If you believe the reports, the Cure is putting on a half-decent live show for the first time in 20 years. On their current tour, the perennial goth-rockers are playing three-hour sets featuring some of their best tunes and are actually putting a little effort into it. It’s about time. Like Heart of Darkness author Joseph Conrad, Cure frontman Robert Smith’s idea of entertainment usually means boring you half to death.
The iconic new-wave/rock-goth/alternative band has worked a rapturous duality since its 1976 inception, balancing ecstatic dance-floor classics like “Boys Don’t Cry” with psychedelic washouts like the 11-minute “Watching Me Fall.” They both have their place.
Happy Cure includes a body of timeless classics that can make the most morose, pale-faced social outcasts bounce around like popcorn. Smith is no Morrissey, but he’s a pop poet capable of penning reliably universal tunes about loving, being loved, and staying out late. The peppy 2004 single “The End of the World” smoked pretty much everything that’s come from the Cure’s emo disciples. “You want me to cry and play my part/I want you to sigh and fall apart/We want this like everyone else” reflects more than just the singer’s feelings. And it says it with style.
In Stoner Cure — the slow, plodding stuff — guitar chords shimmer and wither. It sounds great as white noise, and it’s superb chill music. Bloodflowers (from 2000) may be the band’s most coherent album since the group’s late-’80s commercial breakthrough — even though it doesn’t have a single song that’ll make you break a sweat. Unless you’re enjoying it naked, with 18 lit candles, a gallon of Syrah, and a special friend. Credible vets say Stoner Cure can be good — even menacing — live. It’s easy to understand how the monotonous “Fascination Street” makes college-age fans swoon — especially if they’re half-gooned on pharmacy-grade cough syrup or something stronger.
Even when the Cure hit the jackpot in 1987 with the unbridled bliss of “Just Like Heaven,” the near-perfect double album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me had a 4-to-1 ratio of hashed-out shoegazers (“Like Cockatoos”) to joyful rave-ups (“Why Can’t I Be You?”). And if you ever bought a concert ticket hoping to hear a song-by-song run-through of the band’s terrific singles collection, Staring at the Sea, you probably left wanting a refund.
The last time the Cure toured the U.S. — headlining 2004’s Curiosa Festival with fans/imitators Interpol — Smith stormed the stage with all the verve, pep, and vitality of Jabba the Hutt.
At the band’s Blossom Music Center stop, a full pavilion stood nonplused as Smith and his band stood motionless, trudging through protracted, super-dull versions of eight-beats-per-minute songs like “Disintegration.” Clad in black, bassist Simon Gallup made a mockery of showmanship: standing on one leg, leaning close to the ground with his mouth open, and staring intently at the stage while swaying an inch from left to right — like he was surfing a syrupy wave of codeine. Nobody had a good time; don’t lie and say you did. I was there. If you were digging the set, you showed it by standing still and staring. The languishing limeys even hammered flat “The End of the World,” their liveliest song in a decade. Worst. Show. Ever.
And it’s not like Smith doesn’t still have it, because he does. Every time he wiggled his hips, the entertainment-starved ticket-holders would shriek with delight. Smith, however, didn’t move those hallowed hips even a half-dozen times. It’s hard to imagine a band expending less energy in exchange for ticket money.
Still, the spark-plug memory of “Boys Don’t Cry” draws fans to concerts in droves. For once, Smith is delivering the sort of electric show you get only from Cure cover bands. Many of the current tour’s sets feature chopped-and-screwed snoozers like “The Kiss.” But peppered in there — if you can wait till the end — are shiny, happy hits like “Hot Hot Hot!!!” and “The Walk.” Recent concerts have also included old-school faves like “Boys Don’t Cry,” “Jumping Someone Else’s Train,” and “Killing an Arab.”
Also buried in there are a few new songs from the Cure’s as-yet-untitled 13th studio record, which is due in September. The band is releasing a new single every month until then. It’s the group’s first album since a self-titled 2004 CD, which was produced by Korn’s board man, Ross Robinson — who purportedly had to nudge the guys out of their torpor. Apparently, they didn’t take kindly to Robinson’s prodding, and Smith co-produced the upcoming record with Keith Uddin, who’s worked with Björk and No Doubt.
