Why 4:13 isn't a double album

The Guardian has an article about the state of the double album these days, and has this very interesting bit about 4:13 Dream:

"I mean, you'd expect the Cure - a band with past double opus form, thanks to 1987's Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me - to be able to release a double album, right? Er, sadly not. Their new album 4:13 Dream is the "light" first half of a double collection, with the second "dark" half to be released separately in 2009.

Robert Smith recently told me the rather shocking factors behind the release strategy. Basically, Geffen were only prepared to pay them royalties equivalent to a single album, even if the album was priced as a double. In effect the label were penalising the band for wanting to give their fans more music for less. Smith insisted he didn't care about making any more money but the principle was paramount; he was furious at the idea of a major label conning him out of making the record he wanted. So he held back the second half of the album for six months and one day later, the earliest moment that his contract permitted. The concept would be intact, it would just be up to the fan to Sellotape the two "episodes" together."

And Idolator has an article reacting to the Guardian article.

(Thanks Fabrice and Kate)

Jigsaw has Robert and Porl!

That evil Jigsaw has put Robert and Porl into his evil traps! (Thanks vjesci)

More 4:13 reviews

UK - Indie London (4/5).
US - Boston Herald (B), Penn State Collegian (C), Pitchfork (6.7/10), Time Out NY (3/6), URB (4/5), Pop Matters (4/10).
Italy - Horror Magazine (3/5).
And check out Metacritic for an average of all scores.
(Thanks Beau, Swifty, Sofia and fmjews)

EMA Cure nomination video

MTV has put together a video package for each of the nominees for the Headliner award. Here's the video for The Cure.
(Thanks Aaron)

Official site update

Geffen has updated the official site with the story about the Godlike Genius award and the NME cover. (Thanks V)

Italian radio specials

"We are the editorial staff of www.ilcibicida.com. We want to inform that, on the occasion of the publication of "4:13 Dream", our webzine will dedicate to The Cure a double radio date in collaboration with Radio Zammù (Catania University's radio, Sicilia). Two transmissions: the first one on the air Friday 31st October (from Three Imaginary Boys to Kiss me Kiss me Kiss me). The second one: Friday 7th November (from Disintegration to today). So we invite you and all the users of Chain of Flowers to click on www.radiozammu.it (6:00 pm, Italian time) and listen to us." (Thanks Riccardo)

More 4:13 reviews

UK - Music Week (positive), Nouse (negative).
US - URB (4/5), Pop Matters (4/10), Blender (4/5), Spin (3/5), AVClub (8/10), Duke Chronicle (negative), Badger Herald (negative).
France - Nouvel Obs (positive).
Spain - Muzikalia (negative).
(Thanks Steven, Kate, V, T2, Alfonso)

Cure party in San Francisco

"Tonight (Oct. 30th) is a Halloween/4:13 Dream/Cure tribute record (perfect as cats) release party at Popscene in San Francisco. costume party to boot.

Doors open at 9:30 PM. Early arrivers get a free drink(s?)

The first 200 people to enter the club have a chance to win a Gibson guitar signed by all the members of The Cure. Perfect as Cats, 4:13 Dream, and other Curey and noncurey stuff being given away. I don't know why they have a pic of the Schecter, its a Gibson that's being given away or so they say. Its probably whats in the pic though.

DJ Aaron and DJ Nako will be spinning along with local acts - Veil Veil Vanish and Murder of Lilies.

330 Ritch street (off Townsend b/w 3rd and 4th)

San Francsico 94107

18+ with valid id

(Thanks dj scribbles)

First week sales projected to be weak

Hits Daily Double has posted their first week US sales projections for 4:13 Dream, and it isn't good. They project that the album will only sell 20-25,000 copies. (Thanks Peter)

HDNet Charlotte show on Youtube

The Charlotte show clips are going up on Youtube.
(Thanks Aaron)

NME Archive Cure special

"Noticed that NME Archive (Sky Satellite Channel 382 in UK and Ireland) are showing an hour of Cure videos on Saturday 1st/Nov at 21.00pm." (Thanks Niall)

NME interview - part 2

NME have posted more of their exclusive interview with Robert. (Thanks JC)

HDNet Charlotte update

The HDNet Charlotte show is on Dime and Megaupload.
(Thanks Echobunny, Steve, and B.)

More 4:13 reviews

Canada - Eye Weekly (3/5), Montreal Gazette (4/5).
France - France-Info (audio), Direct Soir (positive), Metro (3/5).
US - Student Life (positive), Collegiate Times (positive), Sonoma State Star (mixed), AP (positive).
Sweden - DN (3/6), SvD (3/6).
(Thanks Carl, Rob S, Linnea, Kate, Carole and T2)

4:13 Dream vinyl etchings

Etched onto the vinyl of 4:13 Dream:
Side A - One Crowded Hour / Side B - Of Glorious Life
Side C - Is Worth An Age / Side D - Without a Name
The full verse is:
Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife! To all the sensual world proclaim, One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name. - Sir Walter Scott
(Thanks Chris)

Update on The Cure: VH1 Midnight Live

"Just watched the midnight show that was on VH1 in the UK. It was indeed the Valencia show but with a slightly different setlist.

The Setlist was: From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, The Only One, Push (Previously unseen: Very Happy Robert), Inbetween Days (I think this was a slightly different version than the others we have seen, new camera angles maybe) and Boys Don't Cry (Previously Unseen: Great Crowd)". (Thanks Beau)

Win the Dream on 105.1

"105.1 The River, a station in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is giving away copies of 4:13 Dream all this week through Friday as a prize for winning the "'80s Fast Track" contest, which they do during their "80 Minute '80s Lunch" show, which goes from 11:50am to 1:10pm.
For those who aren't familiar with the contest, the DJ plays a short clip of an '80s song in fast forward, and the object is to guess the band and the song. The first person to call in with the correct answer wins, and if you want to hear yourself winning, they play your conversation with the DJ over the air after the next song. :) The contest is usually done between 12:35 - 12:45.
If you plan on trying to win, the toll-free number for the station is 1-800-628-5488. Good luck! (Thanks Shawn)

"I want my MTV..."

