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The
Cure
Three Imaginary Boys [Deluxe Edition]
(Rhino)
Before anyone had ever heard of these Sussex suburbanites, before
the lineup changes became chronic, and before every band of
the 90s started covering their songs, there was the unnoticed,
1979 UK release of Three Imaginary Boys by some band
called The Cure, and it began a musical revolution. Now after
twenty-four years and numerous US hits such as "Fascination
Street", "Love Song", and "Just Like Heaven,"
Rhino re-releases the debut in the US together with a disc of
rare, early recordings. The first disc is the original and is
just about equivalent to the 1980 US release Boys Don't Cry,
with a few extra songs. It is being released so that fans can
see, in retrospect, the evolution of a musical legacy.
The disc is a nihilistic, introspective look at always-poignant
singer/guitarist Robert Smith. Almost every track written by
the teenage Smith for his first release is about despair from
the inability to be loved; a subject that went on to dominate
the majority of his writing. Smith echoes; "wondering where
she's been and I'm crying," in "10.15 Saturday Night,"
which is the most literal example of his imminent desolation.
His most popular yet miserable anti-love anthem that is still
gripping hearts thanks to the recent 311 cover is, of course,
"Love Song," originally released in 1989 on Disintegration.
The romantic sadness of Smith himself sometimes leads to the
band being classified as Goth-rock but musically, The Cure was
on a different path.
Three Imaginary Boys is a divergence from punk into what
would become the post-punk 80s. Despite the Goth-rock image
that the gloomy Smith is usually associated with, Three Imaginary
Boys is musically a copasetic initiation into the artsy mood
that was developing from the lack of technical restrictions
put on musicians of the time and the freshness arising from
the new generation. The heavy influence of the dominating UK
punk scene in the 70s is an unquestionable influence noting
the fast pace of "10.15 Saturday Night," and the provocative,
confrontational attitude of "Foxy Lady." Upon this
release, with the mixture of the old and the new, the contemporary
music world was on the verge of a colossal reformation.
Immediately following the arrival of The Cure came the rise
of other similar 80s Britpop bands like Depeche Mode, Joy Division,
and The Smiths. The band got to work in the years following
their first release, recording and releasing about one CD a
year and taking over British charts while also making their
mark in the States. The second disc that is being released with
the new deluxe edition is comprised of early recordings and
rare live tracks from 1977-1979. It has 20 tracks and is actually
entertaining throughout despite the three different versions
of"10.15 Saturday Night." The highlights are the studio
demos of "Boys Don't Cry," and "I Want To Be
Old." The rarities CD is a well-put together mix and is
essential for true fans.
Besides being an important band in terms of influence, The Cure
have had an amazing 24-plus year career and continues to set
trends while still making great music. It would be nearly impossible
to find a popular indie band right now that wouldn't quickly
list them as an important influence; The Cure has made an undeniable
bang in the world. To hear the 1979 debut Three Imaginary
Boys after becoming accustomed to The Cure of 2004's Curiosa
and of this year's self-titled release is to see the growth
of a deity arise and shape the music industry around their ideology.
Three Imaginary Boys wasn't paid much attention to when
it was initially released, but it revealed the foundation of
a musical revolution that is still unconditionally challenging
the institution.
Reviewed by
Mary C. Smith
December 20th, 2004 |
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