Monday, December 28, 2009

Disintegration Memories

As promised, Roger has posted his memories of the Disintegration era, and as a special bonus, he has also included his demo of The Other Side/Fear of Ghosts. Thank you so much, Roger!
Posted by Craig at 1:53 AM

72 comments:

  1. LindseyDecember 28, 2009 at 2:10 AM

    yes, i am reading now (why am i awake?)

    very pleasant and enjoyable so far! disintegration means so so so much to me, and this is just so wonderful to read.

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  2. AnonymousDecember 28, 2009 at 2:19 AM

    like craig said. thank you so much roger! a real treat.

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  3. sixcentralDecember 28, 2009 at 2:36 AM

    Yes thank you Roger, shame the youtube link doesnt work, it says set to private! I always liked FOG...a great song, didnt know it was his.

    Even with the acrimony Roger has the grace to give compliments and speak warmly...a true gentleman

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  4. CraigDecember 28, 2009 at 2:42 AM

    I just posted the correct link to the Lullaby performance on Top of the Pops.

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  5. sixcentralDecember 28, 2009 at 3:04 AM

    thanks craig...i wish it was longer, i have read it slowly tonight to preserve the experience, for me this album is so rich with memories....so it is wonderful to have this piece, I would love to know more and I hope as Roger mentions there may be additions over time!

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  6. sixcentralDecember 28, 2009 at 3:10 AM

    that video is cool, Robert looks great, stupid bloody BBC

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  7. Rev. HeronDecember 28, 2009 at 3:45 AM

    Beautiful memories, thanks for sharing them!

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  8. perfect.murderDecember 28, 2009 at 5:03 AM

    yes, indeed thanks Roger!

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  9. lovecat44December 28, 2009 at 6:45 AM

    Thanks very much Roger for the memories. Have read it, great! Very interesting photos, and thanks for answering the questions!

    Is it just me or the Fear Of Ghosts demo doesn't work?

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  10. lovecat44December 28, 2009 at 6:48 AM

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  11. lovecat44December 28, 2009 at 6:50 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. lovecat44December 28, 2009 at 7:02 AM

    oh, and "Fog", that's a wonderful title!

    I have been painting a picture in my mind, of Fear Of ghosts song.. it creates some strange image..

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  13. KateDecember 28, 2009 at 7:21 AM

    Thank you, thank you!

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  14. William SoragnaDecember 28, 2009 at 7:46 AM

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  15. William SoragnaDecember 28, 2009 at 7:48 AM

    Thank you Craig, and BIG THANKS to you Roger, I had a nice time reading these memories. now we are all curious for this unheard song Delirious Night...
    Thanks also for sharing personal pictures, and really gave a whole thing a special interest.

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  16. Danny KDecember 28, 2009 at 8:09 AM

    'Do not copy or link to this page unless I have given you permission.'

    Sorry, you can't stop people from linking Roger!

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  17. AndrewV127December 28, 2009 at 8:27 AM

    A completely different version of events than I had imagined in my head.

    I don't know if Roger reads these comments but if he does; A BIG THANK YOU for these memories and do please consider doing a Prayer Tour piece too.

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  18. MarcDecember 28, 2009 at 9:16 AM

    Ironicly, I lived in Reading at the time the band were recording there (and shopping!) and live in Toronto now. Moved here in 1988.


    Thanks for the memories Roger!

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  19. LindseyDecember 28, 2009 at 10:10 AM

    i read it all last night (this morning?), but by the time i was done i was too tired to come here and comment again, and i went to sleep.

    anyway, i'd just like to say i'm really happy that roger posted that, and i hope that he realizes how thankful we all are. that was definitely different than i expected, and in a good way. i really enjoyed reading his memories from making the album, and it was also interested to hear his opinions on issues such as working with robert, relationships between band members, etc.

    disintegration is such a beautiful, beautiful album, and i'm so happy to finally have something done to commemorate it as it reaches its 21st year.

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  20. LindseyDecember 28, 2009 at 10:17 AM

    also - would like to mention that although this is anything but an affirmative answer, it still was enough to surprise me a little.

    "Round Three ?

    Musically yes, emotionally I'm really not sure. Life does have a very strange habit of repeating itself though doesn't it?"

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  21. LindseyDecember 28, 2009 at 10:34 AM

    has anyone else had trouble with the home demo of the other side/fear of ghosts? i didn't even see it was there, i think it's my browser (firefox, mac). i just read it was mentioned on the slicingeyeballs thing. i've tried safari now and it says "waiting for video"? and on chrome it's not showing up at all. is this the audio of the demo??

