New Wave Outpost Forum

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).

I always thought that the emphasis on hair in the 80's is such a lame idea anyway. Whether it was the mullet, hair metal, or the hair of AFOS or any other 80's band, hair became the target of choice for anyone who disliked the 80's. Pretty silly. Like

It takes a true fan to see beyond the wild hairstyles (which you obviously are, Spaz). It was a big part of getting them noticed, but it's the music that has endured, not Mike Score's hair.(as fabulous as it was)[;)]
If you are not a fan of "mainstream"

I thought their first album was fantastic. Every song was no less than great, except maybe for the last one. The second album, was okay; no where near the greatness of the first one (and once I decided that "Nightmares" was ripping off "These Shoes Are

Yes, kindof a silly hair doo but let's remember that these guys came out when music had to stand on it's own. They were at the very beginning of the MTV Age. I heard their music long before I ever saw Mike Scores hair standing up. I have their first tw

I love these guys !! Their first 2 albums were New wave masterpieces, with enough variety/ guitar/ experimentation to keep you hooked. Also, I thought their sound was unique and strong. LOVE "Space Age Love Song", "I Ran", and "Nightmares."

p.s....And

I love them too! And I love a song no one ever mention individually, "Transfer affections"