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The Psychedelic Furs — Heartbreak Beat
Album: Midnight To Midnight
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1442









Released: 1987
Length: 5:04
Plays (last 30 days): 2
I'm a heartbreak beat, yea, all night long
And nobody don't dance on the edge of the dark
We've got the radio on
And it feels like love,
But it don't mean a lot
And it feels like love
And it's all that we

[Chorus:]
There's a heartbreak beat, playing all night long
Down on my street
And it feels like love, got the radio on
And it's all that we need
There's a heartbreak beat, and it feels like love
There's a heartbreak beat, and it feels like love

Well, the feet don't stop, the way you talk so tough
And there's a perfect kiss, somewhere out in the dark
But a kiss ain't enough
And the world don't stop, every time that you call
And the world don't stop, every time that you call

[Chorus]

I'm a heartbreak beat, yea, all night long
And nobody don't dance on the edge of the dark
We've got the radio on
And it feels like love,
But it don't mean a lot
And it feels like love
And it's all that we

[Chorus]

There's a heartbreak beat
There's a heartbreak beat
Comments (95)add comment
 Cynaera wrote:
I'd just finished all the inside work on my home remodel. A vast expanse of white vinyl flooring, with no furniture. It was night, there were candles burning, and this song was echoing through the large room. I was dancing in celebration - finally, I had enough space to walk without cracking my elbow against something or having to dodge obstacles (I am a klutz.)  It was one of the most liberating moments of my adult life.  I'll always have good memories of this song.
 
It makes it especially sad that this commenter passed away sometime in the year after posting that.
 
 Damatticus wrote:

The Furs might have been the greatest band that never made it.. They were so important to me but then..... They weren't.. And I never worked out why

define making it - I followed them from the start and they got played regularly on radio. They still show up and sell out clubs here in little NH and perform well. If they didn't enjoy it why would they bother - that sounds like 'making it'. Read that R. Butler was not a fan of this album, however - but of course it was their biggest seller here in the states. Funny how that goes

So wenig bekannt, geniale Band
 bluejay08003 wrote:

I almost never use PSD, but I ran around the room to find it today. This song is sucko-barfo for me because the Furs' wall-of-sound early style stood out (e.g., original of "Pretty in Pink") and their 1984 Mirror Moves album was slicker, sure, but still didn't blend into the rest of the music of the time.  

Midnight to Midnight and this track in particular are just very very very generic synthpop for me.   And the reverb vocals are just over-the-top, top, top, top...



You complain that some of their music "didn't blend into the rest of the music of the time",  and then that other of it is "very very very generic synthpop". 

I think you may be a confused person.


 admascott wrote:


yet they are still playing today!  A lot of energy in their concerts - mostly old fogies like me.


We saw them recently  Awesome show!!
 nomnol wrote:


Proclivities, I don't see any mention of Isbell in the Wiki to the right in either members or past members. Would you enlighten me?


The post I was responding to quoted a line from a Jason Isbell song which advised against "singing with a fake British accent".
 Damatticus wrote:

The Furs might have been the greatest band that never made it.. They were so important to me but then..... They weren't.. And I never worked out why



yet they are still playing today!  A lot of energy in their concerts - mostly old fogies like me.
 kt.johnson.jr364 wrote:

  Voice reminds me of Neil Diamond.




I agree!! ...and, TOO FUNNY!  ...but, better music, for my tastes!
 Proclivities wrote:

That would be good advice for Jason Isbell to follow, given that he was born in Alabama, but Richard Butler was born in London, England - his is not a fake accent.


Proclivities, I don't see any mention of Isbell in the Wiki to the right in either members or past members. Would you enlighten me?
 Cynaera wrote:
I'd just finished all the inside work on my home remodel. A vast expanse of white vinyl flooring, with no furniture. It was night, there were candles burning, and this song was echoing through the large room. I was dancing in celebration - finally, I had enough space to walk without cracking my elbow against something or having to dodge obstacles (I am a klutz.)  It was one of the most liberating moments of my adult life.  I'll always have good memories of this song. {#Sunny}
 

Great story! Reminds me of a time I was trying to fix the lawnmower and you get to the point where you just want to kick the damn thing into low orbit. And  then - just then, the radio was blaring that Napoleon XYZ or whatever; "They're comming to take me away ha-haaa!" - if there ever was an apropos moment...
  Voice reminds me of Neil Diamond.
Not their best piece … But I'll take one on here by The Psychedelic Furs anytime!
Thanks R.P
 toterola wrote:
Like Jason Isbell says in "Outfit": "Don't sing with a fake British accent"...{#No}
 
That would be good advice for Jason Isbell to follow, given that he was born in Alabama, but Richard Butler was born in London, England - his is not a fake accent.
 kingart wrote:
Great tune. This resonates big time with the sounds and memories of the '80s. 

