February 2024 – Darren Scott
The Cure – The Head on the Wall
Welcome to The Sonic Collective! Today, we’re diving into the rich soundscape of one of the most influential albums in alternative rock history – “The Head on the Door” by The Cure. I’m your host Darren Scott and in the next few minutes, we’ll explore why this album and the band behind it have left an indelible mark on the music landscape.
I remember this album from High School at Colonel Grey. A friend who I thought was cool as hell, and probably the first punk/goth girl I knew, Susan Rashed (Cousin of David Rashed from Haywire, by the way) always had the coolest taste in music. She loved The Cure, Skinny Puppy and this new up and coming band nobody else knew, U2. Ha ha. We try to cover artists that were massively influential, and I would argue this band was not only influential, but would be a band that if I asked you to name who were the creators of the Goth or Emo music scene were, many would most likely say Robert Smith and The Cure. This isn’t usually touted as their best album, that would be Disintegration, but this one resonates with me more. Thanks to my high school muse Susan Rashed wherever you are today. On to the album.
Released in 1985, “The Head on the Door” marked a significant evolution in The Cure’s sonic journey. The band, led by the enigmatic Robert Smith, had already made waves with their unique blend of post-punk and new wave. However, this album signaled a departure into more accessible and pop-infused territories while retaining their signature melancholic charm.
“The Head on the Door” is a kaleidoscope of emotions. Its diversity of sound and lyrical depth set it apart. From the dreamy allure of “Close to Me” to the introspective introspection of “A Night Like This,” the album traverses a spectrum of moods. It’s not merely a collection of songs but a sonic journey that captivates the listener from start to finish.
What makes The Cure and this album particularly influential is their ability to blend dark, introspective themes with catchy, radio-friendly tunes. The album achieved commercial success, proving that alternative music could find a broad audience without sacrificing its artistic integrity.
Robert Smith’s distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics became a blueprint for many alternative and gothic bands that followed. The Cure’s ability to create music that is both deeply emotional and widely appealing has left an enduring impact on the alternative music scene.
“The Head on the Door” is not just an album; it’s a testament to The Cure’s versatility and their knack for pushing musical boundaries. As we embark on this exploration of “The Head on the Door,” be prepared to be immersed in a world of sonic innovation, where every note is a brushstroke on the canvas of alternative rock history.
So, join me as we unravel the layers of “The Head on the Door” by The Cure, an album that not only defined an era but continues to resonate with generations of music lovers. Stay tuned for a deep dive into the tracks that make this album a timeless masterpiece.
As usual, the members of the Sonic Collective will get together at the end of the month and discuss how we feel about it. We would love for you to join along in the journey. Let us know how this album resonates with you. You can find us on all the usual social media channels like Facebook and Twitter, and of course you can always go leave a comment on TheSonicCollective.com
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