The first single, “The Only One,” sounds respectable — like a by-the-numbers “High” rewrite with all the Cure conventions: ribbed bassline, castrato vocal accents, guitar riff that tinkles like a xylophone, wind-chime percussion, and a bubbly beat. Now, if somebody would slip Smith some Red Bull to go with his red lipstick, the show could be a real party.
This article appears in Jun 11-17, 2008.
Wow, what a horrible reviewer. I didn’t learn anything about the show that wasn’t on the ticket for the show.
did you even go to the concert?
sounds like you bitch and moan about the cure overall…
but say very little about the show itself…
oh yeah… i forgot you were too busy alphabetizing your NKOTB collection…
What a strange article. The Kiss is a snooz? They don’t expend enough energy? They play three hour shows.
Strange article.
You dont have a freaking clue pal. Did you even go to the show?
Why dont you stick to reviewing indie-band-of-the-moment concerts.
Douchebag.
go fuck yourself
suck it bitch.
Second attempt to leave comment…
Just to tell you, next time buy ticket to see Britney Spears, or stay home with Morrissey’s mummified talents. We love the Cure as they are, which is why we go to their wicked concerts.
Worst. Article. Ever.
This was a very poorly conceived article. The writer knows nothing about the Cure, clearly, and yet attempts to write with erudition on the subject.
Thank the gods that don’t exist that Robert Smith is not a Cock Rock Diva the likes of which probably make the writer of this article squeal with girlish glee. The Cure are mesmerizing to see in concert because they sound so damn good. It’s about the MUSIC – something sorely lacking in today’s vapid musical landscape.
Get a clue about The Cure before posing as a scholar on the matter, and before ripping to shreds a band that has more talent in its little toe than all other bands collectively possess in their entire bodies.
Don’t even know where to start… NO, wait! I do! YOU ARE FIRED!
Don’t even know where to start… NO, wait! I do! YOU ARE FIRED!
Hopefully this is your last review… because YOU SUCK at your job!
Who is this clueless twat, fuck off you wanker.
Smith is no Morrissey??? you make me laugh Wanker
“Smith is no Morrissey” pffft you make me laugh, wanker
Whoever wrote this slop of an article evidently didn’t like The Cure from the gitgo. I have been to lots of live shows starring The Cure and they have always been better than any other I’ve ever been. This guy has issues. Maybe he didn’t get a free record for him to turn around and sell on ebay and he is feeling huffy about.
Whoever wrote this slop of an article evidently didn’t like The Cure from the gitgo. I have been to lots of live shows starring The Cure and they have always been better than any other I’ve ever been. This guy has issues. Maybe he didn’t get a free record for him to turn around and sell on ebay and he is feeling huffy about.
if you want a real review after reading this junk, go here:
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jun/12/me-the-cure-offers-hits-but-looks-to-future/
Ok, so I’m confused! Ferris, you seem to explain or COMPLAIN in great detail about 2004’s Curiosa Festival and how “Smith stormed the stage with all the verve, pep, and vitality of Jabba the Hutt”, blah, blah, blah…
But, did you actually catch a gig for the current 4Tour???? Or are you just making up a review based on setlists and hearsay that you’ve found on the net through other fans??
Just trying to figure out:
a.) Why would one write such a LAME review if they apparently don’t like the band?
b.) Write a “review” based on their experience at a 2004 show??
Oh, yea… very strange title as well… I didn’t know The Cure were dead.
LOL 😛
who ever wrote this has to be living under a rock!!!!! and by the way MORRISSEY SUCKS!!!!!!!
Ok, so I’m confused. You seem to explain or COMPLAIN in great detail about seeing them for the 2004 Curiosa Festival, and how ” Smith stormed the stage with all the verve, pep, and vitality of Jabba the Hutt”, blah, blah, blah…
But have you actually caught a gig for the current 4Tour that’s going on. Your review seems to be based on setlists being played and a few songs that have been released so far as singles. No mention of any OTHER new ones that have been played but not released yet either.
Just wondering why:
a.) One would write such a LAME review if they apparently don’t like the band?
b.) One would write such a LAME review if they didn’t do their homework?
Oh, yea, and since we’re on the subject of being lame… I didn’t know The Cure were ever dead! LOL
in agreement with every comment.. who ever wrote this so called review has to be a complete idiot!!!! the contradictions are everywhere doesnt sound like you can make up your mind either way… maybe YOU are drinking too much cough syrup/red bull!!!! THE CURE are stronger than they ever have been!!! by the way MORRISSEY SUCKS!!!
in agreement with every other comment! there are contradictions everywhere in this so called review! you wasted your money at “journalism school” make up your mind! stay off the cough syrup/red bull cocktails. oh yea i forgot MORRISSEY SUCKS compaired to ROBERT SMITH!
