The Cure – Standing On A Beach • The Singles

In defense of Janell's review below, I must disagree with Talkinfun that this space is limited to finding the best pressing of a particular record. Yes, it can be useful for that, no doubt, but a record review can come in many forms. For review guidelines simply look here:

https://.discogs.sitioby.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004982673-How-To-Post-A-Review-Or-Comment

This is one of the greatest “greatest hits” compilations ever assembled.

As the last orange fingers of the sun melt into the darkness, as flickering candles bathe the walls of upstairs bedrooms and melodic music floats gently from half opened windows, a new fledgling child of the night is discovering a song by The Cure. Hungry for more, wanting only to indulge their souls in the self loathing and anguish discovered in the cool afterglow, they rise late, spread out and into the music stores across the world in search of the song that coursed into their hearts like warm liquid, setting their heads to reeling ... all of answers, to all of the questions which once seemed so necessary, forever washed away.

Unfortunately what they will find, is not what they had hoped for. I know, as I’ve made that silver stringed journey and with dozens of Cure albums spread across my floor, one Backstage and countless Cure singles tucked into every corner of my room, I am here to offer you exactly what you want ... no more, no less. I offer you Standing On The Beach, a collection of singles by The Cure from the dark years, from the years 1979 through 1985. These are the songs you want, all of them, these are the only songs you will ever need by this truly visionary band ... that is until the lust is so great within you, that you simply can not resist your indulgence for more, and when that time comes, I suggest that you slide a copy of Galore into your long angst coat, for yet another collection of Cure singles from the years 1987 through 1997. But like all things of great and personal pleasure, the songs form Galore will never be as satisfying as those found here on Standing On The Beach.

The Cure have been around for nearly forever at this point, many of us have grown up on them, yet they still have the feel of something new, as if in this timelessness, they will forever remain an underground sensation.

The music is lush, thick and rich ... just ripe for picking. It flows unseen and almost unheard, as if these songs were part of your internal makeup. The voice of Robert Smith not only complements the lyrics, but puts a marvelous emphasis on the characteristics of our lives we all too seldom stop to explore. You'll find this album more then satisfying, it will become a staple of your music collection.

One of the best parts about this release is cueing it up as you’re getting dressed at "10:15 On A Saturday Night," ready to make your way down to the street ... for nocturnal adventure into the world of The Cure.

*** The Fun Facts: The name of the man featured on the album jacket is John Button, whom at the time was a fisherman. He was chosen because his appearance fit the desired aesthetic of the album, where he adds a bit of dark wonder to the album. When asked why he agreed to lend his face to the band's media, Button's answer was, "If I can help these youngsters break through, after all, why not?”

Review by Jenell Kesler