Circa 1982 (Pornography era)
Back in 2000/2001-ish I was asked to play for a band called Asciento, based in Boston/Somerville, MA, because they wanted to cover the Cure’s “Pornography” in its entirety, and specifically for the song, “Cold,” they wanted cello. Being a long-time (and no doubt obsessive) Cure fan, and a huge fan of black leather clothing and dark make-up, I, without hesitation, said “yes.” And I’m really glad I did, because it led to many musical revelations & interesting relationships from which I learned a great deal.
In middle and high school, I was a huge fan of “Disintegration,” “Kiss me, Kiss me, Kiss me,” “the Head on the Door,” and “Standing on a Beach: the Singles,” plus some others. Some of the older stuff, like “Pornography,” was a bit too…well, I don’t know…it wasn’t quite accessible enough to my teenage ears. A bit too dark maybe (hard to believe since I love all things dark, but really….this record is going into the depths of the darkest dark), a bit too repetitive in a minimalist New-Wavey kind of way…a bit too obscure with the lyrics, at least for my brain at the time…but through that performance in 2000/2001 and through just maturing as a musician and an avid listener, well, I just love this record. Some of the songs have a similar rhythmic/tempo feel, so it almost feels like the songs run together a bit. But I think that’s part of what makes it interesting. I find it sensitive, angsty, depressing, torturous, moving, and fraught with the deepest feeling. And it’s honest. Robert Smith has always been tremendously honest, I think. He’s not trying to be anyone but himself, he’s not trying to be trendy or to fit in with anyone or anything…he doesn’t really sound like anyone but himself. The Cure sounds like the Cure. No question about it. And I think this record is unbelievably unique. “Siamese Twins” is probably the most depressing song I’ve ever heard…but man, what a beautiful song. The record kind of grooves on itself; it’s not over-done, there’s not a whole lot going on except for dense sound & grooves. Robert Smith is heartfelt as ever, in the most honest way. I think this record is a masterpiece.
What an opener (omg, holy 80s)”
Almost danceable…”Short Term Effect”
Leave a Reply