This time working solely with
Steve Lillywhite
,
the Furs
introduce a brighter, poppier side to their underground rock edge, with smashing results throughout. The group produces some powerful songs, even more rough-edged than before. Especially striking is
"Dumb Waiters,"
with its queasy, slow-paced arrangement that allows both
Kilburn
's sax and
Ashton
's guitar to go wild. However, the six still create some undeniable pop classics. Most well-known is the lead track,
"Pretty in Pink,"
inspiration for the iconic
John Hughes
film years later and re-recorded as a result. The original is still where to go, though, with
Butler
's catchy description of a romantically unsure woman matched by a killer band performance. Similarly lighter numbers on the record call to mind a rockier version of
Roxy Music
's output in later years: elegant, romantic angst given a slightly rougher edge in both music and vocals.
"She Is Mine"
is especially fine as a gently swinging number with some of
's best, quietly ruminative lyrics. Straight-up anthems abound as well, the best being the amazing
"Into You Like a Train,"
which mixes the blunt desire of the title with a sparkling
guitar line and a fast rhythm punch.
Talk Talk Talk
ends on another high with
"All of This and Nothing."
A soft, acoustic guitar-sax-rhythm combination introduces the song, then fades away for the main section to begin;
details bits and pieces from a lost relationship over a sharp full-band performance, and a final drum smash leads into a reprise of the start -- a fine way to end a fine record. ~ Ned Raggett