You can spend as long as you want in the music industry - no wealth of experience will protect you from writer's block. At least, that is what has happened to Cure frontman and key lyricist Robert Smith.
Despite being in the music industry for close to 33 years, Smith is having problems writing the lyrics to some thirty three songs that the Cure have written for their new, as yet untitled, album. While the music for these songs have already been recorded, they remain without lyrics, forcing the band to push back their 14th studio album to next May.
In an interview with Reuters, Smith revealed that he is having trouble writing meaningful lyrics for the songs. "I want them to mean something, it's not enough that they rhyme," Smith said. "I find myself stopping short and thinking I've done this before, and better. I've given myself a deadline to finish the words before Christmas. If I don't I should be shot."
Smith has said that the new album is much more rockier, and more energetic, more in the style of the 1987 album Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me. This is attributed partially to keyboardist Roger O'Donnell quitting last year, leading to the return of guitarist Porl Thompson for a third time, and subsequently a harder, rockier edge for the album. "There's no need for keyboards when you have Porl playing guitar," Smith said. "He can pretty much create any sound you want. He's brought back a sense of urgency and we've got a rock edge again."
The band, now without Donnell, first showcased their new look as a four-piece last year when they held nine concerts throughout Europe. The concerts were filmed both professionally and by fans, making up an interesting blend of the two to make up their newly released live DVD, entitled Festival 2005. The DVD chronicles the band's shows across Europe, and features thirty songs, signifying the length Smith has been a part of the band. Smith believes the DVD to be part of the process of the band's audience changing from their original fanbase to a younger crowd. "It's gratifying to know that people still want The Cure to exist. We're an old band playing to a young audience."
Article comments
1 - DJRadiohead
Well done, James, thanks for covering this.
I recently bought the remastered Kiss Me album, replacing my original CD. I have been annoyed at how nearly every 'early' album has been remastered and re-released except Disintegration. I know it's cliche for Disintegration to be my favorite, but it is and the album really does need a sonic once over.
2 - El Bicho
DJ, they are going in order, so Disintegration will be part of the next wave of releases.