There's not enough leather on the cover art. 
 

Agreed on the leather. More spikes in the hair, too. And those boots, yum. Sigh. Those were the days. 
Great tune. This resonates big time with the sounds and memories of the '80s. 

There's not enough leather on the cover art. 
What if without trumpet? Try, it sounds even better...
 
 Cynaera wrote:
I'd just finished all the inside work on my home remodel. A vast expanse of white vinyl flooring, with no furniture. It was night, there were candles burning, and this song was echoing through the large room. I was dancing in celebration - finally, I had enough space to walk without cracking my elbow against something or having to dodge obstacles (I am a klutz.)  It was one of the most liberating moments of my adult life.  I'll always have good memories of this song. {#Sunny}

 
Sweet
The Furs might have been the greatest band that never made it.. They were so important to me but then..... They weren't.. And I never worked out why
 bluejay08003 wrote:
I almost never use PSD, but I ran around the room to find it today. This song is sucko-barfo for me because the Furs' wall-of-sound early style stood out (e.g., original of "Pretty in Pink") and their 1984 Mirror Moves album was slicker, sure, but still didn't blend into the rest of the music of the time.  

Midnight to Midnight and this track in particular are just very very very generic synthpop for me.   And the reverb vocals are just over-the-top, top, top, top...

 

I almost never use PSD, but I ran around the room to find it today. This song is sucko-barfo for me because the Furs' wall-of-sound early style stood out (e.g., original of "Pretty in Pink") and their 1984 Mirror Moves album was slicker, sure, but still didn't blend into the rest of the music of the time.  

Midnight to Midnight and this track in particular are just very very very generic synthpop for me.   And the reverb vocals are just over-the-top, top, top, top...
 Cynaera wrote:
I'd just finished all the inside work on my home remodel. A vast expanse of white vinyl flooring, with no furniture. It was night, there were candles burning, and this song was echoing through the large room. I was dancing in celebration - finally, I had enough space to walk without cracking my elbow against something or having to dodge obstacles (I am a klutz.)  It was one of the most liberating moments of my adult life.  I'll always have good memories of this song. {#Sunny}

 

I love this comment.  Thanks.  {#Sunny}
 rdo wrote:
This just made me think of the band Material Issue for some reason.  Ah, the memories.  I just got their CD International Pop Overthrow.


 
Wow, that does dig up some memories.  The summer of '91 I think, I had a motorcycle, few commitments and a mean serve for vollyball in the park.
This just made me think of the band Material Issue for some reason.  Ah, the memories.  I just got their CD International Pop Overthrow.

love this song, always welcome more Furs into the mix. other posters have already pointed out this came on an earlier album, not the compilation pictured.
*looks like the album pic has now been updated*

never a bad time to play this song!
Well, I was going to go out to lunch but I can't leave while this is playing!
Wrong year, RP.  This song first came out in early '87, and it was on this album,



not the compilation you've got featured at the top which came out a year later.


I'd just finished all the inside work on my home remodel. A vast expanse of white vinyl flooring, with no furniture. It was night, there were candles burning, and this song was echoing through the large room. I was dancing in celebration - finally, I had enough space to walk without cracking my elbow against something or having to dodge obstacles (I am a klutz.)  It was one of the most liberating moments of my adult life.  I'll always have good memories of this song. {#Sunny}
 garycha wrote:
Saw them supporting Iggy Pop in 1979 just after they had released their first single and just before their eponymous LP.  Followed them for quite a while.  This is not one of their better tracks and suffers from far too dated 80s production dragging along a thin tune.

Gimme, Dumb Waiters, Sister Europe, Pretty in Pink (original before the dreadful film of amse name) Imitation Of Christ, President Gas, Forever Now. etc any day over this weak offering
 
Yeah, it sounds a bit like album filler or B-side stuff. Lots of cliched phrases and 80s synths. "Into You Like a Train" is another superior track. Still, this isn't bad...

