“Frenetic,” “harried,” “cacophony,” “drudgery,” “chaotic,” “punishing,” and as Pitchfork uniquely called it “a cawing of crows.” These are common words used to describe the 2020 Psychedelic Furs release, Made of Rain. And they are all from very positive reviews! I guess I’m in the minority on this one. After repeated listens I still can’t get behind it. There comes a time when one has to give up and realize this one won’t make the playlist. That’s disappointing for me, because I really like the Furs and had hopes for this one.
It had been 29 years since their last album! 1991’s World Outside included the big hit “Until She Comes.” There is nothing like “Until She Comes”, or “Love My Way” “Heaven” or “Pretty in Pink” on the new album. That’s OK, I wasn’t wishing for, or expecting an, album that focused on catchy singles. I like the darker, punky early songs like “India,” the fuzzy, rocking “Into You Like a Train,” and yes, the uplifting chorus of “Forever Now.” There are a few tempting songs in the latter part of Made of Rain , but it’s the first song that sets the stage for the album. (For my You Tube song pick, I thought about including an old favorite, but since this post is the new album review, I’m sticking to it and giving you the emblematic track #1.)
The “Boy That Invented Rock & Roll” is the particular song that elicited the adjectives noted above, including the crow-like sounds. Much of the album has this discordant music. Singer Richard Butler still has his distinctive, raspy voice which on the choruses actually lightens up some songs from the harsher guitar and sax during the verses. “No-One” is a more welcoming song with a pleasing chorus. Same with the surging and simmering “Hide the Medicine.” “Turn Your Back on Me” has a nice intro and some inviting synths.
This is not the first time that the Furs have released a radio-unfriendly album. While not as extreme in this regard as Made of Rain, 1989’s Book of Days was considered a risky release, and indeed, was received rather lukewarmly at the time. After the very commercial nature of the previous album, Midnight to Midnight (with “Heartbreak Beat”), Book of Days did not contain a ready hit. “House,” however, will radiate with many as one of their best songs, with its stirring chorus. It’s buried as track #8 and didn’t get as much play time as some of their other songs. “Entertain Me” is a raw rumble that would fit right in on the earlier albums. “Mother-Son” resonates into a pumping melody lead by the synchronous bass and lead guitar. If you aren’t familiar with this album, dive a little deeper into the band’s catalog and check this out.
D² Rating ◼◼☐☐ ☐
Trivia ? – What band did Richard Butler and his brother, Tim, form during the early 90s hiatus of the Furs?
Answer: Love Spit Love (their eponymous first album is pretty good).
As with X (the subject of the first part of this series), the Psychedelic Furs have continued to tour regularly throughout the years, despite not putting out any new material. I’ve been fortunate enough to see them three times; once during their heyday and twice much later in their career. Left to right (or top to bottom) below: September 30, 2012 at the Saratoga Mountain Winery, May 12, 1990 at Cal Poly Mott Gym, and March 19, 2018 at the Fremont Theater.