MTV has launched (sort of) a new website that is dedicated to music videos. Shocking! Anyway, they have a nice collection of Cure clips up, so you might want to give it a look.
(Thanks Charlie and Jason)

Buy from an Indie, get a 4:13 Litho

If you buy 4:13 Dream from select independent music stores, you'll get a free 11" x 11" lithograph of the album cover.

Update: "The store rolled it, so I had to make creative use of the album and singles to hold it flat for the photo. And the reported "11 x 11" is actually more like 18" x 18"."
(Thanks Josh)

NME cover and interview

Read the NME interview at FemaleFirst. (Thanks Tobber and Kate)
And read Part 2 at NME. (Thanks JC)




(Thanks Andrew)

"Godlike Geniuses" articles

Sopitas, Absolute Radio, MSN, Celebrity Wonder, DigitalSpy, and Adnmundo have picked up the NME Godlike Geniuses story. (Thanks Mad Bob, Beau and Deadboycraved)

Hispacure contest

"HispaCure is celebrating that 4:13 Dream will be out this week with a new contest offering some very exclusive items. The only requirement to participate in the contest is being a registered member of the hispaCure forum (registration is totally free)." (Thanks B and Ivan)

Check the comments section for more details.

4:13 Dream release parties in Spain

Check out the poster for dates and venues. (Thanks B and Ivan)

Danish Cure article

There a Cure article in Berlingske. (Thanks Farbruun)

4:13 is Album of the Week in Mexico

"Mexico City radiostation Ibero 90.9 FM set 4:13 Dream as the album of the week. All day long, they played songs from the album, about one per hour and at 9.00 am and 3.00 pm they played a short spoken review and followed by that, an album's song is aired and the most of the time, the current live announcer did a comment about the song, the album and the band. They called the section for reviewing an album per week, "Extracto". Here´s the link for 4:13 Dream "Extracto". And here you can see the playlist of the radio station and look for The CURE songs played in the day. If you want to listen the Ibero 90.9 live broadcast." (Thanks Mad Bob)

More 4:13 reviews

US - Daily Orange (negative), Hartford Courant (positive)
Canada - Toronto Globe & Mail, Canadian Press (positive)
New Zealand - Groove Guide (positive)
Croatia - Jutarnji (3/5)
Norway - Dagsavisen, VG Nett, Ostlendingen, TV2, NRK, NRK (4/6), F-B.
Mexico - Ibero 90.9.
Denmark - JP (4/6), Gaffa (4/6 - pleasant "re-listen" with the fathers of goth rock), MetroExpress (4/6 - Pleasant dreamscape), Berlingske (4/6 - Classic Cure), Urban (Mainly positive - Bubbles & Sediment: The Cure makes its old bloodred brew taste both refreshing and disturbing), Ekstrabladet (2/6 - Pathetic junk by The Cure), Politiken (2/6)
Portugal - Dario Digital (negative)

(Thanks Rob, Sandro, Alastair, Kate, Sanjin, Lars, Christian, Farbruun)

4:13 ringback tones

"I just noticed that the entire 4:13 Dream album is available at Verizon wireless as ringback tones if anyone is interested!"(Thanks Rj)

Update: Check the comments section for the codes.

Buy 4:13 Dream

Digital
iTunes (US) - $9.99
Amazon - $8.99
7Digital - EUR 9.79

CD
Deep Discount - $10.98
CD Universe - $11.19
Amazon (US) - $11.49
Target - $11.49
Circuit City - $12.99
Wal-mart - $13.88
BangCD - $13.90
Best Buy - $13.99
Ideal Copy - $13.99
Play - £9.99
Amazon (UK) - £8.98
HMV - £8.99
Amazon (Canada) - $12.99
CDWow - Eur 12.99
Amazon (France) - EUR 15.95
FNAC - EUR 16.99
Amazon (Germany) - EUR 16.99
Amazon (Japan) - 1470 yen
CDJapan - 2381 yen
JB HiFi - AUD 19.99
Sanity - AUD 29.99
Phantom - 44.90

Vinyl
CD Universe - $12.69
Circuit City - $12.99
Best Buy - $15.98
Ideal Copy - $15.99
Amazon (US) - $17.08
Amazon (France) - ?
FNAC - Eur 15.24
Amazon (Germany) - EUR 19.99
Indietective - EUR 24.99
Amazon (Japan) - 1614 yen

4:13 on iTunes US and Amazon

iTunes US has 4:13 Dream up for $9.99.
Now available at Amazon, too, for $8.99.

Cure are officially "Godlike Geniuses"

NME says so. : ) And they will play at the awards show at London's Brixton Academy on Feb. 25th

Rumor: And maybe O2 Arena as well?
"I have heard on expert authority that The Cure will be playing the 02 Arena in London to support the award - with approx 3 or 4 other major names to support this award! It will be a fantastic gig. This is an annual event, Manics headlined last year."
(Thanks Paul)

Update: Robert has posted the NME news at the official site, and leaves us hanging with this - "And the following night... ". Hmm...

New Cure.com!

The new website is finally here!

4:13 on Rhapsody

4:13 Dream is up on Rhapsody. (Thanks Neil)

4:13 reviews from France

Ouest France (Very positive)
Concert and co (Very positive)
NRJ (Very positive)
Telerama ("known in France to make probably the most virulent critics against artists: 4 out of 4")
(Thanks T2)

Charts update

Hypnagogic States
France Top 100 - up to @56 from #57 (6th week)
Europe Top 100 - up to #96 from #99 (5th week)
Spain Top 20 - down to @3 from #2 (5th week)
(Thanks Pietro)

4:13 UK radio ad

Here's a radio ad for 4:13 Dream that's airing in the UK.
(Thanks Darren)

Vinyl delay in UK?