Ok, so I’m confused. You seem to explain or COMPLAIN in great detail about seeing them for the 2004 Curiosa Festival, and how ” Smith stormed the stage with all the verve, pep, and vitality of Jabba the Hutt”, blah, blah, blah…
But have you actually caught a gig for the current 4Tour that’s going on. Your review seems to be based on setlists being played and a few songs that have been released so far as singles. No mention of any OTHER new ones that have been played but not released yet either.
Just wondering why:
a.) One would write such a LAME review if they apparently don’t like the band?
b.) One would write such a LAME review if they didn’t do their homework?
Oh, yea, and since we’re on the subject of being lame… I didn’t know The Cure were ever dead! LOL
Ok, so I’m confused. You seem to explain or COMPLAIN in great detail about seeing them for the 2004 Curiosa Festival, and how ” Smith stormed the stage with all the verve, pep, and vitality of Jabba the Hutt”, blah, blah, blah…
But have you actually caught a gig for the current 4Tour that’s going on. Your review seems to be based on setlists being played and a few songs that have been released so far as singles. No mention of any OTHER new ones that have been played but not released yet either.
Just wondering why:
a.) One would write such a LAME review if they apparently don’t like the band?
b.) One would write such a LAME review if they didn’t do their homework?
Oh, yea, and since we’re on the subject of being lame… I didn’t know The Cure were ever dead! LOL
Ok, so I’m confused. You seem to explain or COMPLAIN in great detail about seeing them for the 2004 Curiosa Festival, and how ” Smith stormed the stage with all the verve, pep, and vitality of Jabba the Hutt”, blah, blah, blah…
But have you actually caught a gig for the current 4Tour that’s going on. Your review seems to be based on setlists being played and a few songs that have been released so far as singles. No mention of any OTHER new ones that have been played but not released yet either.
Just wondering why:
a.) One would write such a LAME review if they apparently don’t like the band?
b.) One would write such a LAME review if they didn’t do their homework?
Oh, yea, and since we’re on the subject of being lame… I didn’t know The Cure were ever dead! LOL
Ok, so I’m confused. You seem to explain or COMPLAIN in great detail about seeing them for the 2004 Curiosa Festival, and how ” Smith stormed the stage with all the verve, pep, and vitality of Jabba the Hutt”, blah, blah, blah…
But have you actually caught a gig for the current 4Tour that’s going on. Your review seems to be based on setlists being played and a few songs that have been released so far as singles. No mention of any OTHER new ones that have been played but not released yet either.
Just wondering why:
a.) One would write such a LAME review if they apparently don’t like the band?
b.) One would write such a LAME review if they didn’t do their homework?
Oh, yea, and since we’re on the subject of being lame… I didn’t know The Cure were ever dead! LOL
This site blows! Let’s see if that’ll work!!
I think this reviewer is more intent on displaying his literary acumen and didactic venom than on creating a useful, accurate review. The 2004 album (TC) was not very good. What band has never released a bad album? Name one.
Very poor article from a guy who apparently knows nothing about The Cure. Hopefully the editor realizes what an incompetent writer he has.
This is the worse “article” i have ever read. You should be proud – you are oficially the worse “journalist” / “reporter” ever. You don’t even have to be a cure fan to see you are full of shit.
Maybe go to their shows? Or use your great mind power to put 2 and 2 together to realise that if they sucked so bad they would not be around for 30 years.
Go find a new job – you can’t write and you obviously are writing shit which you shouldn’t be paid for.
This is so pathetic I’m in shock. My dog could write better than this.
I hope Robert Smith kicks you stupid ass.
Fucktard.
Im sorry, bout this article is so amazingly wrong it makes me wonder why the reviewer even bothered to write about the cure. Also if your going to put down any band, make sure its not the cure, because they have one of the most dedicated fan bases ever and im proud to be one of them.
Quit your job…
“Smith is no Morrisey” indeed, and thank God – not that Morrisey is w/o talent, but give me a break. Lyrically, and “money’s worth” – no contest. Morrisey regularly cancels shows – the Cure on the other hand play 3.5 hr sets. Your review clearly reveals your understanding of what music is supposed to be – everyone running around like fools at all times = good “energy.” Ugh. Your notion of “good” Cure songs includes only “hits” which says EVERYTHING about your knowledge not only of the Cure, but any serious band.
