Track One: The Cure- Underneath The Stars

I will never forget the the night I heard this song live for the first time. It was 2009 and I was at Coachella and The Cure were headlining the final night of the weekend. I was already beyond excited as this was my first time seeing them and it was everything I wanted and more. On this evening, I distinctly remember it being a very clear night with a ton of stars lighting up the sky so when The Cure took the stage and began with “Underneath The Stars” track one off of their most recent album at the time, 4:13 Dream, it was one of those “meant to be” moments. As a long time fan of The Cure, I love this song. It’s got a very classic vibe to it that could easily be found on an album like The Head On The Door or Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. As a track one, this song sets up the album perfectly. I find 4:13 Dream to be a bit of an overlooked album in the bands catalog. It’s full of so many great songs including “The Only One,” “Freakshow” and “Sleep When I’m Dead” which actually was written for 1985’s The Head On The Door. So when you listen to this album you get a very interesting cross section of The Cure but, that first song, just really hits the right feels. If you’ve never listened to this song, you are surely missing out!

The Cure- Underneath The Stars:

New Release: Noel Gallagher- Pretty Boy (Robert Smith Remix)

As much as I am dying for an Oasis reunion (Noel and Liam please bury whatever crap is going on between you two and get the damn band back together), I will gladly take a new solo album from Noel (and Liam). Noel is one hell of a songwriter as you very well know. His new album, Council Skies arrives June 2nd. It will be the first album Gallagher has recorded in his own recording studio: Lone Star Studios as well as having legendary guitarist Johnny Marr of The Smiths guesting on three songs including the first single “Pretty Boy.” Speaking of “Pretty Boy” today, a new remix version of the song was released. Robert Smith of The Cure was asked to remix the song by Noel. The end result is pretty damn good. The remix that Robert did gives it more atmosphere and a bit of a different edge to it. Speaking about how this came about Robert said “I was surprised and delighted when Noel asked me to remix this gorgeous song, and I had a lot of fun slowing it down and spacing it out – Cure drummer Jason Cooper gave me a great vibey drum track to play along with – and the rest just phased into place under the starry sky of my distant moon.” And just like that the stars aligned to make this song into something quite cool. Noel will be on tour this summer in the US with Garbage!

Noel Gallagher- Pretty Boy (Robert Smith Remix):

Noel Gallagher- Pretty Boy (Album Version):

Johnny Marr working on “Pretty Boy”:

Collaborations: Churches with Robert Smith- How Not To Drown

A few days ago, Chvrches released a new song featuring Robert Smith of The Cure. The song “How Not To Drown” is a stunning song. The driving synthpop sensibilities mixed with bits of electronica and a hint of post-punk. The song is featured on their upcoming album, Screen Violence (out August 27th). I’ve probably listened to this song at least 50 times since it’s release. It’s super catchy but, not in the annoying Top 40 Pop way. Chvrches definitely have depth to their sound and style. They are also one of the bands that I like to put on to break up the heavy in my listening. Stoked to see what else they have in store on this new album!

Chvrches with Robert Smith- How Not To Drown:

Collaborations: Blink 182 & Robert Smith of The Cure

Back in late 2003, Blink 182 released their fifth album. On this self titled album, it not only showed these guys growing up and maturing but, also showed a whole other side of themselves with the songs written for this one. I remember liking this album a lot and over the years I’ve really come to appreciate it even more. I’ll never forget listening to this album for the first time and when it got to track number 12, I was completely taken aback by the song. Robert Smith from The Cure collaborated on this song and it’s quite possibly one of the best Blink 182 songs they’ve ever written. Interestingly too, this song would have been a single for the band had they not broken up in 2005. Another fun story about this collaboration is that, Robert Smith recorded his parts in England and took a significant amount of time recording the song, to the point that the band was unsure of whether or not his contribution would make the record. The band was waiting on Robert’s contribution to the song which showed up only mere hours before they had to turn the album into the label. If you’ve never listened to Blink 182’s 2003 self titled album, you should. It’s quite a good album full of great well written songs. It’s also not the same childish Blink that you would normally associate them with.

Blink 182 w/ Robert Smith- All Of This:

Blink 182 w/ Robert Smith- All Of This (LIVE):

Same Name Songs: The Cure VS U2- Drowning Man

I love finding songs that have the same title as another band. It makes for a very interesting listening experience as well as makes you wonder which song is better. Over the years, there have been many many same name songs that have led to great conversations and this one I believe will do just that. Two very prolific bands, with two very well revered albums that both happen to have come out around the same time (at least a couple years close). The song in question today is “Drowning Man” and both The Cure and U2 have songs by that name. I’m curious to know what one you think is the “better” one. Personally I enjoy both tremendously but, if I had to pick one, I’d probably go with The Cure but, only my a small margin.

