They Have The Cure

Finally, the weekend is here. And I have been waiting for this specific weekend for well over a year. Friday and Saturday, Robert Smith leads The Cure through the IA area. If it is anything like the last concert I saw of them, it will be pre-'89 heavy. Maybe 5 songs from the 90s, then the rest a Cure fan's dream. Joe is hoping for "A Forest." I'll be happy with "The Hanging Garden." What am I saying, I'll be happy with anything. Check out the new single "The Only One" streaming on their website.

All Cats Are Grey (live)

5/9: DC @ Patriot Center
5/10: Philly @ Spectrum

To further the '80s enjoyment Saturday night, check out the best Smiths tribute band locally (Baltimore-based) and probably nationwide, Girlfriend In A Coma at The Khyber. Listen to their version of "This Charming Man" and see the performance of "Ask" below. The video quality isn't the best, but you get the idea.

This Charming Man

Lovely Day

Today is one of those days. You wake up and it's cold, rainy and windy as hell. Monday's are hard enough and then you have to deal with that? Totally not fair. Fortunately, I have spent the past 2 days with this in my head...

The Cure - A Forest (Live)

Not So New Release Tuesday: "Disintegration"

**LINKS EDITED**


Disintegration is the best album ever! Or so says Kyle from South Park. I would place it very high on my list. Released in 1989, it was a total departure from the widely popular Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, as every song stayed within a tight few main themes: love lost and pure melancholy and despair. Most of the songs clock in over 5 minutes long, featuring dark guitars and dramatic synth chords along with Robert Smith's distinctive brood. It is not an album to brighten your day, but if ever in a depressed state, this album will speak to you.

Musically, every song has something different, from the opening chimes and crash of percussions and synths of Plainsong to the piano and guitar opening of Homesick. The overall mix of instruments is a strength, never overshadowing another part. But don't let the different styles and sometimes upbeat backing music fool you. Every song is dark lyrically, even the more radio friendly Lovesong. Robert Smith seems to only have one thing to say, but has so many different ways to say it. The memories flood back in Pictures of You, Last Dance, and Untitled, taking you on a journey into the psyche of a man that so want's things to be like before. The anger and desolation of Disintegration and Prayers For Rain is a counterpoint to the soaring atmosphere of Fascination Street and the almost sillyness of Lullaby, the only two songs that do not follow the overall despair of the album.

Is this the best album ever? Some would like to think so. It is for sure the best Cure album. It is recommended listening even for those who do not like The Cure.

Disintegration
Fascination Street
Plainsong
Prayers For Rain

Thursday Throwback: The Cure *Updated*

* This originally was posted on 9/7. This update includes songs from The Top. I actually had this disc, but I obviously wasn't here to give Mike the songs. I received a lot of positive feedback on this and wanted to complete it as a way of saying thanks. If you have any suggestions for future throwbacks, please send them to us. -J *


I did get a few suggestions for this weeks throwback. Thanks to all who gave some input. However, of those suggested, I could not do them justice. However, a band that I have no problem giving the complete musical story of is The Cure.

Starting oh so long ago in the late Seventies in England, The Cure took a route away from the punk scene that was rocking the country. Their sound has evolved and changed with every album. The only real constant is lead singer, Robert Smith, with his wild hair and white face with shocking red lips. The Cure still lives on, currently re-releasing the entire discography with B-sides and rarities.

There is no doubt the best of The Cure's music is from their 80s albums. Everyone knows at least one song, Just Like Heaven and Lovesong being radio hits. However, some of their best work is found only if you dig deep into the album. I got to see them during the Bloodflowers tour, and they played so many songs from this era, it blew my mind. One CD is missing from my collection, The Top, which is currently out in the deluxe package, yet no one seems to carry it. Sorry for the omission. Unless you are a Cure-phile like myself, you probably have not heard most of these songs. Try them, you just may like it.

Three Imaginary Boys
10:15 Saturday Night
Fire In Cairo

Seventeen Seconds
A Forest
Seventeen Seconds

Faith
All Cats Are Grey
Primary

Pornography
One Hundred Years
The Figurehead

Japanese Whispers
Let's Go To Bed
The Walk

The Top
The Caterpillar
Piggy In The Mirror

The Head On The Door
Close To Me
Inbetween Days

Standing On A Beach/Staring At The Sea: The Singles
Charlotte Sometimes
Jumping Somone Else's Train

Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
Catch
Hot Hot Hot!!!

Disintegration
Disintegration
Prayers For Rain



Past Throwbacks:
08/31/06: Morphine
08/24/06: The Lemonheads
08/17/06: Depeche Mode
08/10/06: New Order