"Just went to HMV Oxford street and the album is not out on vinyl in the UK until November 10th" (Thanks JC)

"No, its out. i have it. ordered from what records on ebay. it arrived this morning." (Thanks Grimgram)

4:13 out in Portugal

"The Dream is now available in Portugal at FNAC Stores selling at 16,95 €." (Thanks The Moon & Jupitermain)

4:13 at midnight in Utah

"The Graywhale stores will have them available at midnight tonight as well! Check for your local store at www.fatfin.com to support independent record stores and The Cure too!"
(Thanks Rev. Heron)

More 4:13 reviews

US - Allmusic (2/5), The Quietus (negative), Washington Post Express (positive)
UK - News of the World (4), London Lite (3/5), London Paper (4/5)
Fans - Maverick DJ (positive)
(Thanks JC, Scott, Hobbes, Kate, Andrew, Ed)

4:13 delay in Brazil/Argentina?

"After looking for the CD in a number of stores here in Rio de Janeiro, I called Universal Brazil, and they told me the album will be released "in the beginning of November". Perhaps the same release date of Japan (Nov. 5), after all?" (Thanks Marcos)

"the same they said, here in Argentina." (Thanks Rodrigo)

Win Robert's guitar

Win Robert's guitar on the Universal France website. (Thanks Bill)

More 4:13 reviews

UK - London Metro (4/5), Daily Telegraph (positive?), Daily Express (3/5)
Italy - Ondarock (6/10)
US - Billboard (positive), Detroit Free Press (2/4)
You can see all of the reviews so far, right here.
(Thanks Anthony, boc, Andy, fmjews, Kate)

4:13 on iTunes UK

4:13 Dream is available on iTunes UK. (Thanks D)

4:13 at midnight in Phoenix

ZIA Records in Phoenix, Az. will be selling 4:13 Dream at midnight tonight/Tuesday morning. (Thanks KelBel)

Can you Beat The Intro?

"Robert Smith and his merry men are back with a new album, '4:13 Dream'. But how much do you know about The Cure's music? Play our Beat The Intro game and find out!" (Thanks Kate)

HDNet Charlotte setlist

Underneath The Stars, Prayers For Rain, Want, Pictures Of You, The Only One, Wrong Number, The Walk, Sleep When Im Dead, Just Like Heaven, Primary, It's Over. (Thank Darrell and Mike)

4:13 Release Party in Cambridge, Ma.

TT The Bear's Place is having a 4:13 Dream listening party from 9-10pm tonight, followed by a "Heroes" Halloween costume party.
(Thanks Kate)

4:13 at midnight in NYC

The Virgin Megastore in Times Square will be selling 4:13 Dream at 11:30/Midnight on Oct. 27th/28th. (Thanks Sofia)

HDNet preview

Geffen (of all places!) has a clip of The Only One from the HDNet show. (Thanks Jon)
Also at HDNet. (Thanks c0sm0kramer5b)
And on YouTube. (Thanks Aaron)

More UK reviews

A second review from The Times (4/5).
And a review from The Sunday Times (2/5).
The Financial Times (2/5).
(Thanks Kate and JC)

EndgadgetHD mentions the HDNet show

EndgadgetHD has a brief article about the HDNet show.
(Thanks Chris)

4:13 out in the UK!

4:13 Dream is available at the HMV in Manchester.
(Thanks Deadboycraved)

4:13 is out in Finland/Netherlands

The Dream has begun in Helsinki, Finland. The album is available at Stupido Shop. (Thanks Antii)

Out in Heerlen, The Netherlands, too. (Thanks Marco)

4:13 Stream at Cure Myspace

Stereogum has a story about 4:13 streaming at the Cure's Myspace page, starting tomorrow. (Thanks Scott/Monkeybutt)

Update: Full album is now streaming.

Cure on TV

VH1 UK has The Cure: VH1 Midnight Live scheduled for midnight on Oct. 28th/29th. Not sure if this is an edited down Rome show, Valencia, or something else. (Thanks Crystal/CPG2)

MTV France has a 20 minute Cure special on Oct. 26th at 11:25. Looks to be the Valencia show from March 5th, 2008.
(Thanks Carole)

More 4:13 reviews

US - nerd [heart] geek (8/10)
France - Les Culturelles (3/4)
(Thanks Paul and Carole)

4:13 out in Washington, DC!

"Melody Records in Dupont Circle, Washington D.C. is selling the new album on sale for $13.99. I just bought it and its excellent."

New version of Join the Dots?

"Yesterday I was in Munich, Germany, and I've found a very strange version of Join the Dots, the same box but smaller and fatter, with the same 4 cds and book! They said it was a new release!" (Thanks Fabio)

Update: Not so new. Been out for over a year.

UK tv advert for 4:13

The UK tv advert for 4:13 Dream. (Thanks Chris)
Download the Mp4 of the ad. (Thanks Aaron)

4:13 is out in Poland

"I want to tell you that in Poland (central europe) 4:13 is already available. There are a lot of it in Empik Store."
(Thanks Koalonomix)

UK reviews of 4:13

London Evening Standard (4/5), Mojo Magazine (3/5)
(Thanks JC)

More 4:13 reviews

Germany - MBeat (9/10), Taz (positive), Die Zeit (negative).
France - Premonition
US - Beacon News (semi-review)
(Thanks TheVinc, Thomas, Kate )

4:13 Dream out in Belgium, Italy

The Dream has been released in Belgium: "During a 1 hour break at uni right now, i took the opportunity to check out if the new Cure had already arrived at a small record shop nearby (Free Record Shop in Ixelles), and my heart skipped a beat as it appeared it did! I asked the shopkeeper when it had arrived, and he said this very morning. God, i feel like i'm holding a brick of pure gold in my hands! If General Relativity weren't so damn interesting, i'd be hopping my way to my stereo right now! ;) Can't wait to give this disc a spin!!!" (Thanks Laurent and Pascal)

Out at Caroline Music in Brussels. (Thanks Gian)

And in Italy, too: "the album is out in Italy! fnac had it priced for 17.90 Euros." (Thanks Marco)

4:13 reviews from Germany/Austria

German reviews - Whiskey Soda (2 out of 6, with 1 being best), Metal Glory (8 out 10), Triggerfish (4 out of 6). And one from Austria - Krone (8.5 out of 10). (Thanks Syrex)

4:13 on iTunes Italy

4:13 Dream is now available on iTunes Italy. (Thanks FMJews)

4:13 is out in Mexico

On sale at Mix Up stores in Mexico City and Chiapas. And at Sanborns stores.
(Thanks Mr. Pink Eyes, Mad Bob, and JR Huato)

Guardian reviews 4:13

The Guardian gives 4:13 a 4 out of 5. (Thanks Beau)

Tech info on HDNet show

Broadcast Newsroom has an article with some info on the recording of the HDNet show in Charlotte.

