This list of songs is inspired by lists published by radio station KEXP-FM from Seattle in 2010, as well as the latest poll taken in 2021 by Rolling Stone Magazine. For the most part I will faithfully countdown from their lists, starting at Song #500 and going until I reach Song #1. When you see the song title listed as something like: Song #XXX (KEXP)….it means that I am working off of the official KEXP list. Song XXX (RS) means the song is coming from the Rolling Stone list. If I post the song title as being: Song #xxx (KTOM), it means I have gone rogue and am inserting a song choice from my own personal list of tunes I really like. In any case, you are going to get to hear a great song and learn the story behind it. Finally, just so everyone is aware, I am not a music critic nor a musician. I am a music fan and an armchair storyteller. Here is the story behind today’s song. Enjoy.
KEXP: The Top 500 Songs in Modern Music History.
Song #471: Love My Way by The Psychedelic Furs.
The Psychedelic Furs were a part of the New Wave music invasion from Britain in the 1980s. Founded by brothers, Richard and Tim Butler, The Psychedelic Furs enjoyed a strong run of success in the 80s with songs like “Pretty in Pink”. “Heaven”, “The Ghost in You” and today’s song, “Love My Way” from the album Forever Now. While they were popular in music circles, it was the launch of the John Hughes classic film Pretty in Pink that really brought this group into the mainstream.
“Love My Way” is a song written for young people who may be struggling to come to terms with their sexual orientation and identity. It can take a lot of courage to be the person you feel you really are when others have differing dreams for you. It is difficult today but, back in the early 80s, that was even more the case. This song was Richard Butler’s way of acknowledging the struggle and providing a song for lonely teens to sing so that they would feel noticed/less alone.
Since the 80s, The Psychedelic Furs have broken up, reunited, broken up and reunited several times. At present, they are back together and have released new material. They were hoping to go on tour again before Covid-19 ruled otherwise. For now, we are left with a discography that is as solid and replete with hit songs as any New Wave group from the 80s can claim. Please enjoy, “Love My Way” by The Psychedelic Furs. Have a great day.
The link to the music video for Love My Way by The Psychedelics Furs can be found here. ***The lyrics version can be found here.
The Psychedelic Furs have a terrific website that can be found by clicking the link here.
Thank you to KEXP for helping to inspire me to write this post. A link to their great website can be found here.
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Tom MacInnes, Writer 