupid it plays Aznavour so out of key..." This album can also serve as a good introduction to their work, although they recently released a U.S.-oriented best of which consists of good material but not their best by any stretch of the imagination. Like many 80s bands, the Furs have recently reunited and toured. Not sure what to think of that all-too-common phenomenon. Capitalise while you can?

If you are trying choose between this best of comp. and the "Greatest Hits" one, choose this one (I have both). The music/sound quality is more clear, emphasizing the vocals. It's a classic collection of songs. The cover is actually more attractive than the other one too.

For somebody who was in his mid-twenties when these guys were in their hey-day, I cannot believe that I could have almost completely missed their music; maybe it's because I grew up in Ireland. This is an outstanding collection of well-crafted songs from the Dadaistic punk period of Rock. Without in any way denegrating the other songs on the album, "The Ghost in You" towers above them and I would have bought this album for that song alone.

"All of This and Nothing" is an excellent single disc anthology from a band that was always better at producing singles than albums. It covers most of the band's history--they faded into obscurity not long after its 1988 release. The highlights include some of the better hit songs of 1980s new wave, the absolutely gorgeous "The Ghost in You," the soundtrack title song "Pretty in Pink," "Love My Way" and the more bombastic "Heartbreak Beat." With a total of 14 selections, the album is just substantial enough to be filling without overstaying its welcome. As a bonus, the CD booklet contains a lyrics sheets and some good liner notes.

Overall, an intelligently selected anthology from one of new wave music's better bands.

I remember watching "120 Minutes" a few years back (when it was still good!) and the video for "Dumb Waiter" was on as a 'Cult Classic'. Afterwards, I thought to myself, "I wish I could find a CD of all of my favorite Psych Furs songs. Unexpectedly, I stumbled upon "All of This and Nothing"! I fell in love with record immediately. "Dumb Waiters" has got to be one of their best songs. I just love the slightly out-of-tune sax playing on that track. I'm also quite fond of "Highwire Days" and the obvious favorites like "Pretty in Pink", "Love My Way", and "Heartbreak Beat". This is a great compilation to purchase if you're just becoming familiar with the Furs. You won't be sorry!

This is a great way to introduce yourself to The Furs if you are a novice. "Love My Way" and "The Ghost In You" are worth the price of the CD all by themselves. It's like getting the extra tracks for free! Enjoy!

Never really being a Psychodelic Furs fan back in the day, I was reluctant to purchase this CD. After receiving it and listening to it, I realized that my tastes have evolved since my teenage years. I now have an entirely new appreciation for the Psychodelic Furs and this CD in particular. The music is deep, rich, and moving - what music should be.

I completely agree with another reviewer who stated this was a good introduction for the casual fan. Though this collection is very good, you'd do yourself a favor to check out almost any of their other albums. At the time this was released, my big draw to it was "All That Money Wants", just a fantastic single with a hint of menace in Richard's voice. It also had a few of my favorites: "Love My Way", the first single of theirs I'd heard, "Pretty In Pink" in its original version (thankfully NOT the John Hughes sanctioned update), and best of all, "The Ghost In You", which always takes me right back to the summer I graduated high school. This one is a really bittersweet tune with a great vocal from Richard. The production is dated, sure, but if you were there at the time, I don't think the effect ever diminishes. The one glaring omission at the time was "Angels Don't Cry", one of my favorite Furs singles.

Though they made a couple of not-so-great albums (albeit with great singles!), I still ended up searching out every album they'd released. Each has something to offer, and especially with "Book of Days" and "World Outside", they had a great burst of creativity towards the end.

The Furs' music is timeless. The melodies are haunting, the lyrics are smart, the music is moody, and the vocals are piercing. Sonically, they are a delicious swirl, somewhere between The Sister's of Mercy and The Simple Minds -- a bit rough and smooth all at the same time.

True, I'm not the biggest Furs fan in the world, but I do know good music when I hear it. Indeed, this is a superb collection of songs for driving around or for chilling on rainy days at home.

Anyways, this is the best overview cd of their career although there were still two more fine records after this. This is a classy restrospective with a great album cover too. Yes, this is authentic old school 80s alternative at its best!

By the way, I saw these guys live two years ago and they still got it! They were never that poppy so I think they seem less cheesy than some of their other contemparies these days who also still tour. Let that be a lesson to everyone. Write mature music when a band is younger so they can grow into it effectively as they become older.

If you looking for music to put on while preparing a romantic dinner for two this is a great choice. This Psychedelic Furs album contains probably thir best songs. "The ghost in you" is a great song for anyone who wants to have a meloncholy love sick fit. If your an eighties child or just some one who wants a little romance get this cd.