Election 08: a Play For Today?

"I just found this post on the blog of Westword (the local hipster newspaper), relating "Play for Today" to the presidential election. Apparently this is a post to their Cure-themed column called "Fascination Street." (Thanks V)

The Times reviews 4:13

The Times gives 4:13 its first bad review. 2 out of 5.
(Thanks Kate)

4:13 is out in Australia

Sanity in Perth is selling 4:13 Dream early. (Thanks Jo)
And so is JB HiFi. (Thanks Swifty)
Keep those retail reports coming in.

More 4:13 Dream reviews

BBC, Sputnikmusic, Planet Sound (Ch. 4 teletext), Rev. Heron, and Stephen Sarro have reviews of 4:13 Dream.
(Thanks Beau, boc, Benj, Diana/cure_kitty, Rev. Heron, Alastair)

EW reviews 4:13

Entertainment Weekly gives a B to 4:13 Dream. (Thanks V)

4:13 promo poster in Spain

Here's a photo of a 4:13 Dream promo poster in Bilbao, Spain. (Thanks StrangETimeS)

Watsons dedicate JLH to Billy Bragg

"Last night I attended the Billy Bragg concert in Somerville, MA (which was brilliant). The Watson Twins opened the show. About half way through their set, they dedicated a song to Billy Bragg and his traveling companions - and the song they dedicated? Just Like Heaven. Quite different to hear that song done on acoustic guitar with harmonica, keyboard and their soft folksy harmonies. I attribute this positive Cure energy to my wearing a Cure t-shirt to the show..." (Thanks RubyAlison)

NME previews 4:13

NME is streaming 60 second preview clips of 4:13 Dream.

4:13 poster in Planète Saturn

Some photos of a 4:13 Dream promo poster at Planète Saturn in Lyon, France. (Thanks Romuald)

Rome show DVD on Dime

"I've just found that the complete version of Coca-Cola Live is now up on Dime. It's in the DVD format and includes the interview at the beginning." (Thanks Junko)

NME reviews 4:13 Dream

They give the album an 8 out of 10. Here's a scan of the review. (Thanks Matt and JC/Perfect.Murder)

Exclusive interview with NME

Robert has posted an update at the official site. Exclusive interview with NME, on sale Oct. 29th.

Daily Collegian reviews 4:13 Dream

The praise continues. The Daily Collegian gives it 8 out of 10.

4:13 Dream out in Peru

"The album is out in Phantom record stores in Lima, Peru. Its included in the weekly mag, price: 44.90 nuevos soles, (14.50 usd). Here you can see the cd listed for sale. By the way its the Colombian edition." (Thanks Arielcc)

4:13 Dream $9.99 at Best Buy

Best Buy will have 4:13 Dream for $9.99 next week, and it will be in their ad this sunday. Circuit City and Target don't have it listed in their ads. (Thanks to Speedy1961 @ DVDTalk)

4:13 Dream release parties in Canada

Chartattack has the dates for the Canadian release parties:
Oct. 23 Calgary, AB @ Bamboo Tiki Lounge
Oct. 24 Vancouver, BC @ Honey Lounge
Oct. 24 Edmonton, AB @ Halo Lounge
Oct. 25 Toronto, ON @ The Mod Club
Oct. 25 Montreal, QC @ Jupiter Room
Oct. 26 Ottawa, ON @ Babylon
Oct. 29 Victoria, BC @ Smiths Pub
You can win t-shirts and cds at the events.
(Thanks Kate)

Flyer for Roger's show

Here's a flyer for Roger's show in Guadalajara on Nov. 22nd. (Thanks Conrado)

French ad for 4:13 Dream

Here's an ad from the French magazine Les Inrockuptibles.(Thanks Jerome C.)

UK TV advert for 4:13 Dream!

"Not sure what channel I was watching, weirdly I think it might have been during MASH on Paramount Comedy 2 or something (so UK cable), but I just caught an advert for the album! Sounded like Steve Lamacq doing the voiceover, general montage of the artwork, usual sort of thing." (Thanks Chris)

If anyone has more info, or the actual clip, please let me know.

4:13 Dream party in Seattle

4:13 Dream Release Party/Happy Hour
Thursday, October 23rd, 5-7pm
Nectar Lounge 412 N 36th St Freemont, Seattle, USA NectarLounge.com
FREE - 21+
Come hear the new album from The Cure before it is released next week!
Complimentary Drinks from Geffen Records as supplies last!
Prizes & Give-a-ways from The Cure!
(Thanks Diana/cure_kitty)

Cure party in Moscow

"Russian Official CloseToCure Fan Club and Strangel Club present: The Cure 3:11 Dream Party, dedicated to the release of the new Cure album! The party will take place in Moscow, Russia, on 3rd of November 2008 from 8 p.m. till 6 a.m.
Bands: Mother Theresa, Shaiba & Skotobaza, The Forced Ocsilations. After the live show Djs Insecure, Sam and Mussolini will make your feet ache!
Address: Moscow, Ryazansky prospect, 2B (first floor of the shopping-mall "Odon").
http://lastfm.ru/event/784686
http://myspace.com/theforcedoscillations
http://vkontakte.ru/events.php?act=s&gid=4887044
http://strangelclub.com/party.asp?date=03.11.2008"
(Thanks Olga)

Spiegel reviews 4:13 Dream

"Speigel gives 4:13 a rating of 7 out of 10. The author likes "Underneath the Stars" and compares it to "Plainsong" and "Out of this World". He does not like "Freakshow" but thinks "The Real Snow White" is a mixture of sadness and exuberance. He is positively surprised that the album does not end up with a depressive song. All in all, a fairly positive review." (Thanks Thomas)

Cure Widget

4:13 Dream stream at MTV

MTV is now streaming 60 second clips of 4:13 Dream. Enjoy! (Thanks Aaron)

Maneater reviews 4:13 Dream

Maneater likes it, too. Go Cure! But UTS "dreary"? Wtf?

