1992 - March: The Cure “Wish”

What the Riff?!?

We've covered a lot of great bands and artists in our podcasts, but it is a rare occasion when we get to explore a group that has defined an entire rock genre. The Cure are considered to be the defining band within the goth rock movement. Formed in 1978 out of the post-punk era, this West Sussex band would grow into an international cult favorite, complete with black wardrobe, smeared lipstick, and wild hair.

The Cure is considered to have hit the height of their commercial appeal with Wish, their ninth stuio album. Personnel for this album were Boris Williams on percussion (his last album appearance with the group), Perry Bamonte on guitars and keyboards (his first appearance as a member of the group), Pori Thompson on guitar (his last appearance with the group for 16 years), Simon Gallop on bass, and Robert Smith on vocals, keyboards, guitar, and bass. The Cure would see a lot of personnel changes through the years, with Robert Smith being the only consistent member throughout, and the driving force behind the band.

Wish was written with a lighter alternative rock sound than their previous albums, making many songs more accessible both to the less devoted fan and to commercial radio. It went to number 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the US, and number 1 on the UK albums chart.

Bruce presents this monster of goth rock in today's podcast.

A Letter to Elise
The third single from the album had its first release prior to the album on a 1991 episode of MTV Unplugged. It is a song about resignation, of realizing that things are just not going to work out. It went to number 2 on the US Alternate Airplay charts.

High
One of the more upbeat songs, this is the lead single from the album. It went to number 1 on the US Modern Tracks, and 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. It chronicles the feelings of love and infatuation. Despite their reputation, many Cure songs are not dark and melancholy.

To Wish Impossible Things
This is a deeper track, and a darker one. It is about relationships generally, and more specifically looking back on a relationship that is no more. The title comes from the idea that selfish wishes do not turn out well when they are granted.

Friday I'm In Love
This was the band's second single and the big hit from the album. It peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 (the last top 40 hit for the Cure to date), and at number 1 on the Billboard Modern Tracks chart. This surprisingly happy song about looking foward to Friday has become one of the signature songs from the group.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Yo Cousin Vinny by Joe Pesci
The starring actor from "My Cousin Vinny" takes a comedic turn with this song inspired by the movie "My Cousin Vinny."

STAFF PICKS:

To Be With You by Mr. Big
Lynch starts off the staff picks with an acoustic rock ballad. Front man and co-writer Eric Martin provides lead vocals to this song which topped the Billboard Hot 100. It was a single off the album "Lean Into It," and is considerdd the groups most successful song to date.

Black Flag by Kings X
Rob's staff pick is the lead single off Kings X's self-titled album, their fourth studio album, and the first on Atlantic Records. Kings X has often been labeled as a Contemporary Christian album, but they have inspired a number of prog rock groups through the years. Unlike many bands, the core lineup of the band has remained the same for over forty years.

The End of Everything by The Charlatans UK
Wayne brings us a deeper cut from a group from the midlands in England. This song's lyrics are inspired by a friend feigning an illness so he could leave the army. The band appended the "UK" at the end of their name to avoid confusion with a 60's American band also called "the Charlatans."

Until Your Love Comes Back Around by RTZ
Bruce wraps up the staff picks with a ballad from a short-lived band out of Boston. Former members of the band Boston, including guitarist Barry Goudreau and vocalist Brad Delp formed RTZ with keyboardist Mrian Maes, percussionist Dave Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald. This song went to number 26 on the US charts.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Elmira St. Boogie by Danny Gatton
This instrumental gets us moving as we close out this week's podcast.

Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”

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