LOVE!!!


I know it's not, but sure sounds like something on The Breakfast Club soundtrack.


 crockydile wrote:
Yep. This says high school, loud and clear.
 

Let me guess....you must be about...... 39 or 40? {#Dancingbanana}
 toterola wrote:
Like Jason Isbell says in "Outfit": "Don't sing with a fake British accent"...{#No}
 
He wouldn't be faking it mate, he was born in England.

Like Jason Isbell says in "Outfit": "Don't sing with a fake British accent"...{#No}
Saw them supporting Iggy Pop in 1979 just after they had released their first single and just before their eponymous LP.  Followed them for quite a while.  This is not one of their better tracks and suffers from far too dated 80s production dragging along a thin tune.

Gimme, Dumb Waiters, Sister Europe, Pretty in Pink (original before the dreadful film of amse name) Imitation Of Christ, President Gas, Forever Now. etc any day over this weak offering
Saw them in 85, they were loud!
One word... "Classic".
 tclodes wrote:
If you like the Furs, check out British Sea Power, they have a very furry vibe happening.
 
Good band Only 2 songs in the RP library, another band that seems like a perfect fit but doesn't go over too well.

Back to the 80's .....by the way Corey Haim just died.
 rez wrote:
Yeah, I've always thought that it was a fine example of why you should always think twice (no make that ten times) before putting horns on any song. Occasionally it works but more often (particularly in the 80s) it will ruin a perfectly decent song.

pope183 wrote:
i have always liked this song but could do without the horns on this one

 

By 'horns' you MUST mean synthesizer?  And could the 80s really have been 'done without' the synthesizer?

Yep. This says high school, loud and clear.
Wore out the grooves on this record "back in the day" ... this, and Graham Parker ... and a New Order EP of Ceremony ... wow, my memory meds must be kickin' in today!
An underrated band, the Furs were. 
Yeah, I've always thought that it was a fine example of why you should always think twice (no make that ten times) before putting horns on any song. Occasionally it works but more often (particularly in the 80s) it will ruin a perfectly decent song.

pope183 wrote:
i have always liked this song but could do without the horns on this one



