80's Perfection
Although most songs are unknown after the 2nd Listen you can't help but feel drawn into the music & the 80's era. I have to admit that this entire CD, like the Song is absolutely awesome. Nostalgic, Timeless, Unforgettable!!! .
The rest of the album taints Feels Like Heaven
Not a great song, but pretty catchy and infectious. Yes, Feels Like Heaven is a good song. I vaguely remember hearing it throughout the 80's, but I was just a lad back then. I bought the album for pure nostalgic value, and because there are so many reviews here about how excellent this album is. Let me first say that back in the 80's, there was, for the most part, great music on the radio. I think we can all agree on that. Secondly, if it wasn't on the radio, chances are, it was probably for a good reason. The choice of promoting Feels Like Heaven as a single was a good one, because the rest of this album just goes downhill like an out of control landslide. What rubs me the oh-so-wrong way are the funkadelic, groovalicious Seinfeld basslines in all the songs. It's bad. Horribly, archaically, laughably bad. I'm not trying to take anything away from the bass player, he's actually quite good, but the funkiness more than dates this album. Picture an entire album of "Wild Wild West"'s by the Escape Club. If you've never heard that song, trust me, it's the epitome of uncool. The vocals end up sounding so cheesy because of the mixture of funky bass and misused trumpeting, the whole album after the first song is pretty much embarrassing. There is no comparison to Depeche Mode, OMD, or any other early 80's synth rock (I'm not sure I'd even classify this as synth rock) that I can make, in fact, if you like DM or OMD, avoid this, it is pretty much useless. Find an 80's compilation CD with Feels Like Heaven on it and then forget Fiction Factory forever.
Desert island playlist
Sure, for some it may not rate 5 stars. I've had the album, the first CD (stolen), and now waiting for the second CD. I see some other's recommendations, and wonder how they achieved that five star status.
I worked in Germany for AAFEES in the mid 80s and one day bought the album in for a first time listen. From the first play I knew I liked it and would for a long time. Sure, there are a few lower quality songs, but the others have been so listenable for so many years, I have to rate this at five. If you've got a romantic bone in your body, like Timm Finns Escapade, Haircut100, you should think about it. They is a cheap diversion, and though I listen for an artist today with the nerve to appeal to my hooky side, few have the guts. Candy like this is fun, the 80s were a decade diversion, and before you get too old to hear, give it a shot. BTW, still waiting for the second album, Another Story, to be reissued. You'd think with today's technology, 80's revival, and lack of anything creative, it would be available though the record companies, reissue, amen.
Boring drivel.
Some called the CD "Dark" and "Political". I bought this CD based on some of the reviews that rated it 5 stars and compared the group to Depeche Mode and Heaven 17. What a disappointment! The only "Dark" is the garbage bin where I through this CD shortly after giving it a careful listen. This CD has 1 song that had some airplay in the 80s, yet this song is described as a New Wave "Classic" by some.
I found the lyrics shallow and the music annoying. The band tries to be like "China Crisis" or even "Kissing the Pink" but fails big time. No wonder they were never heard of again and for that I am thankful. .
Sounds Like Heaven
Fantastic piano and synths with an infectious chorus that will stick in your head for days at a time. Fiction Factory's true triumph was the new wave gem "Feels Like Heaven" which can be heard on countless flashback programs and CD compilations. I'd compare it to Ultravox's "Reap The Wild Wind" or The Stranglers "Always The Sun. "
This album tries hard to live up to the success of "Heaven" and it is not an easy thing to do, yet there are still plenty of good tracks on this album including the debut single "Ghost Of Love. " Overall a nice mix of synth-based new wave music you are unlikely to ever hear on today's format-restricted radio. If you enjoy 80's fringe groups like Ultravox, The Stranglers, Freur, Re-Flex and Japan, you should add this CD to your collection.
You can see a complete list of all Fiction Factory discography, or go back to the Fiction Factory tabs
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