A call for 4:13 Dream reviews

If you've listened to the album, and want to write up a review, I'd love to collect them and post them all on the 4:13 Dream reviews page. You can e-mail them, or just post in this thread and I'll copy them. Thanks!
And if you see any reviews online, or in magazines & newspapers, please send them in. Thanks again!

4:13 Dream listening party in Chicago

4:13 Dream @ Atomic New Wave Dance Party
Thursday October 23, 2008
10pm - 4am
Neo
2350 N. Clark
Chicago, IL, 60614
listen to the new album at 10:15pm!!!!
(Thanks Kamar)

JLH cover on True Blood

"There was a cover of Just Like Heaven last night on HBO's show True Blood during the opening scene that I have never heard before and the credits didn't mention soundtrack info. Female voice sounded like Natalie Merchant. If you could find out who did the cover I would really appreciate it. It was episode 7 of True Blood entitled "Burning House of Love"." (Thanks Allan)

Update: That would be The Watson Twins. (Thanks Roboterkampf)

Ask Robert update

From the official site:
UPDATE: We have received 10,000 questions (Thank you!) and have reached the breaking point. The "Ask Robert" email is now closed. Stay tuned for Robert's answers.

I think it might take a few days to go through all of those questions. : )

COS talks Rome, 4:13 Dream

Consequence of Sound has an article about the show in Rome, and likes what they've heard of 4:13 Dream. (Thanks Alfio)

Robert talks about ISC

From All About Jazz:
ISC judge Robert Smith, lead singer of The Cure, talks about his participation in the competition. “Judging the competition, I was astounded at the quality and range of abilities on show - the originality, honesty, and depth of so many of the words, the charm, vivacity, and catchiness of the tunes, and the often staggering energy, skill, and intensity of the performances - the talent left me at times breathless! Judging ISC was a real pleasure." (Thanks Kate)

Roger and Erin live in London

Here's a video of Roger and Erin performing Treasure at last night's show at the Hayward Gallery.
(Thanks Help Stamp Out Loneliness)

4:13 Dream CD photos

I've added some photos of the 4:13 Dream cd.

Charts Update

Hypnagogic States
France Top 100 - down to #57 from #55 (5th week)
Spain Top 20 - stays at #2 (5th week)
Europe Top 100 - down to #90 from #71

(Thanks Pietro)

Win the 4Singles and Hypnagogic ep

"Universal France and www.apinkdream.org are organizing a contest to win the 4 singles and the EP "Hypnagogic states". Sorry it's in french but you could find someone to translate."

(Thanks T.)

4:13 Dream is...wow!

I've moved my thoughts on 4:13 Dream to the reviews page.

Hungry Ghost on imeem

Listen to The Hungry Ghost on imeem.

Official 4:13 Dream lyrics

I've updated the 4:13 Dream lyrics page with the official lyrics from the cd booklet. Added the credits, too.

More photos from Rome

Added more photos from the show, and the soundcheck, in Rome.

And Christina P., you might want to check out this new shot from the Houston show. : )

Ask Robert

From the official site:

Ask Robert
10/17/2008 12:00:00 AM - by Geffen
ROBERT IS ABOUT TO DO AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FOR www.thecure.com AND HE NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...ANY QUESTIONS? PLEASE SEND THEM HERE ASAP askrobert@interscope.com

Rolling Stone reviews 4:13 Dream

Rolling Stone gives 4:13 Dream 3 & 1/2 out of 5 stars.
(Thanks FMJews)

Billboard examines 4:13 Dream

Billboard has a track-by-track examination of 4:13 Dream.

4:13 Dream Lyrics

Okay, you asked for it, and here's our best effort. The unofficial lyrics for 4:13 Dream. Plenty of mistakes, I'm sure, and plenty of holes still to fill in (especially on It's Over), but it's a very good start, I think. Hope it helps you, as you rock out to the new songs. And as always, a million thanks to V for working with me on this.

Update: The lyrics have been updated with the album versions now. : ) Still have to work on parts of THANWY, and It's Over (an impossible song!).

Vote for your Top 10 Cure songs

"On Saturday 1 November, I will be presenting 2 hours of The Cure, as chosen by listeners and Cure fans, on London(ish) radio station Phoenix FM. All the details are up here. It's one of a series of popular programmes/polls the station has run." (Thanks Paul)

After you vote, please post your Top 10 in the comments. Thanks!

Roger article and Mexican tour

Chart Attack has an article about Roger and his new album, 'Songs From the Silver Box'. And don't forget about Roger's show this Saturday night (Oct. 18th) at the Concrete Cafe, part of the Hayward Gallery in London.
Also, Roger will be touring in Mexico this November. The first show will be Nov. 22nd in Guadalajara. Check his website for more info on all of this.

Snow White lyrics in 4Tour book

We discussed this in the Rome show chat, but I keep forgetting to post it. Some of the lyrics for Real Snow White were printed in the 4Tour book, and we didn't even know it. : ) (Thanks to Rayanne for the reminder)

Trilogy on Blu-Ray!

Is Trilogy coming out on Blu-Ray? CDOn has it listed for release on Jan. 28th, 2009. I've contacted Eagle Rock to ask about it, so maybe we'll have an answer soon. Hope this isn't another retailer error. (Thanks to BillOddity for the tip)

Update: Well that was incredibly quick. Yes, Trilogy will be out on Blu-Ray in Jan. 09! Here's the official reply from Eagle Rock: "Yes it will be released in January of 09. Keep checking our website for more info as it becomes available."

