The Psychedelic Furs were one of my favorite bands in high school and I still contend that Richard Butler is one of the best vocalists of 1980’s pop music. I loved his raspy voice and, perhaps even more, his engaging lyrics and stunning melodies. And if you haven’t heard his later band, Love Spit Love, do yourself a favor and go take a listen…
I recorded this cover back in 1996 and it’s sad that I should suddenly be reminded of it’s existence because of the passing of filmmaker John Hughes. But in listening to it again I hear an innocence and naivety I haven’t heard in years. And, like his movies, it’s funny how what was once embarrassing and awkward is now comforting and tender.
lyrics
Caroline laughs and it's raining all day
She loves to be one of the girls
She lives in the place in the side of our lives
Where nothing is ever put straight
She turns her self round and
She smiles and she says
This is it
That's the end of the joke
And loses herself in her dreaming and sleep
And her lovers walk through in their coats
Pretty in pink isn't she
Pretty in pink
Isn't she
All of her lovers all talk of her notes
And the flowers that they never sent
And wasn't she easy
And isn't she pretty in pink
The one who insists he was first in the line
Is the last to remember her name
He's walking around in this dress that she wore
She is gone but the joke's the same
Pretty in pink isn't she
Pretty in pink
Isn't she
Caroline talks to you softly sometimes
She says "I love you" and "too much"
She doesn't have anything you want to steal
Well nothing you can touch
She waves
She buttons your shirt
The traffic is waiting outside
She hands you this coat
She gives you her clothes
These cars collide
Pretty in pink isn't she
Pretty in pink
Isn't she
*caroline's on the table screaming
Confidence is in the sea
And all their favorite rags are worn
And other kinds of uniform
They kid you you're really free
And you know what you want to be
Case of individuality
Until tomorrow
And everything you are you'll see
In pure shiny buttons
They put you in this gear
And driveways broken
Doorbell sings in chimes
It plays anything goes
Bells toll in rhyme
credits
from Cover Lover,
released September 7, 2012
Written by John Ashton, Tim Butler, Richard Butler, Vince Ely, Duncan Kilburn, Roger Morris
The Graze is easily my favorite band in Seattle. Louis O'Callahan's writing style is right up my alley, it doesn't do him justice to say but he could be Kurt Cobain and Jeff Mangum's bastard child. The Way It Is
My Seattle friends Levi and Casey are two of the most talented musicians I know. Check out this wonderful album written and recorded in one weekend... The Way It Is
The new album from Brooklyn band Guiding Light features atmospheric covers of Leonard Cohen & Nirvana alongside stirring originals. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 25, 2020
Sophie Negrini's longrunning Janelane project reaches new heights of dreamy power pop perfection on an upcoming full-length. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 19, 2024