Forgotten Songs of the '80s: Psychedelic Furs

Forgotten Songs of the ‘80s: Psychedelic Furs Everybody knows Psychedelic Furs because of “Pretty in Pink” but before that song became huge due to the movie, they were an atmospheric post-punk band that sprung out of London and released their self-titled debut in 1980. One of the moodiest songs on the record has also become one of the most revered: “Sister Europe.” Beginning with a drum intro courtesy of Vince Ely, the rest of the band slowly come in, building an atmosphere of weird introspection until frontman Richard Butler starts singing and then it immediately becomes a classic. The power and depth of his voice makes it one of the most recognizable voices of the eighties. The lyrics, talking about his sister coming home continue to remain some of the most haunting lyrics of their career, just because of the way he delivers them. The band ended up becoming one of the most influential alternative bands of the eighties and rightfully so and it all starts here. While some other singles like the shitty “Heartbreak Beat” and “Pretty in Pink” became giant smashes, “Sister Europe” got left behind. Even a haunting cover by the Foo Fighters in 2002 failed to ignite much interest. But time goes on and people start to forget about those songs and start listening to others and that is the time that “Sister Europe” will get the recognition it rightfully deserves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLCNIZTzg9w

Comments

  1. mercvrialFebruary 13, 2021 at 4:21 PM

    Great song... I saw them perform this live at UVA's Memorial Gym in November '84 alongside future Pavement multi-instrumentalist Bob Nastanovich who was feverishly writing a term paper in the back seat during the drive between Richmond and Charlottesville.

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