26th August - The Cure's The Head on the Door

Artist - Album: The Cure - The Head on the Door
Released: 26th August 1985
Sounds like: pop: The Cure-stion

Almost four months ago I produced a typically excellent (ha!) review of The Cure's 1989 masterpiece Disintegration. I must confess to you, dearest reader, that, as it's lovely and sunny outside and it's the last day of my holidays, and as Manchester United vs Chelsea kicks off shortly and I'm a very lazy person really, I'm just going to rehash part of that blog again here.  If you fancy a read of the infinitely more painstakingly assembled original, check it here: http://analbumadaykeepsthebluesaway.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/1st-may-cures-disintegration.html?m=1

The Cure live some sort of a double life: they're known as one of the pioneers of the gothic scene and have crafted sone stunning albums of glacial, beautifully atmospheric rock; on the other hand, they were one of the great pop groups of the Eighties, delivering stunning singles such as 'Love Cats', 'Boys Don't Cry' and 'Friday I'm in Love'. Although there were relapses, for a snapshot of the transition from bleak goth kids to rock pop stars, look no further than this album. The best known tracks - ‘Close to Me’ and 'Inbetween Days' - are belters, but the rest of the album, from the flamenco sounds of 'The Blood' to the insensible 'Six Different Ways', is similarly giddy and fun.

I may have said the same thing about Disintegration but The Head on the Door just might be the finest album of their career.

Analbumaday... rating: 8/10

1. In Between Days – 2:57
2. Kyoto Song – 4:16
3. The Blood – 3:43
4. Six Different Ways – 3:18
5. Push – 4:31
6. The Baby Screams – 3:44
7. Close to Me – 3:23
8. A Night Like This – 4:16
9. Screw – 2:38
10. Sinking – 4:57

Listen to 'Six Different Ways': www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouitmsVcXqY

Also released on 26th August:

2002: Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head