Everyone must have heard about The Cure at some point in their lives. For me, unfortunately, it wasn’t until recently. I’ve never had the chance to see them live, or see them break-up, then get back together again. Releasing albums by The Cure is like finding toys in cereal. This is their third compilation of ‘greatest hits’, and they’ve released countless live albums. Nevertheless, the songs on this are tremendous.
So the album begins with possibly their most famous song, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, which also happens to be the song that introduced me to The Cure. The lead guitar part to this song alone can make me very close to crying! Nevermind the lyrics! I personally think this was such a great song to write. I think what makes it so sad, is the title itself.
Through this CD, we are given some really great songs. ‘Just Like Heaven’ for example. Begins with a small drum part, which introduces the repetitive bassline, and the other instruments enter one by one.
I think what makes me love The Cure so much, is how basic they are. Think about how bored Simon must get playing ‘A Forest’. It bores me to no end playing that. But still, it’s a great song, because it’s so basic. Their songs aren’t exactly complicated, but Robert and the band manage to make them sound incredible. As I’ve said, the basslines aren’t exactly professional material, but it’s amazing how they were able to make them sound so catchy. Also, if any of you have had the pleasure of watching any Cure videos, I’d like to add that the ‘Why Can’t I Be You?’ video, is my favourite, and also one of my personal favourite Cure songs.
Robert seems to be the expert with quite abstract lyrics. From ‘Let’s Go To Bed’:
‘Let me take your hand, I’m shaking like milk’ for example.
Also, from ‘Lullaby’ we have Robert saying:
‘The Spiderman is having me for dinner tonight’. We must give him credit for his imaginative writing, as well as his original similes.
I find that towards the end of the album, the songs become less interesting. I can’t walk up to my CD player, and stick it on ‘Wrong Number’ or ‘Just Say Yes’. I’ll only listen to them if they come on randomly. Whenever I’m listening to the album, like right now, I’m usually within the first 12 tracks. ‘The Caterpillar’ is the song playing now, and I absolutely love the chorus, and towards the end of the song. Also, the piano part to ‘The Lovecats’ makes me want to get up and dance!
Recently, The Cure were named the MTV Icons 2004, and had bands like Deftones, AFI, Blink-182, Razorlight and The Cure themselves performing. I disliked the Razorlight cover of ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ with a burning passion, but that is only my opinion. This whole review is my opinion basically. Whether or not you take my comments to heart is up to you.
Recommended Tracks:
Boys Don’t Cry
Let’s Go To Bed
In Between Days
Why Can’t I Be You?
Lullaby
This may be yet ANOTHER Greatest Hits release for The Cure, in which the track listing hasn’t changed that dramatically. If you’re looking for somewhere to start for The Cure, this would be your first buy. I love this album to pieces.
