plpgsql returning resultset

Hi

I know the subject has been discussed before, but I dont find what any
information that helps me make it work, so please bear with me.

In pg 8.2 I want to write a function that gathers data from different
tables and joins it into a single resultset, similar to "select * from
tableA", but the problem I keep having is that I cant get the return to
work. I have tried return next and it fails. I have also tried refcursor,
but am not sure if that is the best way, its a littlebit cumbersome in a
program.

Are those the only two options? and what did I do wrong in the return next

create function test2() returns setof record as
$$
declare
val_list record;
begin

select * into val_list from tableA;
return next val_list;
return:
end
$$ .....

with the query:
select test2();

ERROR: set-valued function called in context that cannot accept a set
CONTEXT: line 9 at return next

regards thomas