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  22. Mad Bob RJSDecember 28, 2009 at 11:03 AM

    Wow, great memories and amazing writing and pics.

    Can´t wait to get home after job (8 hrs left :( to read it carefully and listen the demo.

    Is there a way to have the mp3 of it ?

    Thanks Roger & Craig

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  23. CraigDecember 28, 2009 at 11:23 AM

    Lindsey: Yes, the demo should appear right under the two photos of Roger's home studio. Make sure you have the latest Quicktime plug-in.

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  24. LindseyDecember 28, 2009 at 11:51 AM

    thank you, craig. i reinstalled quicktime and now it is working. perhaps my version of quicktime was slightly outdated.

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  25. AnonymousDecember 28, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    Very generous. Love the old pics and the feeling that you were there. Makes me a little sad too for some reason. Can't wait for the remaster. Thanks Roger ;o)

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  26. 7bluestarsDecember 28, 2009 at 12:44 PM

    Thanks to wonderful and classy and brilliant Roger for sharing his memories, and to Craig for helping out and for posting a link.

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  27. 7bluestarsDecember 28, 2009 at 12:59 PM

    P.S. I didn't agree with all of Roger's opinions, but I still respect him immensely. I hope that all who take exception to his words will at least disagree in a civil fashion. Right, Neil?

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  28. RobDecember 28, 2009 at 5:49 PM

    Enjoyed this, was glad to see pleasant memories from Roger. IT seems a shame that people that were capable of such great things, and such good memories aren't able to continue to work together and get along. Hopefully he will get on good terms with Robert and the rest of the band again.

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  29. CraigDecember 28, 2009 at 5:58 PM

    Maybe he already is. : )

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  30. LindseyDecember 28, 2009 at 6:17 PM

    i hope so :)

    that's wonderful

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  31. UnknownDecember 28, 2009 at 6:54 PM

    Thanks to Roger, we will be translating the memories page into Polish ;)
    Also, please check news at www.thecure.pl as we will welcome New Year with another exclusive - Multicam video consisting of Katowice, Berlin, Vienna and Prague material :) you can check the snippet as usual ;)

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  32. sofiaDecember 28, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    "Maybe he already is. : )"


    wait...what?

    thank you so much, roger, for letting us in on the making of disintegration. it was so wonderful to read- i couldn't stop reading eventhough i was late for work!

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  33. Mr. MandelbrotDecember 28, 2009 at 7:53 PM

    An amazing reading, pretty much how I expected it to be, very real and not portraying it (the band and/or the album) like an "entity" or something unusual. It was just a record, that ended up being a masterpiece (although still not my favourite).
    Interesting to notice how the album was not titled or inspired by any kind of disintegration so to speak, but caused some... the band was never the same after it.

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  34. sixcentralDecember 28, 2009 at 9:01 PM

    Craig...what do you know about their relationship....are they friendly again????

    I hope so, that would be nice, life is ot short to be bitter

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  35. christl d.December 28, 2009 at 10:34 PM

    thank you so much to roger for giving this to the fans, priceless really.

    i'm sure many of us have already re-read it, going slower the second time, and going back for certain parts..
    i had all sorts of emotions reading it and afterwards, thanks again for sharing something so important to the fans.

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  36. beachyDecember 28, 2009 at 11:23 PM

    many thanks Roger! Disintegration is the album that brought me into the music of the cure and it's nice to read the "real life" side of its creation.

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  37. EpiDecember 29, 2009 at 12:53 AM

    It was a pleasure to read Rogers disintegration memories.

    I thought "Lovesong" was Roberts weddings gift to mary but it cant be since it was written by simon.

    interesting sidenote about the producer of the self-titled album.

    i wonder how they managed to make "wish" when the prayer tour was so bad.

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  38. Brent (Bomber1978)December 29, 2009 at 1:03 AM

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  39. Brent (Bomber1978)December 29, 2009 at 1:08 AM

    epis - Simon did not write the Loveong lyrics, they are Robert's words.

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  40. TwilightKlaasDecember 29, 2009 at 1:42 AM

    Thank you Roger, Craig, and COF fans for the questions!

