The Cure presents hits 'Galore' on new CD

The Cure

Elektra Records

More, Robert, more!

The first Cure singles collection released in 1986, the spellbinding music re-released on "Galore" rounds out the quest to create a comprehensive Cure picture.

Robert Smith and The Cure have compiled a new album of previously released singles. This album, titled "Galore," was recently released to the delight of devout Cure fans everywhere.

As an added bonus, just for the glorious, adoring public, this beautiful band has added the brand-spankin'-new song "Wrong Number" to ease the craving for new Cure sounds.

Granted, the other 17 tracks on "Galore" are not all fresh as daisies, but the classics age well with time.

Since The Cure is not just another rock band, "Galore" is not just another singles album.

Listening to "Galore" is like that surreal dream that can't fully be remembered. Or like taking that trolley in "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" to some fantastic place in the imagination. A place where the past is played out with puppets instead of people.

This band's music invigorates the spirit. It makes one stand up tall and dance around in front of a mirror on tip-toes.

Remember being spellbound by the video for "Lovesong" while seeing it for the first time on MTV? Remember screaming the words to "Friday I'm In Love" in your best friend's basement? This is the essence of "Galore."

It includes captivating songs from albums such as "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" and "Wish," as well as the greats from "The Head On the Door." Great lonely-lazy tunes such as "Just Like Heaven," "Letter to Elise" and "Pictures of You" are just a sample of the various flavors on the new release.

Some critics say The Cure has an overly whiney, depressing image, but they don't see the whole picture. The mood set by The Cure's last few albums have progressed to more colorful topics. For example, "The 13th," which is on both The Cure's previousThe upbeat new track "Wrong Number" is reminiscent of the 'pop' sound U2 strives to attain. This crazed tune includes cryptic lyrics: "I've got the best laid plans this side of America / started under George / and feelings with Angelica / and now I'm digging in the dirt / and I'm down here for awhile."

After listening to "Galore," the only thing to do is beg like Oliver Twist, "Please sir, can I have some more?" I'm hoping "Wrong Number" is not just a tease, and that more songs are brewing in the minds of the band. The world needs more new Cure songs, fresh Robert Smith-spawned lyrics and more captivating ballads to sing down the street with friends.

- Marquina Iliev

12-01-97