Everyone knows they're my favorite band. And I just copped their newest album, which might be my most anticipated of the year? Which year, I can't tell you. It's been in the making for what, like 3 years now? But it's finally here and I'm gonna give it one of those live as I listen track-by-track reviews?

You game, Herman?


[Edited 10/21/08 2:19am]

1. Underneath the Stars

This song absolutely stuns me. They had all the fans who saw their most recent tour whipped into an absolute frenzy with this one. Easily their most entrancing, dreamy, beautiful tune since say, "This Twilight Garden". Maybe even "Plainsong", of which it draws many comparisons. This is top shelf stuff and I can't imagine ever wearing this out. Can't think of a better opener. And they've lost none of the magic of the live performances with the studio rendering. Definitive.

2. The Only One

Predictable but pleasant. Very much the pop anthem of the album in the vein of "The End of the World" and "Friday I'm In Love". I kinda dig it and it makes sense as the first single. A little typical modern rockish to totally convince me though. I like how flirty it is though.

TRON said:

Sure am. I am casually listening first, as always. I am on Reasons Why now, which is track 3.

The first three tracks are absolutely great. It is old Cure and new Cure mashed into something great. Love it up til now.

New Cure is somewhat guitar trashier. I like.

3. The Reasons Why

I'm starting to understand why Robert's been obsessing over this "4" thing. First the "4Play" EP. Then the "4 Tour". Now the "4:13 Dream" title. This is the most they've sounded like a band since Wish. And it's definitely a unique blend and the guitars are the key. The pro-tools of Bloodflowers and the last album are gone. The weird experiments of Wild Mood Swings are nowhere to be found. They're thoroughly rocking again. The vocals around the 4 minute mark make me giddy and geeked.

HamsterHuey said:

I hear you! It's hot. The momentum is perfect.

TRON said:

Is what I meant with guitar trashier.

4. Freakshow

I've heard this single version before, but on headphones and with an album mix, it's working even more for me. It's groovy and fun. Maybe a bit too short though. Hard to think of what it reminds me of. Maybe "Splintered In Her Head".

The end of Sirensong and the beginning of Real Snow White is kinda hot.

HamsterHuey said:

It's almost glam rock sleaze in places, ya know?

Porl's makeup lately is the perfect fit with their new set up.

HamsterHuey said:

You're ahead of me damnit!

5. Sirensong

Another short one. Too short. I'd love to hear this go on for 5 or 6 minutes cuz it's very pretty. Kinda like the slower stuff from Kiss Me and its b-sides. It's great, but I agree with someone else. It's a little strange placed between the grimy "Freakshow" and decadent "Real Snow White".

LoL @ "I swearrr..."

6. The Real Snow White

I'm gonna need to read the lyrics on this one. He's pissed. Not sure what about though. Strange mix of happy chorus and dark everything else. Love the chord progression during the 'you got what I want' part. I love his vocal meltdowns.

HamsterHuey said:

that was good.

The entire album sounds a bit pissed off. Maybe cuz his vocal delivery in combi with the guitars. I want the lyrics to this album.

7. The Hungry Ghost

This album is bracing. Really faced paced. If you're not a fan of more uptempo, tight rocking popping Cure stuff, you won't like this album. It's not much on atmospherics and dirges. It's not upbeat per se, but it's definitely light on its feet and really moves. I'd love it if this lineup stuck around for awhile. The production is simple and really suits the songs. And they translate SO well live. I'm eager to hear the followup 'epic, dark' album they have planned as the sequel that's already been compiled from the same batch of recordings.

HamsterHuey said:

Yeah, totally. I like cranky, edgy Bob. Lemme see if I can find something on the lyrics.

TRON said:

He bangs through the songs, no time for breathers, just go, go, go.

I dig this album more at first listen than the previous one.

8. Switch

The opening is fucking hot! I love it. Kinda funky. This is the fastest song yet! They're taking no prisoners. Having Porl back in the band it the biggest shot in the arm they've had in 15 years. Those lucky bastards in Rome got to see the whole album live last week.

I really like The Perfect Boy.

HamsterHuey said:

I think I'm the only person I know who liked the last album.

What'd you think of Wish, Wild Mood Swings and Bloodflowers?

And wow. The intro to 'This. Here and Now. With You' is also hot.

HamsterHuey said:

Me too. This was my favorite for the longest time from the live clips I saw.

That bassline is so trademark the way it locks in with everything else.

Other than the first track, this is maybe my favorite so far. Should've been a hit. Radio is stupid for not jumping on this.

I doubt I'll like it as much as BloodFlowers based on the singles, but I'm pumped!

HamsterHuey said:

Uhmmm, but the rest drags a bit. But I suppose cuz he is taking it slow. And forceful.

Bite your mouth?

And remember Jack from Will And Grace doing Cher? That's how Bob sounds when he twangs. Owwwww

HamsterHuey said:

The whole song is wonderful. I don't wanna overhype this, cuz it's just a really straightforward, simple Cure album. But so immediate.

There's some weird swirly effect going on through this that totally hooks me.

If they really recorded like 40 songs for the album, they did a great job of picking ones that really hold together well. He said he had like a bazillion test tracklists. Glad he sat on it for awhile, cuz this is a really cohesive work.

TRON said:

I might need to give it a few spins.

HamsterHuey said:

Oh god. Don't way that.