Porl and the BR-9

"The instrument that Porl is playing in SIRENSONG is a GIBSON Electric LAP STEEL GUITAR BR-9 and the last one was manufactured in 1959... Porl's is missing the original knobs; He is using a stand similar to a Keyboard stand that is why maybe some folks in the crowd believed he was playing the Keyboard when in fact he was playing an Electric Lap Steel Guitar. A couple of links with more info about the BR-9: National Music Museum / Guitar Center" (Thanks Daniel)

HDNet update

"I asked HDnet if they were going to be putting the Cure concert on DVD also and got this: "HDNet does not have the rights to release this concert on DVD." (Thanks c0sm0kramer5b)

Rome MP3s and MP4s

Some higher quality MP3s from Rome have been posted.
On Megaupload: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3
On Rapidshare: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3
Source: DVDrip Mtv broadcast mp3@320. Originally posted at T.U.B.E. (Thanks Olivier)

And here are all of the MTV clips from YouTube as MP4 video files. Or get the individual files here. (Thanks AndytheCurefan)

Video is on Dime. (Thanks Greg)

30 Things About The Cure

NME has a photo article entitled 30 Things You Need To Know About The Cure.
(Thanks Ange, Steven, Monkeybutt, Matthew, and JC)

4:13 Dream UK & Mexico ads

The first ad for 4:13 Dream has shown up in the UK magazine, The Word. (Thanks JC)

And here's one in the Mexican magazine, Circulo Mix Up.
(Thanks Mad Bob)

Rome show

Setlist and show notes at COF.
Reviews: COF
Photos: COF / COF (Close Encounters) / TheCure.SK / Ale / Cherry Blossom G1rl / Andrea Ranalli

Videos:
MTV Italia on YouTube
Interview with Robert / Underneath The Stars / The Only One / The Reasons Why / Freakshow / Sirensong / The Real Snow White / The Hungry Ghost / Switch / The Perfect Boy / This. Here and Now. With You / Sleep When I'm Dead / The Scream / It's Over / Lullaby / Fascination Street / Wrong Number / The End of the World / The Walk / Lovesong / Friday I'm in Love / Inbetween Days / Just Like Heaven / Boys Don't Cry

The above clips as MP4 video files.
(Thanks AndytheCurefan)

Short clips
The Reasons Why / Freakshow / Switch

Audio:
MP3 (one mp3, all in one, 50mb, missing BDC)
MP3s (The above file split up into individual files.
Just 4:13 Dream. Thanks AndytheCurefan)
MP3s (The above file split up into individual files.
Just the encore. Thanks Mr. Pink Eyes)

Rome soundcheck videos

The Walk
Fascination Street
Friday I'm In Love
(Thanks Philippe)

Best of The Cure on Virgin 17

"On Virgin 17, Saturday evening and Sunday, there is a special Best of The Cure. This may be of interest to my fellow French and Europeans. I put the translation of the text in English .....

Four years after his last opus, The Cure is back in the bins with a thirteenth studio album called "4:13 Deam" whose output is expected for October 28. The opportunity for Olia and Jean-Louis to review the career of the new wave group through their best-known titles, "Boys Don't Cry," "Close to Me," "Just Like Heaven" or "High ". Robert Cure is the only remaining member of the original group." (Thanks Carole)

4:13 Dream promo items

Photos of a German promo poster and some buttons, have been added to the 4:13 Dream Promo Items gallery. (Thanks Wilco)

Rome soundcheck

The Cure have made it safely to Rome, and are doing a soundcheck. They have played Fascination St., The Walk, Friday I'm In Love, Lullaby, Wrong Number, and all of 4:13 Dream! Robert didn't sing with all of his potential, was saving his voice for tomorrow. (Thanks to Toberr and Secrets @ A Pink Dream)

All Kinds Of Stuff

Just wanted to clear out some stuff from the inbox, before things get really busy around here.

Check out Luke/NINCure's tattoos.

Some Cure covers:
Pictures of You by Chaos Borne
A Forest by Malakoff
2Late by Tomihira
The Figurehead by STROSZeK
The Drowning Man by None
(Thanks Dave, Emma, Dennis, Mike, RV)

Um, a pole dance to Lullaby. Yep, seen it all now. : )
(Thanks Dan)

4:13 Dream release parties in Germany

OFFICIAL THE CURE RECORD RELEASE PARTY
10:15 SATURDAY NIGHT - 11TH OKTOBER 2008
Have a click here for further information.
(Thanks Wilco)

Release Party in Krefeld/Germany November 1st
For details see: www.myspace.com/paintitblackparty
(Thanks Aline)

The Return of Boris

Boris Williams plays on the new Shelleyan Orphan album, 'We Have Everything We Need', due out on Oct. 13th/14th. It's their first album in 17 years. Welcome back Boris!

Charlotte on HDNet update

According to the schedule at HDNet, the Charlotte show will only be an hour long. Pretty safe to assume we won't be seeing the Faith encore. Maybe we'll get it on DVD and Blu-Ray?

Bernard Lenoir show

Just a reminder that Bernard Lenoir is supposed to play another new song from 4:13 Dream on his show today. You can listen to the live stream here (just click on Direct or the speaker icon). His show runs from 10-11pm in France.

Update: Bernard says no new Cure tonight. TMU is mad that UTS was posted online, so they will not let him play another new song.

Update 2: "Thought I'd explain a few things about tonight's debacle. From the start Lenoir and his guest (who specialises in old stuff, hence the Dylan and such ) joked about the fact that they couldn't play any more new songs - from the way they said it, it sounded like Robert was pissed off with them, but I think it's probably more universal. Nothing serious anyway. Lenoir's friendship with Rob goes back to the time when he wrote the instrumetnal for what was to become "just like heaven" for him.