    What a wonderful insightful, visual, auditory experience! I was getting tired of waiting for the Twenty more Imaginary Years book. This helped fill the void for me. They are just such a fun and interesting band to read about. Reminded me of plowing through 10 Imaginary years so many years ago.

    I'm really looking forward to hearing Disintegration again for the first time next year!

    Hard to believe it was 20 years ago this wonderful album was released, musta lost 10 years somewhere :/.

    I liked 4:13 Dream, but I do like the band much more with more Keys, synths and strings, especially live!

    Wouldn't it be wonderful with Robert, Simon, Porl, and Roger again. I miss Boris too, although Jason is great.

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  41. 7bluestarsDecember 29, 2009 at 8:32 AM

    "Maybe he already is. : )"

    Craig, this seems miraculous. If they are indeed on good terms, that would be glorious. Whether they make beautiful music together again is beside the point; to know that there is warmth between them would gladden this old heart. Thanks so much for the juicy tidbit.

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  42. LindseyDecember 29, 2009 at 11:42 AM

    - seems miraculous to me as well

    i'm still getting over how happy that comment made me :)

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  43. jeffDecember 29, 2009 at 12:09 PM

    alright, craig, spill the beans! :p

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  44. CraigDecember 29, 2009 at 12:37 PM

    Just that things between RS and ROD are better now than they have been in the last few years, and that is so nice to hear.

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  45. sofiaDecember 29, 2009 at 12:50 PM

    :D it is! surprising and nice!

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  46. furreverDecember 29, 2009 at 2:17 PM

    This was so fun to read. Thanks Roger for taking the time to write this and to Craig for posting and nurturing the relationship with Roger.

    It makes me happy to think that Roger could again be a part of the Cure. Let's bring Roger back for the Dark Album!!! You can't have a dark album without keys, right?

    Very interesting to hear who wrote which songs. I never knew any of this before. I was also surprised to hear that Roger's contributions were so small, though I suppose it makes sense considering the personalities of the band members. Also interesting to hear that Porl and Simon did not want Perry in the band. I wonder why. Money?

    Sorry Roger, I quite like the rain and thunder effects in Prayers for Rain! But I do agree with you that Dave Allen's influence has been hugely missed since his departure as producer. Creative forces as strong as Robert's need tempering at time. I fear that Robert has hurt himself by ejecting anyone who isn't a "yes man" from the band and its management.

    Dave Allen producing the Dark Album... now that would get me more excited than I can say.

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  47. ashtraygirlDecember 29, 2009 at 3:01 PM

    great read!!! thanks to Craig and especially Roger.

    I had no idea that the inter-band relationships were so strained during the Prayer tour. I can only imagine how hellish it was making the POY video!

    I really respect Roger for putting aside any animosity that may still exist and treating all of us fans to a little glimpse into the making of such an epic album.

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  48. aaronjlawDecember 29, 2009 at 3:02 PM

    Craig your little post has made me smile. ;)

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  49. sixcentralDecember 29, 2009 at 3:56 PM

    That is greta news, even if it is just civil, thats nice to hear!

    It is interesting what Roger said about Ross Robinson and how he thought the band needed to be a certain way, ridiculous really, but then I guess being a huge fan made it difficult for him to be impartial....still I think on balance the experiment was worth it as there are some really good songs on the self titled album, some less than stellar ones as well!

    A third go round would be brilliant, but then so would the dark album etc....ha ha

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  50. Brent (Bomber1978)December 29, 2009 at 4:25 PM

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  51. AndrewV127December 29, 2009 at 6:38 PM

    Roger said it was Porl and Boris that didn't want Perry to join, not Simon. Just thought I'll clear that up :D.

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  52. Brent (Bomber1978)December 29, 2009 at 7:16 PM

    AndrewV127, you're right, when I first read furrever's comment I almost checked Roger's page because I was sure he had said Boris.

    furrever, I don't think Porl and Boris not wanting Perry to join as addidional keyboardist was because of anything personal against him, I'm sure it was more to do with the fact that Perry wasn't really a keyboard player.

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  53. aaDecember 29, 2009 at 8:18 PM

    I was really glad to read these recollections, especially from a time which I personally consider the band's creative peak. The insights into the creative processes, as well as the band's recreational activities are real treat, because for a long time the Cure always had this mystique about them, and what they really were like, and this was way before the days of twitter, or blogs, so we didn't have the constant access to our favorite bands back then like we do now.

