You know, one thing about Deaconlight.com is I try very hard to write essays about records, not reviews. Any record I take the time to write about on Deaconlight.com is going to be something I like because I am not going to take the time to write about a record I do not like.

So I hope this does not come across as a review. Besides, I will state right out now: I love this record. Always have. Always will. It is great piece of work.

What gets confusing to me these days is this whole song vs. album concept. And this is not a record I would argue for the record concept. But to me, it is a Side 1, Side 2 concept. "Change" was the big hit from this record, but to me, the first three songs of side one are the best - "The Hurting", "Mad World", and "Pale Shelter."

At the same time, they all sound better to me when I hear them together on a side of vinyl. But in the digital age, if you must pick and choose, if you don't want to spring for the whole record, at least get the first three songs. Forget the hit.

Somehow I was lucky enough back in the "old days" to get a video with several songs from this record. I still have it and it gets pulled out occasionally and watched. Brilliant stuff.

I have always stayed close to this record, and happened to pull it out after the London bombings this summer. I was listening to "The Hurting" and thinking how the words needed to be expressed to bring some sense to it all. I felt that putting the lyrics on Deaconlight.com might be of some comfort to those suffering.

As regular Deaconlight.com's visitors know, I do try to be respectful of copyrights. So instead of just putting the lyrics online, I asked permission, and was graciously granted permission to do so.

Before I could get around to that, my sister (2 years older than me), died of a massive brain hemorhage. Suddenly the words to "The Hurting" became even more relevant. But I never got around to posting them.

And now it is late, and I am not going to take the time to post them right now, but I will say, that song is a must-have for when you are suffering a major loss.

Well, now that I have dragged the mood down, I will take leave. But this is one of the few records I push because of its beauty and catharticsm. You just have to hear it - to really listen to it - to get it. And after more than 20 years I still put this record in my Top 10.

Great head-trip with a lot of texture but not wimpy. The first time I ever played Tears for Fears was an import 45 someone loaned me to play on my birthday show. When the LP came out, I was hooked on it and have been ever since.

-- 4 November 2005 (DD)