The Cure Album: “Cut Here”

Released during a period of general Cure inactivity, the band's new "Greatest hits" box set and its accompanying DVD release offer another lead-off single which is also available separately as a CD-single. One still has to admire the fact that the group's European record label is attempting to cash in on the band with the aforementioned double-disc set, since the Cure's last European smash hit, "Friday I'm in love", was released ten years ago, and their last album, "Bloodflowers", didn't features any singles. Besides, there are already two hit compilations in existence ("Staring at the sea", featuring cuts from the band's early day, and "Galore", which contains singles from the Cure's latter-day albums), so some people who already own much of the band's backcatalog will want to check out this CD-single instead of the greatest hits package. Considering that The Cure have always been something like a split personality - with sunny pop singles in the charts and long, nightmarish album tracks - it's no surprise that "Cut here" leans towards the insanely catchy and radio-friendly side of the band's sound. Musically, the song is quite similar to New Order's comeback album "Get ready", featuring lead-guitarish bass lines, quasi-electronica rhythms, and dynamic production. Robert's voice is a bit more upfront and powerful here than on many other Cure singles, while the shimmering keyboard melody adds further color and playfulness. Unfortunately, the b-side tracks are handled with less confidence and simply do not stand up to many of the Cure's past efforts: "Signal to noise" begins with processed guitar noise deep buried in the mix and soon changes the picture with fragile acoustic guitars, a steady rock beat, and some "Wish"-style vocals by Robert. About 45 seconds in, a really fine guitar melody appears before the song becomes more and more noisy and never reaches the heights of the tune's first minute again. The 6-minute 'missing remix' of "Cut here" is less catchy than the single remix, swapping the pleasant rock groove for a somewhat awkward and formulaic drum 'n' bass pattern. However, if its aim is to be multi-dimensional, then this remix succeeds with a pretty impressive variety of sounds and some sonic trickery, raging from atmospheric ambient-guitar passages to rhythmically busy refrains. Finally, we have the well-executed and entertaining multimedia section. Here you can listen to four audio bits ("Lovecats", "Close to me", "Why can't I...", "Friday...") from the "Greatest hits" disc, take a look at the album's track list, and view the lyrics of "Cut here". The enclosed video clip of "Cut here" is a rather simple affair, with the camera eye moving from one band member to other and lacking the visual humor often present in the band's video output. As an introduction to the Cure's "Greatest hits" set this release might be worth getting, but considering that fact that you can buy a copy of the double-disc set or the DVD for just a few bucks more you'll certainly understand why this CD-single comes recommended for Cure completists only.

This is a great Cure CD single. "Cut Here" is a great song about lost love. "Signal to Noise" is a super b-side that has a light rock/pop sound, is very catchy, and is definitely a gem! The third track is "Cut Here (Missing remix)," which is a little longer and sadder than the other mix. The video of "Cut Here" is also on this disc.

I'm a hardcore Cure fan. I own most, if not all, official releases and a few professional boots. I was disappointed in the bonus disc that came with the latest Greatest Hits album, but getting this import CD single has made me happy again.

The 2nd remix of Cut Here is, in my opinion, better than the album release. Moreover, Signal to Noise is a more pleasant, Robert-esque song than Cut Here, which makes me wonder why it wasn't on the full release rather than Just Say Yes (which was fine, but nothing special).

I liked being able to watch the Cut Here video on my computer, although I've never been a big fan of videos to begin with. The lyric page and album snippits, however, did not work properly on any computers I have access to, thus the 4 stars. Since I bought the disc to check out Signal to Noise this didn't particularly vex me, but it might someone else.

"Cut Here" led off The Cure's Greatest Hits album. The first track on this single is the album version, which is a song about regret, and wishing you had tried to spend more time with someone before they leave your life. The second track, "Signal To Noise," is an exclusive B-side. The arrangement to this song is very simple, and is reminiscent of "Cut Here." In the song, the speaker wonders if the person they are talking to truly knows them or if they ever did; the lyrics have an underlying tone of doubt. The song opens and closes with "staticy" sound and feedback, which contrasts with the otherwise simple arrangement. The last track is "Cut Here [Missing Remix]," which features an acapella intro, some whispered lines, echoes on the vocals, and a slower and more laid back arrangement. The mix itself isn't bad, but the last two minutes of the mix are redundant; the mix would have been stronger if it had been a little shorter.

This single is an enhanced disc, and includes the video (directed by Richard Anthony) in both full screen and small screen. The video is rather simple, and is also available on the Greatest Hits DVD. There is also an album link, which takes you to a section advertising the Greatest Hits album; it includes four 30 second clips from the two discs of the limited edition version: "The Lovecats," "Pictures of You," "Why Can't I Be You? [Acoustic]," and "Friday I'm In Love [Acoustic]." Lyrics to "Cut Here" are also available (the lyrics appear on the screen as the song plays, and each line is highlighted as it is sung).

This single should be added to a Cure fan's collection for the B-side and the remix.

This is (again) a good single, but (as normal) it didn't charge in my country!!! I specially like the classic approach which made The Cure so special in the first place. I also like the b-side Signal to noise, it's much better that Just say yes that appeared on the G.H.-album, but ok...