Im sorry, but that article is so wrong it makes me wonder why you bothered writing it. Heres some advice, if your going to put down any band, make sure its not The Cure, they have one of the most dedicated fanbases, which im very proud to be in.
Quit your job….
Ok, so I’m confused. You seem to explain or COMPLAIN in great detail about seeing them for the 2004 Curiosa Festival, and how ” Smith stormed the stage with all the verve, pep, and vitality of Jabba the Hutt”, blah, blah, blah…
But have you actually caught a gig for the current 4Tour that’s going on. Your review seems to be based on setlists being played and a few songs that have been released so far as singles. No mention of any OTHER new ones that have been played but not released yet either.
Just wondering why:
a.) write such a LAME ass review if you apparently don’t even like the band?
b.) write such a LAME ass review if they didn’t do their homework?
Oh, yea, and since we’re on the subject of being lame… I didn’t know The Cure were ever dead! LOL
you have to be the bigest retard ever to write a band review. EVER!
The Cure always put on a good show, its not about fancy lights and all happy songs. The greatest hits contains few great songs any way so why bother to winge about them not playing them. each song is taken from albumes and each albume has a story about it, thats what makes songs speak to true fans
True fans love the the cure in concert and it DOSNT matter what gets played!!
so why must you put down somthing that makes people happy?
just because you dont like it because you like the greatest hits or worse you probly think listning the the music box with stupid fake bands is fun..
and might i ask you?
have you evan listend to every cure albume and single?
or perhaps own then??
im guesing no, so keep expressing your feelings because thats what we need.
Thanks for your honesty, sir! It’s a much-needed kick in my bloated arse. I appreciate your frankness, not like all these nancy-boy kiss-asses who have been blowing smoke at me for years, allowing me to phone it in.
Thanks for your honesty, sir! It’s a much-needed kick in my bloated arse. I appreciate your frankness, not like all these nancy-boy kiss-asses who have been blowing smoke at me for years, allowing me to phone it in. — Robert Smith
You gotta be kidding… I just went to the last concert last night.. I started the concert crying for 30 minutes while he sang the most melancholic songs like Plainsong, then took me up high to the clouds when he sang all his most euphoric songs like It’s Friday I’m in Love. After that I got completelly depressed when he sang songs like A Hundred Years and of course, one of the ever, ever, ever, ever best songs Desintegration… (bored to death??? is this guy deaf or what???). He finished the show with bringing everybody up again with intense songs like Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me. Isn’t it amazing how a performer can bring SO MANY emotions in one person in 3 hours? Best. Show. Ever. THE CURE IS ABOUT THE MUSIC, NOT THE SHOW… and you know what? Everytime he even blinks, makes me want to scream. He’s my teddy bear. Love him to death. This writer has no freaking idea about music. Go write about the weather instead, you need to get fired.
I found this article refreshingly truthful, and I am a longtime Cure fan.
Well I attended Chicago & Hollywood shows & I thought Robert was fantastic & still holds a great voice even after 30 yrs later his voice still sounds beautiful & even with a sore throat – he is original..unlike other musicians. The Cure is legend & will always be a group that could ever be replaced by any other. Robert’s talent & lyrics are like Mozart & hence will always be history.. We love the Cure..
I disagree with the writer. You either have to be a true Cure fan lover & love everything about Robert which includes his style, lyrics & music. A Cure fan is simply a cure fan ………….bein
I saw the cure for the first time last year in auckland, under the influence of some pretty good psychedelics, and wow, what a trip. They started with Pictures of You, ended with an 11 minute version of A Forest, and in between a whole lotta amazing songs, plenty of which were new to me (before the show, i only owned 4 albums). Disintegration was the most memorable track for me personally, but Just like Heaven and In Between Days and Boys Dont Cry were all fantastic. Simon Gallup was like a crazy cartoon character, he didn’t stop bouncing around the stage for the whole 3 hours. Trippy lights, gorgeous backdrops, and a crowd full of very very excited people. Totally unforgettable, I’ve been buying up all the albums I didn’t have previously, and One Hundred Years is now absolutely mandatory when I’m in a Cure mood. What a show. Who cares what the reviewer thought.