PFR

Item: The Late Great PFR
Author: Steven S. Baldwin

The Late Great PFR

(1997)

Reviewed by Steven S. Baldwin

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Label Vireo RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1997

alternative rock ccm pop rock power pop

It wasn't so much a case of "Can a million plus fans be wrong?" But rather, "Is it possible that they know something I don't?" And if so, what is it?

With the release of The Late, Great PFR, their swan song collection of greatest hits, I determined it was time to check out PFR. I'm glad I did. If you can get past the possibly pretentious, possibly self-mocking title of this collection, you'll find a portfolio of pure power pop with a "praise Jesus" purpose.

Everyone steals from The Beatles; PFR is just more obvious about it. I don't believe it was ever PFR's intention to reinvent pop music, and they don't. This is not an album for aficionados looking for music stretching creative boundaries. For example, four of their greatest hits have "Love" in their titles -- a sure sign. Instead, PFR have focused on making accessible sing-along ditties sure to both muster nostalgia for the specters of pop music past and have a lot of good, clean fun in the present. For a pop band, they don't embarrass themselves instrumentally, which is a plus; however; their emphasis is not on the music so much as it is on the melodies and harmonies (which are exceedingly well done and memorable), and their Christ-centered message. It's simple, catchy, sharply-produced stuff with a wide range of borrowed licks from the likes of: Squeeze, Hall & Oates, The Police, Queen, Petra, Mr. Mister, Bryan Adams, Whiteheart, Kansas, Poison, Brent Bourgeois, and even some vintage Keaggy as well as a host of one-act wonders down through the last three decades. If you like any of those bands, chances are you'll find a song or three by PFR that meets your musical requirements. PFR tends to wear their influences rather obviously on their sleeves. The result is an array of upbeat songs that express great joy and satisfaction in God's grace.

Their picture of God is very clear, and He is a God who cares completely. His truth, power, salvation and love are all given appropriate praise.

My hands they made you
My breath I gave you
My Son He saves you
If you want to, you can wear My name
My love unending
My truth unbending
I want you to wear My Name (From "Name")

Some may find the sloganeering aspects of PFR's music to be a tad too much like Christian cheerleading or simply too simple for their tastes. However, their enthusiasm for a loving God and His message of reconciliation is a true cause for celebration. PFR does revere God's great goodness in a way that a vast multitude of people can easily access, resulting in heartfelt accord.

Presumably, all their greatest hits are collected here. I am completely unfamiliar with their albums, but all four of them--PFR (1992), Goldie's Last Day (1993), Great Lengths (1994), and Them (1996)--are well-represented here by numerous tracks, many of which went to #1 on the CHR or ROCK radio charts. There are three additional tunes in keeping with their style that will please the fans lamenting their break-up. The trendy secret track tradition is also honored here with a tongue-in-cheek country tale featuring a pig watchdog named Rover. It's fun, but not as memorable as "Goldie's Last Day," PFR's very Queen-like #1 mega-hit.

My initial resistance to PFR was a result of marketing. They got their start in the early Nineties, back when the term "alternative" was coming to the fore. There was a lot of buzz about PFR being a sort of alternative band. They just aren't, unless you only listen to Evie. The lyrics are far too tame and the music lacks a sense of obligatory danger. Had they been billed more honestly, I might have given them a chance earlier on and experienced the sweet pleasure of their harmonies during their heyday.

There are generally three categories of responses to music of this nature: I love it! I hate it! I admit it has its place, and it has merit, but it's not exactly my bag. You can put me in the last category. Had I heard PFR's music ten or fifteen years ago, I could have been counted as a rightful fan with all the privileges and honors. But, times change. This is an excellent collection, but I'm not going to mourn their passing. Not because Joel, Mark and Patrick don't do a good job doing what they do--they succeed admirably here--but merely because my tastes tend more toward the obscure. On the other hand, during those rare moments when a penchant for pop perfection possesses me, this anthology will surely satisfy.

for the past, present and future fans. 5 tocks. for everyone else. 3.5 tocks. (Unless, of course, you are in category 2.)