Let's get the negatives out of the way first:
1. Mike Score's hairstyle was a brilliant move at the 'moment', since it gave them some extra press and attention at the time. But I thought it was ridiculous then and even more so now since it is the ONLY thing people think of when they think of AFOS.
2. Mike Score's 'new' AFOS, it seems, are a bunch of younger musicians who play with AFOS cuz it keeps them from a 9-5 day job, not because they want to be a member of AFOS.
3. AFOS are not strictly a synth pop band. Paul Reynold's guitar remains part of their trademark sound, although many people lump them in with Human League, Soft Cell, etc.
4. Their fourth album, "Dream Come True", was far from a dream (closer to, but not quite, a nightmare). Mike Score's lyrics switched from sci-fi and isolation themes to 'love', and were abysmal at best (see "Love On Your Knees" for the perfect example). There were a few near-perfect gems on the album ("heartbeat like a drum", "who's that girl" and one or two others), but the album is forgettable. Perhaps the departure of Paul Reynolds had a lot to do with it?!!!!
With that said, the first 3 AFOS albums are fantastic! Their self-titled debut is filled with brilliant pop/rock gems including some of the most brilliant songs of the '80s ("I Ran" and "Space Age Love Song" to name two). Their second album "Listen" (due for CD re-release by Superfecta soon) is just as wonderful as the first album, although it is darker and more atmospheric. Their third, "Story Of A Young Heart" is the perfect combination of the first two albums, pop and atmosphere.
I am never afraid to let people know how much I love them. I am NOT embarrassed at all when they laugh at me, either. They were a GREAT band. If you don't believe me, just give 'em a 'listen' (pun intended).
