Richard Butler (CD - 2006)

Audio Mixer: Jon Carin.

Recording information: Sky High Studio, NY.

Author: Richard Butler.

Photographer: Jimmy Bruch.

As the lead singer of the Psychedelic Furs, Richard Butler has a voice that one immediately associates with the crop of English alt-pop from the 1980s. Deadpan, angsty, romantic, Butler can conjure a whole genre in a mere phrase or two. RICHARD BUTLER is his 2006 solo debut.

Not surprisingly, the album contains many of the same aforementioned musical qualities. Yet BUTLER has a gentler, more introspective and dreamy feel than many Furs recordings, with melody foregrounded and Butler's lilting voice front and center throughout. The music, like that of the Furs, swirls and floats, though Butler applies a post-millennial gloss and electronic touches in ways that enhance without overpowering. This is a must for fans of the Furs, or for those wanting an update of that classic '80s sound. minimize