    The way Roger also details the relationships of the band, and more specifically, Robert with Dave Allen, "Bill" Parry, and Tim Pope kind of imply something that a lot of us longtime fans have assumed what may have attributed to the creative decline in the past couple of albums. Dave Allen was a fantastic producer and his contributions are sorely missed, and "Bill" seemed like he tried his best to get the band the right kind of exposure, so that they didn't become a obscure 80's band, and we all know how vital Tim Pope's videos to the singles.

    *sigh* I know I'm going on, but reading this made me really long for the Cure of back then. I'm very passive on the current line up, and the piece Roger wrote, made we wish Boris was back even more. (Sorry, Jason. Boris still is the definitive Cure drummer.)

    All in all, I'm actually looking forward to see what comes in 2010 from both Roger and Robert.

    aa

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  54. perfect.murderDecember 29, 2009 at 10:36 PM

    Let's hope Dave Allen's presence next to Robert in Brixton for their NME Godlike Genius Award earlier this year is a sign of his involvment with the band again..

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  55. Mr. MandelbrotDecember 30, 2009 at 12:28 AM

    Robert despite all his talent is a person that seems to need someone that can sort of guide him in the other aspects he isn't very "efficient" (this is different than having someone controlling him and what he does and thinks or says or plays!).
    Since Parry left, he was evidently lost. This needing is probably why good producers (and not adventurers like RR) and Chris Parry as a band/career manager were so important, Robert used to focus just in doing what he does best and let others make the ship going without sinking, but now he must take decisions that sometimes aren't the best and shouldn't be his business - for himself and the band. I can bet these odd decisions are taken because he sometimes is forced by other (greedy) people to do these things (polite people say it's due to "circumstances"), and without people like Parry that knows how things work much better than Robert behind the curtains, from a different point of view - not musically but in terms of "music industry", he keeps doing these odd choices. Like getting rid of keyboards...

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  56. sixcentralDecember 30, 2009 at 1:53 AM

    It was Roberts choice to ditch the keyboards and no one elses, he made this clear when I interviewed him, he made a comment about why would you have a keyboard its like someone standing by a counter making sandwiches...odd comment, he would probably take it back now I am sure. He simply chose to scale back there sound to be more raw, which is fair enough I guess, but bring back the frigging keys now! you made your point!

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  57. lovecat44December 30, 2009 at 3:55 AM

    after $%^-th re-reading of Roger memories i want to say it's something fantastic to read. thank a lot. this is great.

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  58. RobDecember 30, 2009 at 9:30 AM

    It's great to hear that Robert and Roger "are better now than they have been in the last few years"
    The one thing I do question is when people say Disintegration was their peak. I don't think they're any less creative now then they were back in the mid to late 80's. If 4:13 Dream or Bloodflowers were released back in 89 it would have been considered a masterpiece. I think Disintegration was released at a time that was perfect for that kind of album. Unfortunately if it was released now it probably would barely gain notice. The "Cure sound" has pretty much stayed about the same with little variances, so maybe that's not being creative thankfully the "Cure sound" is what I really enjoy listening to.
    Also on that subject something I found really interesting in Roger's Memories was when he said that the music could be anything but when Robert's voice is added it becomes "The Cure"
    and is Paul, Porl?

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  59. CraigDecember 30, 2009 at 11:26 AM

    Rob: Yes, Paul is Porl/Paul Thompson. Also now known as Poz or Pozzle. : )

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  60. SDecember 30, 2009 at 1:16 PM

    Well, I think not wanting Teddy in the band comes down to the fact that he's not a very skilled musician. You'll note that Porl/Boris are arguably the most skilled at their craft, so it's not outlandish to see their point of view. Look at the way Robert had to change his playing once he was left with Teddy as a guitarist. That's not to say that Teddy isn't an asset in his own right. There's a reason the Sisters of Mercy tried to pry him away back at the turn of the century. However, his skillset is markedly different as a player than some of the others in the band.

    As for needing guidance: I think that's what Robert was reaching for (in some aspects) with the Ross collaboration. The result wasn't what anyone had expected. So naturally, the reaction is to move in an opposite direction.

    4:13 is the best the band has sounded in years. I'd argue it's their masterpiece, musically. The way they play together shows a maturity that most other bands of their age take for granted. I'm sure most of this comes from a "reunion" high of sorts. But from a guitar standpoint, the way Robert and Porl play together on this album blows away anything the band has attempted previously.

