Album Review

Following the promotion effort to release a new single on the thirteenth of each month leading to their upcoming album in September, The Cure’s “Sleep When I’m Dead” was released earlier this week. “Sleep When I’m Dead” is the third out of four singles to be taken from their 13th studio album and includes the b-side track “Down Under.” Front man, Robert Smith, informed Rolling Stone that the song was a recently discovered demo from the recording sessions of the 1985 release, The Head on the Door. That tidbit of information heightened my anticipation for hearing the new single considering my love for that particular album.

The intro to the reworked “Sleep When I’m Dead” has a basic and repetitive loop of the lyrics, “sleep when I’m dead, you angels, I’ll sleep when I’m dead, I said…” which made me initially think something was wrong with my download. Apparently, this is simply just how the track progresses, yet it tends to carry on a little too long for my liking. I recall them playing the single at their show back in May, but don’t remember the opening being so monotonous live. However, once the song moves forward, it kicks major ass, especially when played at high volume. It has an 80’s vibe to it and instantly sent me back to my bedroom as a child when I would lose myself in the sounds of The Cure. After listening to it a few times, the intro made more of an impact and strangely started to make sense. I must say the b-side, “Down Under.” works well too.

The studio version also appears to include a keyboard part despite the fact that The Cure hasn’t had a keyboardist in their lineup since the departure of Roger O’Donnell in 2005. Perhaps that is why the song has grown on me and is constantly blaring from my stereo. I’ve missed the keyboard element in their music. I commend the band for implementing more guitar riffs to cover the missing keys, however, some things are just meant to be together… like The Cure and.. yes… a keyboardist.

For a Curefreak, like me, keyless Cure song’s are like PB&J Sandwiches without the jelly. One really compliments the other. But, ito be fair, change and diversity are great qualities, so I’m learning to step out of my Disintegration and Pornography fascinations to embrace the band’s new endeavors. Plus, if a band can maintain such a strong sense of longevity and fan loyalty, they deserve the support and adulation. Not to mention, it’s The Cure, and I’m elated they are still together making music and continue playing live shows that leave me speechless and craving more.

Based on the released singles thus far, I would bet that the upcoming 13th studio album will exemplify the band’s diversity. Is it September yet?

Compare the live and studio versions of “Sleep When I’m Dead” and let me know what you think!

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