The Top

Performer: The Cure
Engineer: Dave Allen
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Producers: Robert Smith, Chris Parry, Dave Allen. The Cure: Robert Smith (vocals, various instruments); Laurence Tolhurst (various instruments); Porl Thompson (saxophone); Andy Anderson (drums). Recording information: 1984. The virtual definition of a "transitional album," the Cure's 1984 outing, THE TOP, was created during a turbulent time in the band's history, during which the group nearly disintegrated, and Smith was occupying himself by filling in as guitarist for Siouxsie & the Banshees (see their album HYAENA). THE TOP exemplifies Smith's restlessness, as fierce rock ("Shake Dog Shake," "Give Me It") mixes with PORNOGRAPHY-like gloom ("Wailing Wall") and quirky pop ("Birdmad Girl," "The Caterpillar"), the latter of which the Cure would explore further on THE HEAD ON THE DOOR and KISS ME, KISS ME, KISS ME. Although this isn't one of the group's most consistent albums, it's invaluable as a portrait of a band on the brink, and essential for hardcore Cure fans.

Uncut (p.102) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[The album] finds Smith altering his voice to express himself differently in song for the first time."

Led by depressive pop prince Robert Smith, the Cure have taken their legions of fans on a journey from post-punk to gothic to new wave to art rock, stopping only for refills of hairspray along the way. An amazing band both live and in the studio, the Cure may have shifted its lineup numerous times, but Smith has remained a consistently fascinating rock icon throughout the changes. The group's most popular work (DISINTEGRATION, THE HEAD ON THE DOOR) was recorded in the 1980s, but it has held up incredibly well, leading to continued tours and albums despite exaggerated rumors of their demise.

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