The Psychedelic Furs unleash the phasers on "Sister Europe"

The Psychedelic Furs : Sister Europe

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On the cusp between January and February of 1980, The Psychedelic Furs released "Sister Europe". It was produced by Steve Lillywhite who found a unique way to get Richard Butler to deliver his languid vocal performance. "He told me, 'Go down to the pub, have a couple of beers, and when you come back, I want you to sing like it's three in the morning, and you're talking on the telephone to someone'". Butler says the song is about a girlfriend who moved to Italy.

Sounds wrote the song had... 

"...a calculated power that has sheds of Roxy Music in their early days. There's more phasing in three minutes than I've heard in the last five years. Not smart enough to be a hit but the steady, deliberate guitar chimes work their way around your skull with gnawing effectiveness."

David Hepworth of Smash Hits wrote 

David Bowie impersonations again. The music is good and definitely unusual. Most original name award goes to this lot for sure. Strangely impressive. Give it a try, if you're kind, it won't bite.

"Sister Europe" only charted in Australia ( at #100) and in New Zealand ( #47).

The B-side, "****", is an irregular one to be sure. Like "Revolution #9", a paste up job you may not want to hear more than once.

Interesting timing: The Psychedelic Furs have announced they will release their eighth studio album — the band’s first record in 29 years — this spring. The 12-track collection is preceded by the single “Don’t Believe.” :