 

The Cure- Drowning Man (from Faith):

 

 
U2- Drowning Man (from War):

 

Cover Song: Converge (The Cure)-Disintegration

It’s been a minute since I presented you all with an intriguing cover song. There are certain things I look for in covers, for example, how the band approaches the song, do they make it their own, does it stand out in a good way or a bad way, and is the cover relevant to the band in terms of influence and inspiration.

The Cure are one of my all time favorite bands. So when any band I like covers The Cure, I am compelled to listen. A few years back the mighty Converge did a cover of Disintegration by The Cure. I recently rediscovered this gem of a cover while going on a Converge listening spree. They really take this song to another level. I won’t say anymore about it because, I want you to listen and take it all in.

 

Converge- Disintegration:

 

The Cure- Disintegration:

Live Show Review: The Cure at the Hollywood Bowl

When you go to see a “big” band there are lots of expectations. You hope they will play for a long time, sound good and of course play the songs you want to hear. When it was announced last year that The Cure would be touring, I told my wife we need to go and that they are one of those bands you should see before they or you die. So naturally she agreed and we got tickets. After many months of waiting, the day arrived for us to go to the show. Armed with the criteria mentioned above, The Cure didn’t disappoint at all. We got to see the third and final night of their stay at the Hollywood Bowl and boy was it a show.

Taking the stage a couple minutes after 8pm and continuing on till a little after 11pm, The Cure played through 33 songs spanning their entire career in three hours. Lucky for us, my wife and I happen to be big fans of the albums Disintegration and Bloodflowers, and this evening they played a large chunk of songs from those albums. Songs like “Lullaby,” “Pictures Of You,” “Closedown,” and my all time favorite “Fascination Street” were played from Disintegration. And from Bloodflowers “39,” “Watching Me Fall,” “The Last Day Of Summer,” “Out Of This World,” and the title track. Those songs from those albums alone made this one hell of a spectacular night. Other highlights include “A Night Like This,” “In Between Days” “Just Like Heaven,” “Friday I’m In Love,” “Us Or Them,” “Want” “Burn (another one of my all time favorite songs by The Cure),” and not one, not two but three encores.

Robert Smith sounded amazing and was hitting every note beautifully. I had chills up and down my arms and spine during certain moments when he would sing. Robert was even joking around with the audience and dancing around a bit, really enjoying the night. Bassist Simon Gallup was extremely into playing. His tone alone is legendary. He’s got a presence that really invokes the spirit of the band. On drums Jason Cooper played with great prowess and precision. As did guitarist Reeves Gabrels and keyboardist Roget O’Donnell.

This is the second time I’ve seen The Cure, and it was truly magical. There is something to be said for a band that is 40 years into their career and can pull off a show like this. The crowd was beyond into it. You could tell who were real fans that knew the deep cuts and rarities. And of course there were those who just knew the hits. But it all made for a night of great music and memories.

Setlist:

1. Out Of This World

2. Watching Me Fall

3. Pictures Of You

4. Closedown

5. A Night Like This

6. Push

7. In Between Days

8. Doing The Unstuck

9. Lullaby

10. Fascination Street

11. (I Don’t Know What’s Going) On

12. The Walk

13. Lovesong

14. Just Like Heaven

15. The Last Day Of Summer

16. Want

17. 39

18. Bloodflowers

Encore 1:

19. It Can Never Be The Same

20. Shake Dog Shake

21. Burn

22. A Forest

Encore 2:

23. Step Into The Light

24. Us Or Them

25. Never Enough

26. Wrong Number

Encore 3:

27. The Perfect Girl

28. Hot Hot Hot!!!

29. Friday I’m In Love

30. Freakshow

31. Close To Me

32. Why Can’t I Be You?

33. Boys Don’t Cry

By: Brian Lacy

Photos: Alisa Lacy

Guest Vocalist: Robert Smith

In anticipation of me going to see The Cure next week, I thought I’d delve a little deeper into Robert Smith’s career. Below are a few of the songs that he has guested on over the years.

 

Blink 182- All Of This:

 

65 Days Of Static- Come To Me:

 

Korn- Make Me Bad/In Between Days:

 

Billy Corgan- To Love Somebody:

 

Junkie XL- Perfect Blue Sky:

Cover Comparison: Cave In & Year Of The Rabbit (The Cure)- Plainsong

For some reason I’ve been in the mood to listen to The Cure a lot as of late. Which got me thinking about all the covers of Cure songs out there. So why not see what version of “Plainsong” you all think is best.

Cave In: Plainsong

 

Year Of The Rabbit: Plainsong

 

The Cure: Plainsong

Cover Thursday: A.F.I. (The Cure)- Just Like Heaven

When Jade Puget joined the band, he had a hand in shifting the band from the more hardcore punk they were doing and injecting a more goth vibe to the music. Over the years you can totally hear Davey Havok’s love for The Cure in his voice and lyrics. They’ve been covering “Just Like Heaven” for years, and it’s great. It’s not too far from The Cure’s version but it’s still good!

 

By: Brian Lacy