Richard Butler

Fathom that legendary, distinctive voice closer to the bone, introspective and personal-- over acoustic guitar, awash in a string symphony or a choral strain. This is what the Furs founder has done on his first solo effort.

This new recording of the stripped down Butler is sublime. It's dreamy, intricate, intelligent, poetic, philosophical and tender with occasional rock-based moments amidst the ambient ones. Listening with headphones to pick up on all the subtle nuances is recommended. Upon repeated spins, I found myself lost in the beauty of certain songs, kicking back and closing my eyes, getting chills. At one point, I had to remind myself to breathe. I had spoken to Butler before listening to the recording, but he hadn't prepared me to be completely blown away by it. Truly, it is an album to watch this year. Butler recorded it at Sky High Studios in upstate New York, collaborating with instrumentalist Jon Carin (Pink Floyd, Pete Townshend, Bryan Ferry) who greatly influenced the direction of the music with his shimmering guitars and keys. In an interview with Butler, he says:

"It's much gentler, fairly ambient. Basically all the songs are written on acoustic guitar, so the way I'm going out and playing it-- which is with an acoustic guitar and a keyboard, ambient noise-- is not that different from the way the record sounds... In some ways it's a lot mellower than the Psychedelic Furs records, but the lyrics are fairly dark. During the course of making it, my marriage broke up, Jon's relationship broke up, and both of our fathers died. So that informed the lyrics and the music to some degree."

Though Carin's musical landscape is resplendent and hopeful, Butler's despair and loss over recent events is evident in his poetry.

This reviewer can only beckon, "More! More!" This man has pierced my soul.

--Sharon Nichols, Music Editor, Chronogram magazine

If you liked the Psychedelic Furs' "World Outside" and Love Spit Love, you're going to be intoxicated by this album. Love Spit Love exhibited the sophistication and musical richness that Butler seemed continually to be striving for while working with the Furs, but never quite accomplished. This album represents a similar leap forward. Excellent by any measure.

Having been a long time fan of the Furs, this album is a welcome surprise.

Richard Butler's distinct vocal style is as remarkable as ever, but what's really outstanding about this collection is the strong musicianship and lyrical strength of each song. A bit more brooding than any of the Furs catalog (onset of middle age might have soemthing to do with it) but entrancing nonetheless.

Highly recommended, welcome back Richard!