The Cure “Lovesong”

The Cure “Lovesong” 1989. 12″ single. Today, April 21st, is Robert Smith’s 62nd birthday (b. 1959) so I’m spinning The Cure’s most successful U.S. single. “Lovesong” made it to #2 on the US charts (#18 UK), their only Billboard Top 10. “Lovesong” was the third single from 1989′s Disintegration and it’s a straight-up love song lyrically, though beautifully and melodically dark musically. The 12″ single has two versions: “Love Song (remix)” which is basically indistinguishable from the album version, and “Love Song (extended remix)” which is extended, obviously, and has some extra effects but nothing too crazy or different from the original (and “love song” is written on the back as two words and as one word on the cover – there doesn’t seem to be much agreement within The Cure itself as to which is correct). Side B has two non-album songs. “2 Late” is fairly sunny – the pop side of The Cure, a bit tinkly and jangly with a rather lovely, soaring and simple melody. “Fear of Ghosts” is more darkly goth Cure: exotic, epic and lush.