The good news is that they said that the album, although no Disintegration, was not a disappointment. They meant to play "the hungry ghost", which was a favourite of theirs. They described "UTS" as sumptuous.

Also, the guest, Hugo, writes reviews in a arty paper (telerama) that sells very well here in France, and Lenoir asked him if they planned on interviewing robert. He replied he'd be delighted but Robert has told them he doesn't want to do any interviews right now.

Shame about tonight. They did say they'd cheat again and play some more before the 27th."

(Thanks Sylvain)

4:13 Dream review

From the Phantom of the Friend of COF:

"First off, let me preface by saying that this is an album that I find to be best listened to as a cohesive piece of music…i.e. play the whole thing start to finish…don’t skip around cause you know certain songs or have heard things on youtube or the web…press start, dim the lights, crank it up (as the mix sounds great loud) and GO!...and don’t stop for like 54 minutes…it is well worth it…and the more you listen to it, the more it will immediately grow on you each time…then you can pick your favorites…and the coolest part to me is the total dichotomy of the peacefulness of UTS starting the album to the frantic last two songs…Robert picked a great running order…

-As far as the guys, Robert sounds the best he ever has…Vocals and lyrics are top notch, and presentation (i.e. effects) and where vocals balance in the mix is just perfect…Second, Simon is the driver of many, if not all, of these songs…This is nothing new to long time fans, but wows me every time…His bass is so beyond “normal” bass playing of supporting the drums and rhythm guitar…he plays so many lines and notes it really gets the song moving…He has it downtuned to D in a few of the songs so the bass is nice and thick/low…Third, Porl…Dear lord he is rocking out all over and the injection of his playing really defines a lot of this album (this is of course me guessing what he has played in terms of actual record parts)…But needless to say his style is appreciated…And last but not least, Jason fully completes the circle…great drumming on this one and the selections of rhythms work so right on each individual piece of music…This is a BAND…and they certainly sound like it…I am a 22 year Cure fan…So I grew up on the “early stuff”…and as much as I would say Disintegration is my fav cause of the time in my life it effected me, it is the NOW of this band that excites me…and I think will excite you as well…

Note that the singles are similar to what we all have already over the last few months added to our collections…for the causal listener you might not pick up on changes…but there are definitely different vocal effects, background noises and such going on in the songs…SWID to me is way more ambient on the album and i love this “mix”…I threw some notes in below as Craig has requested it and as a long time COF anonymous contributor, I don’t want to let you guys down!…still, I don’t want to give it all away as I still hate the internet for giving things up early (it steals the mystery out of most things these days); but I figure a few small thoughts from my mind wont hurt…so this is just a quick commentary on the songs…you will most likely hear via web or live or MTV or something the actual pieces of work this weekend from the Rome show…so enjoy…and look forward to this…and buy the music…don’t file share and all that crap…actually support a great band who made a great piece of work that I know we have all been waiting for…

Times approx
01 UNDERNEATH THE STARS (6:17)- I think most of us know this one already as a live favorite unless you have been living under a rock…album version is solid and doesn’t really stray from the live one…lots of 6 string bass, and beautiful guitar parts…lots of chimes too

02 THE ONLY ONE (3:57)- pretty close to single; just a bit of a different mix sonically

03 THE REASONS WHY (4:35)- Starts with a subtle guitar line and builds into a 6 string bass part (not like what we are used to in sound) and adds more guitars and bass as it grows…Great chorus to this song and Robert’s vocal effect is super cool…

04 FREAKSHOW (2:30)- see The Only One…

05 SIRENSONG (2:22)- think very layered slide guitar a la the Cocteau Twins with a great song and melody and subtle piano…Not a long song but a beautiful song…

06 THE REAL SNOW WHITE (4:43)- This is a rocker…I can hear a number of influences here…Hendrix, Beatles and bands of that era…”You got what I need”…

07 THE HUNGRY GHOST (4:29)- one of my favorites on the album…Builds with a guitar line that reminds me of the beginning of “It’s Not You” and then leads into a GREAT chorus with solid guitar sounds…”We’ll never satisfy the hungry ghost”…

08 SWITCH (3:44)- Super rocker…pure chaotic wah at beginning…love it…

09 THE PERFECT BOY (3:21)- see The Only One…This is a gorgeous song no matter who mixes it!...

10 THIS. HERE AND NOW. WITH YOU (4:05)- Excellent song the whole way through…one of my other favs on the album…Really driven by Simon’s bass and featuring some wild guitar/keyboard sounds with an underwater effect to them…Very magical song I think…If there was such a thing as a next single, I would pick this song…”I don’t remember getting here”…

11 SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD (3:51)- this mix feels more ambient than the single we all have…this is an incredible song…and I like the album version much better…the subtle background keys and lines really give this song color…

12 THE SCREAM (4:35)- ok these last 2 songs are the barnburners…this is where we end with some serious rock and if it was me playing at least one smashed guitar if this was live…This one starts slow…Middle Eastern feel a la “The Blood” although not acoustic…Something about this song makes me feel like it could have fit into the Top era…So the song builds up and then Robert let’s out this banshee scream of death…If you have headphones on or your stereo up you will actually get distortion which I think is perfectly fitting (for those who record, think needle well past the red line)!!!...Once the scream dies out it is time to kick the walls down and rock out…just builds into chaos and then dies out leading into…

13 IT’S OVER (4:16)- leading into this song which we all know and some saw live as Baby Rag Dog Book…this sounds incredible on the album…Starts with thumping Simon bass and Jason drums…and just kicks in and goes!...i thought it was cool live from what I saw (yes in person), but to hear it sonically recorded is great cause it matches the intensity of the live version and they captured the sound and feel…"

Thank you Phantom of Friend of COF for taking the time to review this for us!

Buy Porl's Corsair Bigsby guitar

Porl's signature Corsair Bigsby guitar will be available at Musician's Friend on Oct. 31st. (Thanks Sarab)

And Robert's UltraCure is still available, too.

UTS airs in France!