i have always liked this song but could do without the horns on this one
Always preferred "Love My Way", but this will do for now.
If you like the Furs, check out British Sea Power, they have a very furry vibe happening.
One of the Furs better songs, i think so at least. How about some talk talk?
So hard to recognize the Furs.
dpjag wrote:
gimme "Talk, Talk, Talk."
exactly!!!!
One bottle of Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc (nose is equal parts grapefruit and B.O. --- way, way better than it sounds) + the Furs = Nirvana on a cold, grey Friday night in Toronto.
gimme "Talk, Talk, Talk."
lmic wrote:
My college BF around '81-'83 loved the alternative music of the early eighties... largely because he hated hair metal, disco, and Billy Joel. As I recall, along with Psych Furs, he also favored Butthole Surfers, Violent Femmes, Chili Peppers, Marley and, especially, early Talking Heads. I personally never heard anything from his Furs collection... But this particular song goes directly against how I'd stereotyped them (that is: as scary!). Not very edgy - pretty typical '80s dance beat, innit. Still - I like, 7. EDIT: Is it possible I'm confusing them with a band called Psychotic Pineapples?
Scary as in boo!? Or Scary bad? I bring this up because around 1982 a friend of mine was "scared" to go see Circle Jerks because they were punk, so my boyfriend got beaten up on the way there by some jocks at the AM/PM. Now, THAT'S scary. The CJ show had no such violence attached to it of course.
furs were underrated in my humble opinion.
93vx800 wrote:
Very nice! The Furs. Brings back warm memories of road trips with my cycling team. Now if we can have a tune by The Cure or the Clash we'll be in business.
Dude, you have seriously listen to this station a little more. Bill plays alot of the Clash and the Cure! Plus a lot of other classic 80s bands (Echo & the Bunnymen, Smiths, Big Country, The Jam). Yeah, the 80s were a great time (for me).
FluorideFreeMN wrote:
I just can't dig this guy's voice
"And It Feerls Rike Lurve!"
I just can't dig this guy's voice
Aaaaaahhhh.... great song... *bops in her chair*
Classic 80s - gotta love it.
Used to love this song, not heard it for years. Makes me want to re-watch some 80's films
My college BF around '81-'83 loved the alternative music of the early eighties... largely because he hated hair metal, disco, and Billy Joel. As I recall, along with Psych Furs, he also favored Butthole Surfers, Violent Femmes, Chili Peppers, Marley and, especially, early Talking Heads. I personally never heard anything from his Furs collection... But this particular song goes directly against how I'd stereotyped them (that is: as scary!). Not very edgy - pretty typical '80s dance beat, innit. Still - I like, 7. EDIT: Is it possible I'm confusing them with a band called Psychotic Pineapples?
Very nice! The Furs. Brings back warm memories of road trips with my cycling team. Now if we can have a tune by The Cure or the Clash we'll be in business.
Psyche Furs...yay!!!
Love the '80s. I gag at most of the '00s. Maybe it's my age, or it really does suck.
Great band, but this song doesn't do much for me. I think it came from their last album, and is a good indication of why it was their last album. I saw them in concert in '87 (jeez - almost 20 years ago?!). They did about four encores - a bit of ego? Richard Butler has gone on to do some good stuff (Love Spit Love, solo). I really like some of the songs on his new solo CD, but the other half of the tunes seem a bit indistinguishable on the first few listens.
trekhead wrote:
Ahhh, the John Hughes pictures...
That's right where they put me too. Awesome.
67nj wrote:
please cut right here:
now that is funny i dig this song
Lame. L-A-M-E.
67nj wrote:
please cut right here:
getting alot of mileage out of that graphic, eh? just rate the song...
jackvh wrote:
Low point of American culture, including music, IMO
This decade beats anything and everything ever spewed from the 90's and beyond.....IMHO Just look at the quotes below. What can make those memories now?
67nj wrote:
please cut right here:
please cut right here:
jackvh wrote:
Disagree vehemently. Low point of American culture, including music, IMO
Isn't one of the best things about American culture originality? 80's music and culture were both full of originality. And you could dance to the music.
Pantagruel wrote:
I agree, we love the 80's! :)
Disagree vehemently. Low point of American culture, including music, IMO
The guy on the right reminds me of Cyclops.
I agree, we love the 80's! :)
Mr Butler is touring!
Awesome song. I'm a big fan of his voice. Sexy.
saw the furs at bar in baton rouge in the late '80's. They played for about 30 minutes and had a big fist fight. pretty ok all in all.
Man, this takes me back. P-Furs were unfortunately underrated by so many. Saw them live w/ The Divynils (sp?)( back in 1983. Yeah, I was in college. Thanks for the great song. Now how about "President Gas"?
Serious make out tune. Go 80's! Next up on the Makeout Tape? Slave to Love, of course.
i was thinking of the furs this morning! yea!
Ahhh, the John Hughes pictures...
How about something with a bit more edge, such as anything from Forever Now......
Funny how a sound takes you back there....what a great sound they were.
where's my orange pinto? ...this still sounds good!
Soundtrack to my teen years, too. Still luvin' it! :D
"...and it feels like love!"
CaptTofu wrote:
Psychedelic Furs were cool. Thanks RP!
They still are cool! My friend saw them in hollywood a couple of months back. Said they were awesome.
I think this was a subliminal 80s song for me... I totally forgot about it, never knew who did it and never would have remembered it but for RP!
classic 80s
Delightful flashback. Got my driver's license in May, 1987. Only had an AM/FM in my first car. This single and With or Without You were just released and all over the FM airwaves. Cranked 'em every time they came on... Still love me some furs. Keep 'em coming--this is the first track of theirs I've caught in Paradise.
real style, real good..a 7
Love this song - I remember when I got new flooring in my house, before the furniture went back in and all there was in my dining room/family room was this vast expanse of milky white flooring and a boom-box. I had "Heartbreak Beat" playing, and the acoustics were soooo fine... Couldn't help but dance to it...
Wow, it's the 80s, and my only worry is finding a good club to hang out at for the night. All my belongings that I own can fit into the back of my trunk... I think I'll go down to Newport Beach for the day, up to Club Hollywood for the night!!! MMMmmm.. Psychedelic Furs were cool. Thanks RP!