The Cure - Mixed Up (1990)

I'm sure everyone has heard and enjoyed the music from this 1980's Gothic rock band from West Sussex. Through the 80's and 90's they presented alternative sounds which were spacious, elegant and emotionally compelling. They also offered up a pop sound that brought them much success over more than 10 years. The band are seen as part of the post punk and New Wave movements which followed the punk rock revolution in the UK.

This album looks back over the second half of the 80's at some of their more successful work. They have at times steered their work towards a more accessible pop sound, but their success and lasting influence is in the more downbeat rock sound that captured the hearts of a generation. This has left an impression of a depressing sound suited for pasty faced art students to mope about to. Their work however is littered with the odd toe tapping track which got the glum students moving slightly more freely. It is these more up beat tracks that the band audaciously revisited with the intention of showing some extended flare for the dance floor.

It turns out the majority of the tracks they have chosen were pretty suited to this already and the only additional tweaks required was an extension. Others have been deconstructed and presented in a surprising manner. The album ends with a a new track which fits neatly into the project and closes the album well.

The Cure are generally quite an introspective listen for glum teenagers to contemplate hidden in their bedrooms questioning the hardships of the world. This is another look at their work which will keep everyone upbeat and up for a party.