The album version of Underneath The Stars has just aired on the Bernard Lenoir show on France Inter radio! He says he will air more new songs on his show tomorrow (10-11pm in France). That will be 1-2pm pacific, 2-3pm mountain, 3-4pm central, 4-5pm eastern. Anyone up for a listening party?
(Thanks VincentD18 and wrongnumber)

Listen to it here (13:30 mark). Absolutely brilliant! Serious chills just listening to a mono version! Best Cure song in a decade...at least. (Thanks to Toberr@A Pink Dream)

Get the MP3 at TheCureRarities. (Thanks Ariel)

Listen to it on YouTube. (Thanks Eric) Too late, removed by TMU.

It's Over / Baby Rag Dog Book

I now have a 100% confirmation that 'It's Over' is the new title of 'Baby Rag Dog Book'. (Thanks Friend of COF)

Charts update

Hypnagogic States
Spain - down to #2 from #1 (3rd week; 2nd week was also at #1)
France - down to #44 from #39 (2nd week)
Europe - down to #71 from #68 (2nd week)
(Thanks Pietro)

4:13 Dream release dates

Nothing really new here, but with the Play.com confusion, thought it might be a good idea to post the release dates that are listed at the various branches of "The Mighty U":

Oct. 24th - Italy, Germany
Oct. 27th - Europe
Oct. 28th - North America
Nov. 5th - Japan

(Thanks to Junko, Matteo, Anonymous, and Friend of COF)

Mode announces Tour of the Universe

While we wait for more Cure info to come to light, Depeche Mode has announced their Tour of the Universe 2009.

German commercial for the tour.

The new album will be released on April 20th in Europe, and on April 21st in the US.

4:13 Dream delayed? No, it's not!

Play.com has updated their release date for 4:13 Dream, and now have it scheduled for Nov. 24th. Big mistake? Or another delay? I'm sure Robert will give us the answer soon. : ) (Thanks Chris)

Update: All of the other stores I checked, still have the Oct. 27th/28th release date.

Update 2: Everyone I've checked with says the album is still listed for late October.

Update 3: Play has changed their date back to Oct. 27th. Thanks for the needless worries, Play. : )

Cure live on MTV Italy

MTV COCA-COLA LIVE
SATURDAY
20.30 - 21.00 "WARM UP"
21.00 - 0.05 THE SHOW
in direct for MTV ITALY.
(Thanks Matteo)

Roger plays London on Oct. 18th

Roger and Erin will be playing in London on Oct. 18th. More info from Roger's website: "I am playing a show on the 18th of October at the Concrete Cafe which is part of the Hayward Gallery one of my favourite places in the world. Its part of the South Bank complex on the Thames in London. I have written a new piece of music for it and Erin is going to perform a special set before,
it should be an amazing evening and its free!"

Roger's new album, Songs From the Silver Box, is scheduled for release on Jan. 20th, 2009. For more info on all of Roger's projects, check out his newly redesigned website. Very nice!

Just Like Heaven tribute album streaming

You can listen to the new tribute album, Just Like Heaven, right here. (Thanks Josh)

The album is available for pre-ordering at American Laundromat Records.

Cure songs in Nick & Norah and Entourage

"Day-to-Day (a public radio program) today -3 October 08- interviewed the authors of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, a movie of which premiers today. The reporter noted how the authors sprinkled references to certain iconic bands in the book, mentioned our lads specifically and then cut to a snippet of "Pictures of You", some of which is on the movie soundtrack." (Thanks Berndt)

" "Lullaby" is featured in the episode entitled "Fire Sale" of HBO's Entourage. Certainly a nice change of pace with a show that normally uses rap and hip hop!" (Thanks Kate and Bernie)

Most ridiculous "review" ever?

"Here is a review of the new Cure album from a dodgy magazine in Berlin by a dodgy reviewer who hasn't even heard the album. Where do these people get off writing a review when all they listened to were the singles. AaaaaaaHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" Please direct complaints to editor@exberliner.com"
(Thanks Paul)

Primary Colors of The Cure

Rev. Heron has a new 2 part series called Primary Colors of The Cure, and Part 1 is up now.
Also, if you missed out on the Nightmare Before Cure-mas shirts, there are a few available again.

Update: And Part 2 is up now.

Cure vs. Robyn mash-up

The NME Daily Download featured The Cure vs. Robyn - Close To Konichiwa mash-up on 9/29. (Thanks Trent)

Disintegration for $3.99

Never got around to buying Disintegration? Get it now for $3.99. From Dealmac: "Today only, the Amazon MP3 Store offers downloads of The Cure's "Disintegration" for $3.99. That's the lowest price we could find for this 12-track, DRM-free album, released in 1989. (iTunes charges $9.99.) Amazon MP3 Downloader is required." (Thanks Berndt)

Cure Rocks The Garden....again

Fuse will be be airing Fuse Rocks The Garden: The Cure on Oct. 11th at 11:30am eastern, and again on Oct. 13th at 3am eastern. Don't know if this will be the old version, or the new version that is currently airing on In Demand.

Covers of Underneath The Stars

"This is a Youtube link to a video of the Ecuadorian Tribute band “Catch” playing UTS last Saturday in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It’s not perfect (it was the first time they played it live) but I think it is inspiring to see the truly worldwide influence of The Cure’s music (even unreleased music!)." (Thanks Flavio)

And here's The Baby Screams covering UTS on Sept. 13th. (Thanks Vincure)

Cure live in Charlotte HDNet update

HDNet will premiere The Cure: 4Play in Charlotte 2008 on Oct. 26th at 8pm eastern. (Thanks Mike)

NME mentions 4:13 Dream

From NME: "Four years on from their last, self-titled album, The Cure will release ‘4:13 Dream’ on October 27 – produced by vocalist Robert Smith and Keith Uddin. 33 songs were recorded for what was initially meant to be a double album. Smith explained: "The album will mostly comprise the upbeat songs we recorded, while the darker songs may be released on another album."

Don't worry too much about that "may be released" bit. NME is just using an old quote from earlier this year. (Thanks Steven)