Cure - Join the Dots: B-Sides & Rarities 1978-2001
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Free Music Notes for Join the Dots: B-Sides & Rarities 1978-2001
Free Music Review: An Excellent Set
Hit: 5 Stars
Robert Smith (and all the Cures - past and present - with whom he has collaborated) offers a gem of a collection with this release. Unless you were lucky enough to find some of these songs on the cassette version of the "Standing On A Beach" collection or on import vinyl 12" singles, many will be brand new to you. But whether you have heard bits and pieces or not, this collection is truly amazing in its scope and sound quality. Hearing the early songs "cleaned up" for compact disc makes this set well worth the price of admission.
Also, some Cure fans will no doubt remember a handful of these songs as the "in-between bits" from the VHS "Staring at the Sea -The Images" (especially "Throw Your Foot" which showed Robert walking around in what appeared to be a drug-induced state) and having them all in one place really is a treat.
Standout tracks are "I'm Cold", "Throw Your Foot", and "2 Late." Disc four gets a bit indulgent: the Depeche Mode re-make is interesting and signifies well on the original, but it's a bit severe. I do not, however, feel that this detracts from the set as a whole. After all, isn't The Cure rather severe?
All in all, there is plenty by which to be impressed. This will be a welcome addition to any Cure fan's collection (and even to collections of neophyte Cure fans).
Definitely worth buying. No doubt. Order it today.
Free Music Review: Through the Looking Glass
Hit: 5 Stars
Robert Smith has expressed his appreciation for well conceived B-Sides. He has said that he respects bands whose catalogue of B-Sides offer a rare glimpse, a different side, that is just as incredible as the A-side songs. I could not agree with Robert Smith more. B-Sides from respectable musicians are never the left over, mediocre "filler" songs that didn't make it on an album - they are a necessary shadow to a given album.
When you hear the B-Sides that The Cure produced, it is apparent that Robert Smith took his B-Side work very seriously. If you had been a Cure fan and not heard the majority of B-Sides before, it was once acceptable, considering it once took some effort to get hold of most - but now, with the release of Join the Dots, there is no longer an excuse. Having these B-Sides is crucial to rounding out any collection of the Cure's music, to get a complete and accurate portrayal of their incredible legacy.
Analogy time: If the Cure's music were a movie, not having the B-Sides would be like watching 3/4 of the movie screen. Some of the very best moments take place on that 1/4 of the screen that you are missing.
These B-Sides are that crucial. If you are a cure fan and have not heard them, go get this box set and step through the looking glass. Although there will be some songs that dont make the grade, you will gain a whole new appreciation. Enjoy.
Free Music Review: The Other Cure 5 Stars
In the opening page of the companion guide (included in the boxset), Robert Smith says "I expected great B-Sides from the artists I loved..."I share this opinion too as great B-Sides open the fan up to different sides of the artist or group. This is indeed a treasure chest of beautiful and lost gems.
Why Do I Rate this Collection Five Stars?:
Music:
The Cure are known for their dreamlike sounds and rock undercurrents. So here the B-Sides show more depth in this vein.
Many of these tracks are unbelievable omissions from Cure albums such as "I'm Cold", "Stop Dead", "Sugar Girl", "Babble", "This Twilight Garden" (my personal fave), as well as Robert's prediction of the new direction the Cure may take on the next new album based around the song "Signal to Noise"...hope that prediction comes true! All the rare and forgotton songs show you new found colours and sounds of this great band.
Design:
The box is beautiufl with an amazing book where Robert comments on all the songs, lots of great pics and the original artwork for the single sleeves as well as a complete Discography! A lot of time went into this glossy and arty design project to please the fans!
In Conclusion, introduce yourself to "The Other Cure"....the songs you never heard much of, the great B-Sides of a group you love!
Free Music Review: Worth the Wait
Hit: 5 Stars
Having been a rabid Cure fan for nearly a decade, I already have most of the songs here on bootlegs, imports, or the original singles. Consequently, I was a bit unsure about spending the money on this. However, I must say it is worth every cent. The remastering job done here is fantastic, really bringing life to some of the older tracks that lacked when transferred to CD format on past bootlegs, and boosting the sound quality of the newer songs. As it is, having the different mixes and unreleased songs (like Possession) is a real treat. The packaging is beautiful, and the notes on each track are facinating. Anyone with more than just a passing interest in the band needs this set. Sure, it would be nice to have some of the other B-Sides on here as some have said, like Carnage Visors or Spilt Milk, but considering that the entire catalogue will be reissued starting this year, it's tolerable. Honestly, this set is so packed that having extra tracks would be overkill. Besides, a remastered 2 disc set of Faith without Carnage Visors would be pointless.
It is too hard to pick a favorite track from this set, because it does flow so well together. Anytime a song gets a little tedious, there is another great song right next to it, especially during the Kiss Me 3x through Wish era.
Bottom line: This box set is a fan's dream. Buy it, you will NOT be disappointed.
Free Music Review: THE BEST BOX SET EVER RELEASED?... MMM YES, I BELIEVE SO
Hit: 5 Stars
Here you wont find much unwanted bull at all... 'Join the Dots' is a great display in representing why the Cure has been idolized as one of the most innovative, original, unstoppable, emotional, interesting, unique, influential, & amazing bands of all time, or ever will beThis box set isnt set up like any other box set ive seen... sure in other box sets by bands not nearly as good as the Cure you get maybe some color photos of the band/artist... a brief biography, MAYBE, & in the box set... its not that impressive, its a decent box set sure, not a large amount of good songs.... NOT WITH THE CURE THOUGH! Robert Smith released this huge picture biography, this Box Set practically comes with a BOOK on the Cure! the photos are all excellent... & even the bad songs are good!
You can tell a LOT of time & energy were put into making 'Join the Dots' stand out from the crowd... because thats how the Cure & Robert Smith have always been... & when they released Join the Dots, they pulled it off again & proved why few bands in history have left a legacy that could even compete
I'd list the standout songs.... but so far, every song has stood out