I did not know who the Psychedelic Furs were until I spent a week in London and was taken by a friend to the Hammersmith Odeon to see the Furs. Within the first few minutes of Richard Butler's gravely sweet rendition of "Sister Europe," I was hooked. Interestingly, I have met him twice and found him to be one of the most pleasant artists I've been introduced to.

I've followed Richard Butler's work over the years, and was pleased to read he recently released a solo album entitled, "Richard Butler." After hearing it several times through, I can tell you that it was money well spent. This cd is not the type I would want to review song by song. I look at this as an entire piece of work - something that one takes as a whole rather than track by track. From the moment I hit play, I was taken on a journey with Richard Butler at the wheel. This cd cannot be compared to the old days of "Pretty in Pink" and "Alice's House," but rather the more mellow sounds of "Sleep Comes Down." Yet, this album has a matured sound with rich overtones that can't help but carry you away.

Don't look to this cd for the hard, fast "old Furs" style - but rather - for an escape to a delicious place that only Richard Butler can take you to. Trust me, you won't be sorry.

Recent studies have found that if you bring your IPod to the hospital, you may get better sooner! Researchers from Tufts University followed inpatients who were undergoing surgery. Those who listened to music after surgery had less pain and therefore needed fewer painkillers. As a matter of fact, listening to IPod tunes had the same effect as a 325-mg dose of acetaminophen. But will this help the pain when you are opening the hospital bill?!