    The album's commercial failure is more to do with the current culture of music than anything else. Recorded music is little more than a loss leader in this age. (Unless of course you license the Hungry Ghost to an advert for digestives.)

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  61. 7bluestarsDecember 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM

    Thought-provoking insights from smart, informed people...

    How enjoyable it is to come to this wonderful bit of blogspace.

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  62. cure1000December 30, 2009 at 5:01 PM

    s: i must say i am kind of impressed when you state that you think 4:13 dream stands as a peak in the band's history. i'm impressed because it shows such a heart felt love for the band THE CURE. i love the band myself, but i just can't overlook the fact that there hasn't been released a really really good album since wish in 92. i loved bloodflowers when it came out, but "the cure" and "4:13" both lack the real creative inspiration that you can't really describe, but still is evident. there is a certaint it-factor that seems to have gone missing the past 10 years. that being said, i respect and admire your opinion. i just know that this band has something far better in it than these past 2 albums have shown. hopefully it is still there somewhere.

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  63. explodingboyDecember 30, 2009 at 10:53 PM

    I find it difficult to accept that anyone should make statements about the input, talent or importance of certain people unless they've been on the inside. 

    One's own preference towards paticular albums / periods is exactly that - personal preference.

    I understand the need to reinvent / reformulate to keep things fresh. The previous line-up existed for 10 years, unheard of in cure history.

    Personally, I can appreciate each phase of the cure. Everyone and everything has a place. I like some stuff better than others. 

    I hope some ex-cures get a chance to head back through the revolving door, but only if the time and reason is right.

    I like 4:13, I don't see how anyone can say this album is not the cure at their creative best... (personal opinion, of course)

    I like the current guitar-based, no keyboards version of the cure a lot (again, personal opinion). But I also like the cure with keyboards... 

    I can see some flaws in the way the machine called 'the cure' operates. But only when I compare them to the only similar 'machine', Depeche Mode. Their label / people clearly care about the band and make an effort to promote them. I hope The Cure sign with a label like Mute.

    One of the cure's assets in the past was mystique, an outsider's fairy-tale view of what the cure was. But the Internet age has changed that, people want reality, even if it's mundane (which I suspect is why RSX keeps so quiet- he seems to have always been protective of the line between personal and professional. And when he does speak he seems to get his head bitten off anyway).

    Roger- I think your disintegration memories is fantastic. Thank you.        

     

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  64. SDecember 30, 2009 at 11:28 PM

    Mute is no longer Mute. They are, (for all intents and purposes) now EMI.

    Dealing with EMI would only lead to further despair.

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  65. SyrinxDecember 31, 2009 at 3:29 PM

    This was a great read! All thanks to Roger for sharing! It's nice to step back into that time of The Cure and the brilliance of Disintegration and maybe hoping for one moment than we all could have been there firsthand! Dare I hope that it might be possible that keyboards might return to the mix?
    Happy 2010 everbody!!!!!!

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  66. RobJanuary 1, 2010 at 8:54 AM

    yeah Craig, I think Poz/Pozzle will definitely stick!

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  67. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2010 at 3:34 AM

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  68. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2010 at 4:10 AM

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  69. AndrewV127January 5, 2010 at 2:16 AM

    I think people maybe reading into the whole "round three" thing a tad much. Relationships have improved but as far as we know that could have just been a nicely written Christmas Card.

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  71. UnknownJanuary 6, 2010 at 9:47 PM

    s and explodingboy...I'm with you guys. I think 4:13 is awesome. The only song I don't absolutely love is Freakshow. I think 4:13 is the most original "cure" record since Wish. If it was recorded by any other "modern" band, it would've been received with open arms by the music industry and critics.
    It amazes me how they don't lose their creativity/cutting edge. Most bands fall into the pit of same old, same old is good enough. Not The Cure, it's always changing and evolving...sometimes its a little forced and it doesn't work, see The Cure The Cure. But 4:13 is great. Come on, Underneath the Stars? Switch? The lyrics on The Reasons Why? I love it!!!

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  72. ToddJanuary 12, 2010 at 9:07 PM

    Great, great memories, Roger. Enjoyed reading that thoroughly.

    Glad to hear he and Robert are on much better terms.

    The comments about Ross explain the s/t album so much. The album sounds forced, and apparently, it was.

    I have to agree that clearly The Cure have lost something with the last two albums. Although 4:13 Dream is decent, but with The Cure I'm used to more than just "decent." Doesn't help that it's very poorly produced.

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