2001 reissue of the British band's 1984 debut album, includes the new wave classic '(Feels Like) Heaven'. 10 tracks. Sony.
CD Reviews
Sounds Like Heaven
Paul A. Fucito | Washington, DC | 02/05/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Fiction Factory's true triumph was the new wave gem "Feels Like Heaven" which can be heard on countless flashback programs and CD compilations. Fantastic piano and synths with an infectious chorus that will stick in your head for days at a time. I'd compare it to Ultravox's "Reap The Wild Wind" or The Stranglers "Always The Sun."This album tries hard to live up to the success of "Heaven" and it is not an easy thing to do, yet there are still plenty of good tracks on this album including the debut single "Ghost Of Love." Overall a nice mix of synth-based new wave music you are unlikely to ever hear on today's format-restricted radio. If you enjoy 80's fringe groups like Ultravox, The Stranglers, Freur, Re-Flex and Japan, you should add this CD to your collection."
A forgotten treasure...grab it while you can
Dave (dayvoll@suba.com) | Chicago, IL, USA | 02/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fiction Factory is one of the great lost bands of the '80s and Warped Wheel is a forgotten treasure of the New Romantic/New Music era. It's a miracle that it's available again: if you like this genre of music, snap up this forgotten classic while you can. Other than a brief period of MTV play Fiction Factory never got any exposure in the US--I had to have a friend buy their first album for me on a trip to the UK in 1985. But it's a gorgeous and utterly loveable effort, like a synthesis of ABC, Roxy Music and Spandau Ballet, drenched with quirky charm, well-crafted, hummable tunes and a delicous romantic languor. Add in the lead singer's distinctive, brilliantly resonant and dramatic voice. Fiction Factory belong in the company of the great romantic bands of the era that are getting so much retro play now : ABC, Roxy Music, Ultravox, OMD, Thompson Twins, Human League, Spandau Ballet, China Crisis. Don't pass it up."
Desert island playlist
John Mccall | LOS ALAMOS, NM | 05/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've had the album, the first CD (stolen), and now waiting for the second CD. Sure, for some it may not rate 5 stars. I see some other's recommendations, and wonder how they achieved that five star status.
I worked in Germany for AAFEES in the mid 80s and one day bought the album in for a first time listen. From the first play I knew I liked it and would for a long time. Sure, there are a few lower quality songs, but the others have been so listenable for so many years, I have to rate this at five. If you've got a romantic bone in your body, like Timm Finns Escapade, Haircut100, you should think about it. They is a cheap diversion, and though I listen for an artist today with the nerve to appeal to my hooky side, few have the guts. Candy like this is fun, the 80s were a decade diversion, and before you get too old to hear, give it a shot. BTW, still waiting for the second album, Another Story, to be reissued. You'd think with today's technology, 80's revival, and lack of anything creative, it would be available though the record companies, reissue, amen."
An underrated album
S. Brown | Maine | 01/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The song 'Feels Like Heaven' is definitely the album's strongest song. But there are other excellent tracks on this CD -- it just takes a few listens to realize what they are.When I first bought the CD I was unimpressed, but after repeated listens it worked its way up to one of my absolute favorites. Highly recommended for people that like thoughful 80s synth-oriented music."
A subtly gorgeous, overlooked gem from the New Romantic era
Dave Awl | Chicago, IL USA | 07/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This greatly underappreciated album has grown on me tremendously in the years since a friend brought it back for me from a shopping trip to London in 1985, and its subtle, bittersweet songs have charmed their way into my heart. I have to disagree--quite vehemently--with those who are saying "this album only has two good songs," "it's unremarkable," and so forth. On the contrary, it's a gorgeous, haunting album full of lovely, shimmering melodies, delightfully lush arrangements, and wonderfully arch vocals. It's not full of catchy singles that grab you at first listen -- instead it's populated with gentle, wistful melodies that sneak up on you over time. Beautiful tracks like "All or Nothing," "Ghost of Love," the wonderfully uplifting "The First Step" and the haunting, romantic sweep of the title track, "The Warped Wheel," make this album a lost classic of its genre, head and shoulders above some of its better-known contemporaries that got more airplay and promotion. If you like ABC, late Roxy Music, Icehouse or OMD, give this disc a chance--and allow it some time to work its magic."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1