Tears for Fears

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More About

• Roland Orzabal
• Michael Andrews
• Gary Jules
• Donnie Darko
• Arts, Entertainment, and Media

The funny thing about Tears For Fears’ 1985 smash Songs From The Big Chair is that the LP sounds just as good sped up to 45 RPM as it does at the intended 33. What are “Shout” and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” after all, if not effervescent synth-pop slowed to an IV drip? Tears For Fears have always been ripe for reinvention; Donnie Darko famously resurrected interest in “Head Over Heels” and Michael Andrews and Gary Jules replaced the tortured plinks and simmering tones of “Mad World” with tidal piano and a shell-shocked murmur. Such is the appeal of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith’s midnight melancholy, pleading industrial squeaks and effortless vocal hooks that these songs continue to inspire tinkering from all angles.
Fri., July 17, 8 p.m., 2009