Flashback Café, Vol. 1 could be seen as a mellow spin-off of Richard Blade's Flashback Favorites series of radio-friendly '80s new wave songs. While there's nothing rare or obscure in Flashback Café, Vol. 1 to impress diehard enthusiasts, the tracks are chosen well; there is no filler on this CD. Johnny Hates Jazz' "Shattered Dreams" is finally placed in the proper context, away from the banal ballads of easy listening radio. Sandwiched between Fiction Factory's "(Feels Like) Heaven" and Feargal Sharkey's "A Good Heart," "Shattered Dreams" at last reveals its synth pop roots. The Dream Academy's blissfully nostalgic "Life in a Northern Town" was overplayed in the '80s, but its inclusion here is certainly appropriate; after all, how could anybody compile soothing '80s new wave songs and forget about "Life in a Northern Town"? Crowded House's uplifting, romantic "Don't Dream It's Over" and the Church's mysterious, enchanting "Under the Milky Way" can still melt the heart no matter how many times they've been heard. Tears for Fears' "Advice for the Young at Heart" and the Psychedelic Furs' "Heaven" should enlighten listeners only familiar with those bands' most popular tracks. Fruer's repetitive yet relaxing "Doot-Doot," Haircut 100's jovial "Love Plus One," and the Stranglers' soaring "Always the Sun" contribute to Flashback Café, Vol. 1 being the perfect soundtrack for daydreaming about love. ~ Michael Sutton, All Music Guide