Monday, January 01, 2007

The Boys in the Bands Vol. I

It's no secret that I am an avid music lover. It most likely is no secret that I have harbored some pretty serious bandboy crushes over the years as well. They are innocent love fests that usually involve me swooning over either looks or voice or lyric writing aptitude or fabulous virtuosity on whatever instrument they play. Most often the killer combo for me was nice cheekbones and a British accent. Put those two together and I was a goner. So, here is installation numero uno of the boys I have *loved* through the years.

Richard Butler. Ah, Richard. With the voice that sounded like velvet and cigarettes. He crooned his way into my heart somewhere around 1983. President Gas, We Love You, Heaven.......he was snarky, sarcastic and seductive and I loved it. This was one of the first shows ever that I had really good seats. I went to see them in about 1984 with my brother and we were in the second row. I don't think either one of us anticipated the earshattering volume the Psychedelic Furs managed to produce that night. I firmly believe that this was the show that began my progressive loss of hearing. Forget that my ears rang for days. Richard sang to me. Right to me on many songs. At 18, I looked into his eyes and lost myself in the music and dreamed of being swept away to England to live a fabulous and totally hip life.

And so, I give you bandboy crush number one, Richard Butler..........



PSYCHEDELIC FURS-Sister Europe

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ten-S-- I think you meant Richard Butler?

I'm a big fan too-- I bought that first album when it came out. "India" is a favorite of mine.

I remember being in the Riviera one night at an 'XRT night in 1987. Terri Hemmert was deejaying and she played "Heartbreak Beat." It really stands out in my memories.

Joe said...

MizBubs and I once played a sort of a drinking game where we counted how many times Richard Butler sang the word "stupid" on that first Furs record. YOW. It was many times. I remember seeing them at the Aragon, and I think my bride saw them a couple times after that.

Tenacious S said...

Johnny, uh yeah, made a mistake but corrected it. I had a senior moment. You must have commented while I was making the change. That's what champagne and a couple of glasses of wine do to a 40+ year old brain! I suffer from the disorder where I think one thing in my head, but say or write something completely different. Whenever I order food at a restaurant I double check with people to make sure I said the right thing. It's that bad.

Bubs, I saw them twice. The first time was at Poplar Creek, the front row experience, and later at a small venue in Columbia, SC. I must say, The Furs were capable of producing quite a racket. I'm sure it helped that they were plugged into amphitheater speakers, but holy cow, it is hands down one of the loudest shows I have ever been to.

Anonymous said...

Believe me, Ten-S, it happens to the best of us-- and of course having a couple of kids around to remind you that you said the wrong word really helps.

Coaster Punchman said...

I didn't know you liked them. A voice that sounds like velvet and cigarettes - that's nice imagery. Seriously.

Moderator said...

I think I have a recording of Richard Butler covering Pavement's "Here."

I am an avid music liker.

Mizbubs said...

ten-s, god, I loved the Furs. Butler looks so cute and almost healthy in this video! I particularly liked "Susan's Strange".

Tenacious S said...

I love how he actually has a cigarette in his hand in some of the old videos. I haven't seen them on their recent tours, so I've avoided seeing him age.

Cup said...

I looooooooooooove Richard Butler. His voice does amazing things to my body. My best friend's husband has a photo of Mr. Butlter lighting Greg's ciggie, back when Greg ran his campus radio station in Toronto. I've lusted after Greg ever since I saw that photo.

Anonymous said...

He really brings out the ghost in you.

Anonymous said...

ooooohhhh the shivers are running up my back- talk about first crushes.... Something about how he moved, and sang.... you rock hard lady! this series is the bomb....