The Psychedelic Furs - Should God Forget: A Retrospective (1997)

Compilation producers: Bruce Dickinson, Tim Butler.

All tracks have been digitally remastered by Mark Wilder (Sony Music Studios, New York).

Recorded between 1980 and 1991.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Anthony Thistlewaite; Emily Burridge; Joe McGinty; Knox Chandler.

The Psychedelic Furs compilation SHOULD GOD FORGET: A RETROSPECTIVE is, in a word, a definitive collection. It should put to rest all the quibbles that fans may have had with the previous Furs best-of collections (unless, of course, one wanted to whine about the inclusion of live versions over studio ones). Presented in roughly chronological order, it spans the band's entire career, from their 1979 self-titled debut through 1991's WORLD OUTSIDE, with stops along the way for the odd b-side, five live tracks (three of which were never previously released anywhere in the world), and a couple of alternate versions (including a freaky version of "Alice's House").

The collection shows the bands progression from the punk roots of their early material through a successful flirtation with slick, commercial music and into the taut, rougher sound (both lyrically and musically) of their last two albums. Standouts include the harsh live take on "Soap Commercial," the spectacularly insulting "We Love You," the brittle sentiment of "Love My Way," the grandiosity of "Highwire Days," the fireworks of "Heartbreak Beat," and "Torch," a beautiful pinnacle in Richard Butler's lyrical talent. This two-disc set is THE place to begin discovering (or rediscovering) the Psychedelic Furs.

Liner Note Authors: Scott Schinder; John Ashton; Tim Butler.

Personnel: Richard Butler (vocals); Marty Williamson, Mary Williamson, John Ashton, Roger Morris (guitar); Ann Sheldon (cello); Todd Rundgren (saxophone, keyboards); Duncan Kilburn, Mars Williams (saxophone); Gary Windo, Donn Adams (horns); Ed Buller (keyboards); Keith Forsey (drums, percussion); Don Yallech, Tommy Price, Vince Ely, Paul Garisto (drums); Steve Scales (percussion); Frank Simms, Howard Kaylan, Mark Volman (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Danny Kadar ; Michael Barbiero; Steve Thompson ; Tim Butler; Bruce Dickinson .