The More You Live, the More You Love [7" Remix][*]
The More You Live, the More You Love [Full Moon Mix][*]
Lost Control (Totally) [*]
Never Again (The Dancer) [7" Version][*]
Never Again (The Dancer) [12" Dance Mix][*]
Living in Heaven [*]
Remember David [7" Version][*]
2008 expanded reissue of the New Wave band's third album, originally released in 1984, now featuring seven bonus tracks including remixes, radio edits and non-album cuts. The sleeve notes are written by David Adams, the we... more »bmaster of the band's #1 fansite. The CD booklet also includes an extensive discography and images of many of their original sleeves. Cherry Red.« less
2008 expanded reissue of the New Wave band's third album, originally released in 1984, now featuring seven bonus tracks including remixes, radio edits and non-album cuts. The sleeve notes are written by David Adams, the webmaster of the band's #1 fansite. The CD booklet also includes an extensive discography and images of many of their original sleeves. Cherry Red.
CD Reviews
The closest thing to perfect...but a few flaws
Daniel W. Kelly | Long Island, NY United States | 02/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, we AFOS fans are rejoicing to have the third LP by the band FINALLY released on CD. And while the other releases failed to include some crucial 12" versions and b-sides, this one barely makes a mistake. It's worth it just to have the b-side "Living in Heaven," which is strong enough to have been an LP track. The 12" version of "Never Again (The Dancer)" is great to have here, but it's always been an oddity to me, since it is only about 10 seconds longer than the LP version and is actually more like a dub. The Full Moon Mix of "The More You Live" is similarly more of a dub and really nothing like the original song.
The HUGE problem comes with the supposed 7" mix of The More You Live The More You Love. I've always preferred the 7" mix, and unfortunately, here, they've included the LP version TWICE instead of actually including the 7" mix as listed! (Thanks Ziad for pointing that out). To get the Chris Porter 7" mix, you'll have to buy the "Best of" CD released YEARS ago, which doesn't even MENTION that it is the 7" mix. Another possible similar problem is, I'm also trying to figure out how the supposed 7" version of "remember david" is any different than the LP version. They are the same exact length, and as far as I can tell, the mixes don't sound any different at all. I will have to give them a closer listen, but I'm wondering if maybe the original 7" was just an EDIT of the LP version, and they accidentally included the LP version twice? And finally, Lost Control (totally) is the 4 minute version used as a 7" b-side instead of the extended version used on the 12" single. Bummer.
One last thing to note, the liner notes state that all tracks are produced by Steve Lovell except tracks 13 and 15, which claim to be produced by Mike Howlett (who worked on the first two albums). However, track 13, the 7" of Never Again, is just an edit of the LP version, and as far as I know, track 15, "Living in Heaven", was not produced by Mike Howlett, so I think the information is incorrect. I can not find any info on the internet to prove that either of these tracks was produced by Howlett."
Well, it's about time!
J. Merritt | 02/22/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"At last this album is finally available on CD. Originally issued in 1984, and loosely conceptual in its focus on matters of young love and identity, "Young Heart" was AFOS' most accomplished, well-produced, and stylistically cohesive effort. It didn't score the big hits that their self-entitled debut did ("I Ran" and "Space Age Love Song"), but it was a more fully developed direct descendent of that sound. A masterpiece of mid '80's New Wave, its unfortunate lack of success led guitarist Paul Reynolds to leave the band, and AFOS was never the same. They may seem like a two-hit wonder to a lot of folks, but this album suggests that this band had far more potential than was ever realized. The added remixes are a matter of taste, but they're delightfully typical of the time."
Innovative!
K. M. Morris | Reno, NV | 03/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album derserves more credit than what in recieved back in 1984. Its really nice to see this album re-released in 2008, (sooner would have been better though). The bonus tracks on the album are real treat, especially "Living Heaven" which is a real rarity. Listening to the album you can tell alot of effort went into each of the songs. You won't find any filler anywhere on album. The CD is a good listen beginning to end. "Heart of Steel", and "The End" are true gems! Owning this album along with 'Listen' and their debut album completes your commitment to this band. Avoid 'Dream Come True'."
Three's A Charm
S. J. Peloquin | New England, CT | 01/19/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I remember the negative press this album got back in the day. It seemed "The Flock" was doomed even before anyone got a chance to hear "The Story Of A Young Heart". I think I caught a 10 second snippet of "The More You Live..." video on MTV, ONCE. THEY (MTV and RADIO) never played it. The deck was stacked, the game was rigged, the powers that be already decided to write these guys off.
Fast forward 25 years...
I decided to take a chance on something that I believed was horrible, just because of what other people (MEDIA) said, and purchased "The Story Of A Young Heart".
Well, I can honestly say that this recording is quite strong and is a great bookend to their musical trilogy. You won't find any eclectic or outlandish songs like "The Traveller" or "Standing In The Doorway", but what you will find on this recording, are more polished and straightforward songs in the vein of "Transfer Affection" and "Space Age Love Song". It's just an all around great, competent, classic sounding "Flock" album with their signature keyboards and guitar melodies (with a solid rhythm section to boot). The only detrimental observation I made while listening, was that the tempo of the first 5 songs or so never seemed to "take off". This is minor however, and can be solved by listening to it on shuffle (or better yet, making your "best of" mix CD).
Strong Songs: Heart of Steel, Never Again, The End, The Story of a Young Heart
This album brought me back to a great time and put a smile on my face. It was like discovering buried treasure. Don't wait any longer, pick it up, it's worth it.
The Story of a Young Heart
"
Owner of a great CD!
R. M. Silkey | 08/05/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What a delight to now have a remastered version and expanded edition of, "The Story of a Young Heart." I bought the album way back when it first came out. It was a drastic departure from the 'gulls other material. It was more melodic, simplistic, yet complicated in that it was really a concept album that unfortunately the public never fell in love with. And, this remaster has an excellent sound to it. With "Young Heart" the 'gulls had reached a pinnacle in their craftsmanship. The songs were more accessible, readily easy to remember and that is what makes a great pop album. But "Young Heart" was more than just pure pop it had character that left me wanting more......and now...I have it. If your a 'gulls fan then this is well worth it."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1