Master of Melancholy, The Cure has flourished at the edges of pop and new wave for over 25 years. Originally part of the Goth-Rock scene, The Cure has survived its peers: Bauhaus, Cocteau Twins, Joy Division, and Siouxsie and The Banshees. In 1981, they had their first hit with 'Killing an Arab.' In 2004, they released their most recent eponymous titled album.
Early efforts were a combination of art-rock and new wave with pop sensibilities. After the recording of Faith in 1981, Robert Smith said, 'the more we play them [the songs], the more we depress ourselves. Many times I left the stage in tears'. Indeed, The Cure's early lyrics were dark. Nevertheless, it was romantic and the lyrics were set onto a bed of new wave alternative.
Founding member Robert Smith remarked that early albums were the result of a democratic process. Since 87's album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me the band has followed a more focused vision. For Kiss Me, band leader Smith recalled. 'I wrote the lyrics, the bases, and left that the group interpreted its part. Therefore, I have proposed to the boys to make me know their musical ideas.' The result was a double album that ranged from the romantic 'Just Like Heaven' to the frenetic alt-dark 'Why Can't I Be You?'
In the mid 80's and 90's, The Cure would find both critical and popular acclaim. 1985's 'Close to Me' starts off with a bass and snare combination that would propel this tale of depression and longing onto the dance floor. The guitar driven 'Just Like Heaven'[1987] and the synth-pop/psychedelic guitar 'Lovesong'[1989] are tales of love, darkness, and wanting. On top of an overlayered wailing guitar bed, the chorus rings, 'however far away, however long I stay, whatever words I say, I will always love you.' '91's 'Friday I'm in Love' and 'A Letter to Elise' are more cheery and pop sounding, and carry the same sentiment.
The Cure continue to successfully tour. However, every year, there are whispers that this tour will be last. That would be a shame, because this is really is a band writes and performs timeless songs. In 2001, The Cure released a limited edition greatest hits anthology with the original song versions on one disc and acoustic updates on another. There are a number of originals, and 'Cut Here' is one of the more fabulous pop tunes on this disc set. The songs and the band have held up very well over the years. They are one of my favorite bands. Then again, I am a big fan of Keats