The bonus CDs for both sets are solid, if not quite revelatory material. You won't find radically different versions of existing songs or buckets full of totally unheard songs, such as in Rhino's Elvis Costello reissue series. Instead, The Cure seem to work in a more organic fashion – we hear a couple dozen demo tracks of songs, mostly instrumental. What's interesting is how strong and evocative the melodies are even without Smith's vocals. The tunes seem to spring fully formed from Smith's head, and the demos are kind of like viewing the skeletons under the skin.
A selection of bootlegged live tracks round out each disc. Head on the Door is richer with the archival material – there are four unreleased songs or song sketches here, but Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me is still sprawling over with the album's 18 tracks and 18 more on the bonus disc. The new version includes the song "Hey You!" which was intended for the original CD release but didn't fit at the time.
If all you think of when you think of the Cure is Robert Smith's makeup, it's time for a revaluation. These terrific Rhino reissues shine a light on some of the '80s finest alternative rock songs.
Listen/view the ecard with tracks from the albums.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Nice review Nik. I reviewed "Head" a few days ago and mentioned Genesis in the first two paragraphs and thats all they will talk about in the comments now. Hopefully you'll fare a bit better. At least you stuck to The Cure in your review...LOL.
-Glen
2 - Nik
Hah, yeah, I saw your review and liked it, and was amused by how the discussion derailed into Genesis. And I even have a weakness for some of that Collins stuff. What can I say, I was weak then.
3 - christian
oh, if only i was sure, that my head on the door was a dream-eam-eam. (cue the horns)
i never knew you were a closet cure fan. i've never quite gotten over my own personal attachment. i can still listen to the really dark gloomy stuff off of faith or pornography and get chills. kiss me kiss me also had some great licks (so to speak).
how the heck are you guys? really miss you around the newsroom. we almost lost paul this week too, to some 23,000 circ paper in longview, but i talked him out of it (for now).
hope you're enjoying your new home (i assume you're down under by now). your cat is doing fine, settling right in, in fact.
gotta go for now, but it was great to get your myspace request. take care - my best to your family.
christian