😱
Where do I even start.....
I had a mate that was right into The Cure, and reckoned I would love them... I think I was in Year 9.... anyway, the way he introduced me was that we sat and watched the VHS of their singles.... Standing On A Beach I think was the name of the singles collection... so I think it must've been after Disintegration because I remember seeing the videos of Fascination Street and Lullaby.
Anyway. Loved it. Particularly the diversity across their discography at the time. I really got into those early albums, and yes I LOVED Pornography and Faith and 17 Seconds.... I was no goth but something about their sound was what I found enticing.
A lot of this goes to the unsung hero of that era: Simon Gallup, the Bass player. Yes, Smith's phased guitar is part of their unique sound (not to mention Tolhurst's simple, yet dramatic drums), but I reckon it was Gallup's Bass lines that gave it that moody vibe.
I went and saw them live in the early 90's for the wish tour... and I still reckon that's my favourite album. It's moody and dark, but also really quite Indie-rock. You can forgive them for Friday I'm In Love and Lovecats.... hey, everyone's gotta sell some big singles.
Favourite track..... still comes down to either A Forest (certainly best live song) or Charlotte Sometimes.
I think I saw 'A Forest' played during the Glastonbury gig, I'll look it up thanks... was going to host One Hundred Years as one of the songs.. but I find it a little industrial. A Strange Day is a favourite of mine too.